Prisoner on a psych unit?

[JenniferFields]

I know of a 17 yo female patient who has been on a behavioral unit for over 90 days as she waits for an appropriate placement to accept her. She is bipolar with psychosis and is generally calm and cooperative with med compliancy.

However, she has not been off this unit for over 90 days. Not two other appropriate units in the facility, one which would allow her to be in an enclosed patio with security fencing to experience sunlight, a breeze, outside weather.

I am having concerns about the ethics of this. I have asked the director and assistant director of the program to allow her a one-to-one tech to talk a walk to another unit, and to be able to be outside for ten minutes and their response is that is wouldn't be 'safe."

They are both social workers.

I looked up the state code for prisoners and they are allowed outside for at least one hour of exercise a day, weather permitting.

The patient has gained so much weight, does not exercise and is now exhibiting agitation.

Any opinions on this topic would be greatly appreciated.

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

1) Jennifer, you should immediately change your posting name to something completely anonymous. You really, really, really do not want this being seen by someone you know, or who knows the patient or the situation or the facility, and you have no way to know whether this will happen or not.

That's my opinion and I'm sticking to it.

2) As to your patient problem, is this a) homework, b) a relative, or c) ... ? Do you work in this facility, and if so, in what capacity?

If a), we don't do your homework for you, so you should research it yourself and let us know where your misunderstandings or confusions are.

If b), we can't give medical or legal advice, so you should speak to your physician or an attorney.

If c), none of the above, you should strongly consider minding your own business.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Refer to the Ethics committee. That's why they exist.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Maybe you need to pin them down why this isn't safe. Is there an increased elopement risk if off the unit?

She is a minor with no other place to go at the moment...not the same as a prisoner, though it may feel that way to her.

Any other physical activities that she could do on the unit to get some exercise?