Being a Nurse for a Killer

jessiern, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2009

Nothing to that level, but our state's max sec. prision is in our city, so we see many of their "residents". Some are in with some pretty henious crimes, although we are not supposed to know what they are in prision for.

I think the worst was a patient involved in a high profile bombing (many years ago), and the someone in the prision system leaked to the press that he was admitted to our ICU. Some of those affected by his crime were calling making death threats to the nurses.

Basically, for me care has to provided in a very mechinical method. I preform the skills I was trained to, and I don't let my emotions play into it. Difficult to do at first, but you learn. I choose to comminicate mostly with the gaurds, as I feel "safer" that way-I like to have them as a buffer.

I'm not sure of the legalities of refusing the patient, but the way i see it, someone has to do it, and it wouldn't be fair for my co-workers if I were not willing to do my fair share. I was told during hiring from time to time we provided care for the prision, and I choose to accept the job, thus I choose to accept the patients with it.

diawc · Nov 7, 2009

I work in a psychiatric hospital, and we often have criminals who "hide out" here thinking they can avoid prosecution for a while. It is difficult to care for someone who has committed a heinous crime, yet it is an expectation. No the nurses here cannot refuse. While difficult, they are still human beings, and who knows what drove them to this desperate act? We try and look at them as human beings who need our help. After all, your "normal" patients have probably done things you would cringe at as well.

Jljkhorton · Nov 7, 2009

The newest NCLEX reviews (I'm about to graduate next semester) tell us that you can't refuse care to anybody. I don't know if that's a state regulation, or federal, but as far as I know, you need to look at that person (idiot) as any other patient. I don't know what I'll do if ever faced with your same situation, hopefully act like Jessie and just do what I've been trained to do...Sorry for your situation!

dannyc12 · Nov 7, 2009

My college roommate has been an RN in a prison for more than a decade. I imagine he's provided care for his share of killers.

diane227, LPN, RN · Nov 7, 2009

I have had to take care of many patients who committed crimes when I worked in a large inner city ED. Rapists, murders, etc. I always reminded myself that I was there to do a job and that I was not the judge or the jury and it was not my job to judge this person. So I just tried to be professional, do my job and not get involved in matters related to what ever crime they were charged with.

angel337, MSN, RN · Nov 7, 2009

i have taken care of patients that were registered sex offenders, murderers etc.., the police are standing there with the pt the entire time and i just do my job and treat them like anyone else. the only difference is there isn't much conversation. alot of close ended questions and explaining of procedures to be done.

Tiff14RN · Nov 7, 2009

While deployed to Iraq we took care of a lot of "bad guys" They'd get pretty worked up from time to time, but usually they were more scared of us than we were of them. We would do our best to save their lives so that potentially they could provide us with information that would help our efforts. I've been spit at, hit, kicked, but I can't imagine it's any different than taking care of a "good guy" with dimentia or a head injury. I do not know that doc from Ft. Hood, but I can't help feeling that what he did is going to have a huge impact on the way the rest of the Army looks at their medical personnel. It's truly sad

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Nov 7, 2009

If you have to care for a prisoner, no matter what the crime you have to assume there is a real person in there somewhere. But don't coddle them- they will see compassion as a weakness. Treat them with the same respect you would give a stranger on the street, assuming you will never see the "real" person inside. Even if they try to confide in you, it is more likely a ploy than honest emotion, especially if you've only know them for a short time.

I would be up front about your feelings if you are uncomfortable, (rather than doing their care without speaking or eye contact). "I'm pretty uncomfortable about why you are in custody, but I want to make sure you heal and feel better quickly." Then just do the best job you can. Ask the guards if there is anything you need to know to stay safe, and do exactly as they say.

EmergencyNrse · Nov 7, 2009

Hi All-
Have any of you ever had to take care of someone like this? How do you deal with something like this ethically? I have never had to deal with anything like this, but could not imagine doing so...
I was just wondering if anyone on here had to deal with something like taking care of a killer or such. And, can you (legally) refuse to give care to someone in an instance such as this?

What is this...High School?

Who made you judge & jury? What does anything surrounding anyone's situation detract from the job at hand? Airway, breathing circulation, bleeding, disability...

Do your job! The idea that your level of care would vary because of your own personal opinion is ridiculous. You're suppose to be a professional. Act like it.

Good Grief.

nurseby07 · Nov 7, 2009

What is this...High School?
Who made you judge & jury? What does anything surrounding anyone's situation detract from the job at hand? Airway, breathing circulation, bleeding, disability...
Do your job! The idea that your level of care would vary because of your own personal opinion is ridiculous. You're suppose to be a professional. Act like it.
Good Grief.

Sounds like you're the judge and jury now. It was just an honest question, no need to berate.

Otessa, BSN, RN · Nov 7, 2009

Hi All-
I'm sure most of you have seen the news and footage from the Ft. Hood shooting. I guess when I saw this, I could not imagine having to take care of that shooter .
Have any of you ever had to take care of someone like this? How do you deal with something like this ethically? I have never had to deal with anything like this, but could not imagine doing so. I have close ties to the military and this story breaks my heart .
I was just wondering if anyone on here had to deal with something like taking care of a killer or such. And, can you (legally) refuse to give care to someone in an instance such as this? Or would you think that they would just find another nurse to provide appropriate care if you were so opposed to it?
Just thought it would be an interesting question to look into!
Thanks!
~JJ

Worked in an ICU and have to take care of the drunk driver one day and the surviving family members down the hall the next.

Also have taken care of many prisoners with one-two or three guards that are shackled to the bed. Some, that you know what they have done because they were in the news and some I had no idea and did NOT want to know.

Treat them with respect and maintain health but really nothing more-none of the "niceties" that you normally provide.

Usually keep in my head that I want them alive and healthy so they can stand trial or serve their sentence.

It is tough though.

otessa