bottom bunks

Sounds like a good idea to me.

My facility requires an MD signature to issue a new bottom bunk pass, unless there is a documented seizure d/o, over age 65, or missing a limb. Nurses can sometimes give temporary BB passes in the event of a limb injury after normal hours, but for the most part casted limbs, etc stay in the Infirmary until healed. I feel like we've cut down on a good deal of requests for BBs for this reason, and we nurses can avoid the argument by simply stating, "Nope, only the MD can give those." :)

You know, this is a topic I NEVER would have thought to be an issue. Of course, I don't do Corrections, so I can see now where this is an issue. Kind of like assigning freq fallers close to the nsg desk in LTC.

Always learning something new at AN.

We did the same (seizures, old age, pregnancy, etc.). I also think the MD had to sign off. If there is a valid health reason for the pass, they get one. But generally the inmate doesn't.

Yep, sz, pregnancy, old age, and I believe there may have been some based on stringent musculoskeletal problems (uncommon to get one of these). Everyone wants a lower bunk, double mattress, or some other special needs order. I would suggest developing stringent criteria that is posted and available for staff so the decision is easy and consistent.

My facilty has posted BB guidelines in every exam room and there is no bending.

To Quailify for a Bottom Bunk you MUST meet at least one of the following Criteria:

1. Seizure Disorder

2.Acute Joint Injury (temporary profile only)

3.History of Back Surgery

4.History of Joint Surgery

5.Missing a limb

6.Pregnany

7. Age greater than 50 (to be determined on a case by case basis)

They request a BB, we point to the sign. If they dont have any of the above they usually just say "oh,ok".

We do btm bunk for sz d/o, wt over 300lbs, physical disabilities. We do give out 7 day temp. profiles while they are on detox meds. Otherwise, it's a firm no to all other requests.

Unfortunately my facility makes us do "bottom bunks" for everyone on detox because of seizure risk. Seems totally unreasonable because of the high # of young healthy guys without history of seizures all getting "bottom bunk orders".

Anyone else's work do this?

We (as nurses) are not allowed to just give out BBPs for whatever reason. They all have to have a medical reason and there has to be medical documentation that they have seizures, etc... or on alcohol detox protocol. That was when I worked at the county jail though... it's a little different in the state prison where I am currently at. At the prison, there has to be a documental medical reason and the pass is only good for 3 days before they HAVE to be seen by the medical dr. before the pass can be renewed.

At my job, it's automatic bottom bunks for detoxers. 14 days to be exact.

And if you have had a seizure within the last year and take meds for it at home, automatic bottom bunk indefinitely.

At my job, it's automatic bottom bunks for detoxers. 14 days to be exact.

And if you have had a seizure within the last year and take meds for it at home, automatic bottom bunk indefinitely.

Luckily when they get to prison they are past the detox stage. :-) We still deal with seizures though. They deal more with the BBPs in Open Pop, not so much where I am. I work in a confinement dorm so all of our beds are "bottoms" and one man to a cell.