Placement issue

[Whisper]

Well I have an issue, not like you all never noticed that before, But as Gwenith commented in another thread that the UK is lagging behind the aussies, I decided to share this one! So really it is not my fault.

Currently on the ward where I am on placement there is a high security prisoner, d lock cuffs, chain and two or more guards at all times... Now this isn't my issue, I am fine with him, being there, However post op he spent two days in ICU and then pts ususaly spend a day or two In the wards HDU, but he had to be put staright backl into his cublicle, with half hourly then hourly obs...

My issue is that I was disgusted that me a student was the only person who would willingly go into his room and do his checks, the other staff woldn't go in unless I said there was a problem, or in twos or threes... The guy could barely sit up!

So then I got thinking, is it me with the problem. I sit there struggling to keep a staright face when people come back for repeat grafts x4 and they quit smoking when they come in the door, but this guy never smoked, and sure he is a prisoner but he is being punished, and he shouldn't have to suffer because of us, he's being punished by being jail!

Now not once have I been on this pts nursing team, but because the staff know, that I haven't fainted when ask to change his TEDS or check his SpO2, they ask me to do bits for them, and to be honest I don't mind, I am just wondering if their attitude is the safer or right one to have.

Whisper

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

personally I think the trained staff are in the wrong, no matter what he has done, he deserves the same treatment as everyone else. I have worked on wards with prisoners and all the staff treated him the same as we would others. The only difference would be the prison officers present, and this should reassure the staff not deter them

[Whisper]

See, I feel safer with pts that have officers guarding them, that some of the other pts!

Maybe I am just getting paranoid, I have my breakaway update next week and I am not looking forward to it.

[Karen30]

You are probably safer with patients who have guards with them than those who haven't. I've lost count of the times patients have took a swing at me or hurled verbal abuse out.

I agree that it would appear the trained staff are in the wrong. No matter what this prisoner has done they are still entitled to the services of the NHS.

If staff have a particular grievance over what this prisoner may or may not have done, in all fairness it is nothing to do with them UNLESS the safety of themselves or the patients they care for is determined.

Personally these days I think you probably get more abuse and attacks from patients who are not prisoners and their relatives.

I'm probably going to be bombarded with criticism now....LOL!!!

[suehp]

Good for you WHisper...

The other staff are acting unprofessionally without question - a patient is a patient no matter who they are or what they have done - who are they to judge... That patient is being punished for whatever he has done. It is up to us nurses to care for our patients not to punish. The fact the pt has guards should bring reassurance not fear...

These staff need a kick up the backside to say the least.

[kittya]

whisper, I too have worked on placements with patients who are currently residing at HMP. (filling in admission forms is a scream sometimes, 'do you have stairs?, need help with the bath?' :chuckle )

First thoughts, good for you to provide a decent standard of care to this person when those around you seem unwilling.

Did you raise this as an issue with the staff on the ward? They have no business judging a patient or altering care to suit their own prejudices. This type of action (or inaction) goes against everything we are taught and trained to do. We are there to provide the best possible care to patients in need, regardless of who that patient is, what they have done, what they may do in the future or what we think about them.

I think you should mind 'doing bits for him' if you're doing it because nobody else will (as opposed to those busy time when all hands on deck etc,). Your colleagues are being unprofessional and unethical and you are maybe letting them get away with it by doing their work for them.

(oh is that a bit strong?)

:zzzzz

[chrisrob]

Hey proud of you whisper;)

[Whisper]

I treated my self to a (small) tub of icecream after reading all your responces, I felt like I was making a a mistake not the staff, but hopefuly 'it wasn't me'.

[Eviene]

Well done for your example. Obviously the staff need some kind of forum to address their concerns. Perhaps you could suggest this to your mentor/ward manager?