I currently have been working as an LPN at a long term locked residential psychiatric facility for five years. Recently we have seen an increase in what I believe is patient on patient abuse. I wanted to get some advice from the community here.
Frequently our "bully residents" are harassing verbally and and placing their hands on others that do not want to be touched. It is usually is just horse play but often one party expresses that they do not want to be touched. Our hands are tied because we are told we cannot implement and sort of consequences for any type of behavior. When the residents see that the are no consequences for their actions it quickly becomes a free for all. I understand we as staff will have to deal with this but it is my feeling that the patients should not have to worry about being touched or verbally harassed by other patients.
We are told by management that this behavior is baseline for the residents. We are also told that if they could follow direction and keep their hands to them selves they would not be here.
I know that the bullying and the harassing is effecting some of the patents who want to take their treatment seriously and try and get better. In fact we have had several patients decompensate from what I believe is the harassment going on.
As nurses are we not obligated to report what we believe is to be abuse or harassment? Any input would be greatly appreciated.