How to handle situations

Nurses General Nursing

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I am a new nurse and have been working at a correctional facility since the end of August. When I respond to an inmate complaining of something I get nervous on how to handle a situation. Well maybe not nervous but lack of confidence. All the nurses say dont let them pull one over you and I try to keep that in mind when I visit the cells.

Like lastnight I had a female saying she was bleeding to death (lady partslly) I did all her VS all WNL, good skin tugor, cap refill

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

Did you do a neuro assessment? I know she was obviously awake and alert but a little more wouldn't hurt.

It sounds as if you did an appropriate assessment of the bleeding. Having her checked in the clinic was also a good idea.

What I doubt was the part about flushing the pads- I don't know that she could have done that without clogging the toilet, but then I'm not familiar with the prison environment.

Confidence in yourself and a feel for when someone is trying to con you will come with time. Give yourself a chance, it takes a year minimum to start to feel as if you know what you're doing.

Good luck!

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Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.

Oh, and this is something a preceptor once told me: Crazy people get sick too. Not saying that the inmates are crazy, but it's a parallel.

Keep in mind that they may be trying to manipulate you, but their complaints need to be checked out regardless.

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Did you do a neuro assessment? I know she was obviously awake and alert but a little more wouldn't hurt.

It sounds as if you did an appropriate assessment of the bleeding. Having her checked in the clinic was also a good idea.

What I doubt was the part about flushing the pads- I don't know that she could have done that without clogging the toilet, but then I'm not familiar with the prison environment.

Confidence in yourself and a feel for when someone is trying to con you will come with time. Give yourself a chance, it takes a year minimum to start to feel as if you know what you're doing.

Good luck!

No I didnt do a nero check. :o I should have.

I didnt buy the whole flushing the pads down the toliet either and I asked the officers if she was able to do that and they said she shouldnt be.

Thanks for the response and advise!

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Oh, and this is something a preceptor once told me: Crazy people get sick too. Not saying that the inmates are crazy, but it's a parallel.

Keep in mind that they may be trying to manipulate you, but their complaints need to be checked out regardless.

You are absolutely right.

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