bottom bunks

SinMiedo · May 3, 2014

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." :)

amoLucia · May 4, 2014

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.

OrganizedChaos, LVN · May 4, 2014

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.

military spouse · May 22, 2014

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.

NConleyRN · Jul 14, 2014

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".

tanja strickler · Jul 14, 2014

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.

RobBSNRN · Aug 7, 2014

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?

valzRN, ASN, RN · Aug 13, 2014

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.

pookyp, LPN · Aug 13, 2014

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.

valzRN, ASN, RN · Aug 14, 2014

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.