Do any of you out there utilize Critical Incident Stress Debriefings in your facility? I realize that a lot of the things we see "come with the territory" of ED nursing, but I'm talking about the things that truly hit close to home such as acute pediatric deaths or deaths of a colleague within the ED. I'd like to start some type of CISD in my facility, whether it's formal or informal, and I'd like to hear about some of your experiences.
Here are several resources to help you. Check with other local ED's, fire departments, flight crews, EMS, and search and rescue crews to see how they handle debriefing. Some states as a part of their disaster preparedness have teams trained and available for little to no fee. This varies state to state. Most facilities utilize their EAP services as they already pay a fee for these services. Check also with FEMA and your states emergency management services as they would have information also.
CISD is part of the policy here, but never implemented. In fact, after an incident we are generally so far behind we kick it into numb-brain mode, and try to get through the rest of the shift (no talking). I'd be willing to bet that if a discussion took place immediately post event , or even post shift, it would be more effective than calling everyone back the next day. After 24h I've either processed it, or I'm sinking so bad I would never admit the issues in front of coworkers.
I recommend allnurses though, they're always around and ready to listen!
As a clinical chaplain, I have been involved with Critical Incident Stress Management for 10 years. I spearheaded the development of a county CISM in our community which also led to the development of an in-house CISM team for the clinical staff at Campbell County Memorial Hospital, Gillette, Wyoming.
We call our CISM team the Healthcare Emergency Action Response Team (HEART). As the team coordinator, I have numerous resources to assist with the development of either First Responder CISM teams or a clinical team and would be happy to assist you with your situation gratis. We are registered with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Ellicott City, Maryland, and with WYO CISM NET, overseen by the Rocky Mountain Region Disaster Mental Health Institute, Laramie, Wyoming. In the 4 years of the HEART existence, we have provided 18 interentions servicing 181 personnel and civilians.
I am presently involved in a project statewide offering to assist other hospitals with the development healthcare CISM teams and chaplaincy programs.
morte, LPN, LVN
7,015 Posts
Yup...even for breakfast....