Just a question for other correctional health care providers.
We have recently received a missive from the powers that be, that we should not refer to the people that we care for as inmates. This is new to me, as I have been in this field for 6 years and was taught to chart this way. It was explained to us that by refering to folks as "inmates" we could be seen as having an unfair bias toward them, or that it is a negative conotation.
We were told to refer to them as "client" or "patient". This can work OK in some instances, but can be awkward in others. For example, you have a couple of "fighters", so do you say, "Client s/p assault by another client"??? It just seems awkward.
Anyone else out there not allowed to refer to their clients as inmates?
Jan 7, '03
This is what happens when "politically correct" people get some bureaucratic power.
Only the most foolish person would attempt to ignore the simple fact that these people are, bottom line and FIRST among all considerations, INMATES. This can be glossed over or ignored ONLY at one's gravest peril.
But, as usual, those making "rules" have no idea what they are doing.
Last edit by sjoe on Jan 9, '03
Jan 7, '03
I agree with sjoe. I never liked the term "client" to begin with, because to me, client implies that they hired you for a specific service, and in healthcare, I don't think that applies.
Secondly, what's wrong with inmate? That's what they are! How about "prisoner?" Would they prefer that?
This kind of crap pizzes me off.
Jan 7, '03
We refer to them as inmates. That is what they are
Jan 8, '03
Yea, that's basically how I feel, too. They are inmates, and that is always how I have charted in the past. I have been referring to the inmate by name as in Mr. so and so states and so forth, but it just doesn't seem to fit in some instances.
Thanks for the input. I will share these with my boss and see what he has to say. Also, we are basically contracted through the City and County hospital, not through the sheriff"s dept. Are you all employed by the jail/prison or are you contracted through another agency?
Jan 8, '03
This reminds me of a job I took in a group home for mentally retarded young adults. They are now to be called "people with mental retardation" because someone decided it's somehow shameful to be mentally retarded. AND I was supposed to refer to them as "the people we help" instead of as the "residents."
Jan 9, '03
We are all sheriff's office employees but our salaries are reimbursed by the parish (county) government.
Jan 11, '03
At one time they tried to get us to call them clientes but I could never get the hang of that so I called them inmates and I am still charting that. If they want something different they can tell me and I will "try" to get my self to change the way I write it.
:zzzzz
Jan 11, '03
We called them inmates. They were never referred to as patients or clients. Same philosopy: They belonged to the prison first and then to the HSU.
Jan 12, '03
If we do write ups then we call them Inmates.
If we do anthing nursing related then we call them patients.
We have been told we should not refer to them as prisoners because its "demeaning"....HELLO thats what they are....some people are just too anal
Jan 7, '03Occupation: Retired Specialty: 15 year(s) of experience in Corrections, Psych, Med-Surg ; From: US ; Joined: Aug '02; Posts: 2,246; Likes: 48This is what happens when "politically correct" people get some bureaucratic power.
Jan 7, '03Occupation: Patient Education Specialty: 7 year(s) of experience in LDRP; Education ; Joined: Mar '01; Posts: 7,470; Likes: 56I agree with sjoe. I never liked the term "client" to begin with, because to me, client implies that they hired you for a specific service, and in healthcare, I don't think that applies.
Jan 7, '03Occupation: Health Services Director for a 1100 bed county jail From: US ; Joined: Nov '02; Posts: 531; Likes: 4We refer to them as inmates. That is what they are
Jan 12, '03Occupation: correctional-CCHCP/detox nurse, DOULA-Birth Assistant, Lactation Education, future midwife Joined: Jun '02; Posts: 265; Likes: 19If we do write ups then we call them Inmates.
