Complete Lack of Safety HELP!

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 6, 2009

Hello and welcome to allnurses.com. Good to have you with us.

Are you speaking of a Correctional facility??

psychdave · Nov 9, 2009

It's a forensic "Treatment center" 200 beds. Extremely violent place. I have been told that corrections is much safer by someone who has done both.

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 9, 2009

I see.

Just some things to consider...

Is there a lot of seclusion and restraints being employed in this facility? Has your facility been adequately trained and/or in-serviced frequently about how to reduce this use, how to de-escalate a situation, coping with behavioral emergencies such as aggression cycle, and/or crisis communication? Is there adequate management support for staff during debriefing? Are all of your employees experienced? Is there a high client to staff ratio? Is the physical environment conducive to safe practice?

psychdave · Nov 9, 2009

No to all of the above! I should have asked the question like this. Given the environment, should I be able to expect resonable safety in my work place. According to the administrator, It's a dangerous invironment " If you don't like it There's the door". We don't use restraints. I really don't like using them. There are many physical altercations daily.Defending yourself often times means loosing your job. We do have a pooly trained staff. We do have security staff, but not nearly enough. The "Residents" are NGI and ITP. Debriefing ????? I was assulted, requiring a trip to the ER. I have permanent injury. No debriefing! I can not believe That in 2009 this is all OK. Are all forensic facilities like this? I like psych/forensic nursing, But the constant threat of physical injury is taking it's toll.

Editorial Team / Admin · Nov 9, 2009

Well, I cannot intelligently answer the question, "are all forensic facilities like this?". I'd have to say no, off the top of my head, but I certainly do not have any stats to back up that.

It sounds like a toxic environment to me. And, maybe you should seek employment elsewhere.........?? Especially if the answers to my questions above are, 'no'.

chazman1040 · Nov 12, 2009

Without support from the hospital where you work there is nothing you can do. There seems to be a general movement in the USA away from PRN medications, and seclusion/restraint as was of dealing with violence. The assaults on staff will get much worse before it gets better, as patients realize they can attack staff with impunity. I work at a forensic hospital and have seen patients punch staff in the face and then back away and say "I'm calm, I'm calm", knowing there is nothing we can do once they say the magic words.