custody co-operation

Crawsu · Oct 4, 2000

Originally posted by Gene J:
I'm still learning the ropes, so I need to know if it's just me. Didn't I holler loudly enough? Posted sign @ door says: Do not open w/o custody present. Custody did not respond, one even waved as he walked away in the opposite direction. How do you handle this?

Gene,

Hmmm...well every facility is different so first I would ask your coworkers what they would do in this situation. I work in a County Jail, and we don't do anything without an officer present. The only time I've had problems is in the AM when I take the med cart to pass meds to kitchen workers in the dining room. There is supposed to be an officer present when meds are passed but often the corridor officer is off giving breaks so I let the officer in control know that I cannot pass meds without someone there and they always find somebody. They can't run breakfast until it's done so it's in their best interest to expedite matters. However, in your case it probably doesn't matter to them whether this inmate is seen or not. Problem: If you go to the sergeant in charge to complain, that's going to irk the guys that you have to rely on, you have to figure out a way to approach them diplomatically to let them know that you need them there. Do you always have the same officers present? Is this on the medical unit? Lots of variables to consider. Feel fre to e-mail me with further details. Good luck!

Crawsu

MEDA RN · Jan 7, 2006

Being a Head Nurse in a jail, I find it very important to work hand-in-hand with custody. In our facility our custody team is always there watching our backs and we are always there to take care of them should the need arise, from tylenol for a headache to shipping them out in an ambulance for a more serious situation. Let me tell you, it wont work unless you work together. Have a meeting with custody and discuss what they expect of medical and what medical expects of them. The nursing staff where I work has got to go through a 10 week course at the police academy to learn the laws. hand-to-hand combat and the general do's and dont's of the facility. Its a great learning experience.

nurseT · Jan 7, 2006

I Agree With The Others. Make These Guys Your Good Buddies. They Need You Too. When I Reorder Supplies, I Get The Officers Their Own Ib, Cough Drops, Antacids, What Ever They Want And Put It In The Sergants Office. They Come To Me With All Sorts Of Personal Health Problems And I Give Them Nursing Advice. I Take Real Good Care Of Them. If They Get Into An Altercation, I Check Them First, Before The Inmate. They Will Even Say, "we've Never Had A Nurse Like You", And "whatever You Want Nurse, You Got It". I Know These Guys Would Defend Me To The Hilt. If I Have A Concerne, They'll Take Care Of It.