We are having a debate on and off about whether or not to arrest someone who is abusive in the ED.
Not someone who has assaulted a staff memeber...that's a "no brainer"...bye bye my friend...enjoy your new wardrobe of orange!
I'm talking about those who threaten you or are verbally abusive.
I realize that we would be filling up the jail cells...but the PD should have plenty of room...since they bring IN all those drunks who are "Too drunk to go to jail" anyway...
See, I think that the situations like Mike was talking about with the neuro pts is just exactly the time security SHOULD get involved. It's a medical problem causing a dangerous situation and should be handled by healthcare providers with assistance from security to keep everyone safe.
The drunks that are brought in who don't have a thing wrong, except their BAL, who swear, swing and threaten...
Bye Bye...
I'm calling PD every time now when one gets abusive.
If they are able to "swear, swing and threaten" I'm guessing that they won't be stopping spontaneous respirations anytime soon...no matter WHAT the BAL!!!
It's interesting to see this thread after a few years, and a big change in perspective going from unlicensed to RN. As a nurse, I far prefer to handle my own confused/combative patients, as long as it can be done safely. I have called security when the patient was too big and too combative, and asked them to send at least three officers. The three officers and I were able to bring overwhelming force to bear, which in that instance was safer for all, including the patient. More often, though, it's possible to de-escalate the situation gently. Every so often, we get a security officer who is more oriented to law enforcement than patient care, and while they don't seem to last long, I hate to take the risk. Sometimes just the uniform is enough to set someone off--though I've seen others go docile as soon as they see security. I really like the ones who hang back a little and stay out of sight, but are close by if they're needed.
We did call the police about an AOX3 patient who threatened a nurse. They weren't much help at all. The patient was 17, and they said there would be no point arresting him. A security officer came and had a stern talk with him, but the little snot knew he could pretty much get away with anything short of murder.
That was a couple of years ago. I assume he's in prison, now.
Oddly enough we sent one out today in handcuffs to tha jail. It was his third visit in a week and finally we had enough and they took him for disorderly conduct.
I handle these patients quite often and I have learned that I can deal with them quite effectively. I am by nature a very calm individual. But I have dealt with some who crossed "The Line" and then yes, I have no issues in seeing them get arrested. Do I take pleasure or satisfaction from doing this no. But they set themselves up for it.
nursemike, ASN, RN
1 Article; 2,362 Posts
It's interesting to see this thread after a few years, and a big change in perspective going from unlicensed to RN. As a nurse, I far prefer to handle my own confused/combative patients, as long as it can be done safely. I have called security when the patient was too big and too combative, and asked them to send at least three officers. The three officers and I were able to bring overwhelming force to bear, which in that instance was safer for all, including the patient. More often, though, it's possible to de-escalate the situation gently. Every so often, we get a security officer who is more oriented to law enforcement than patient care, and while they don't seem to last long, I hate to take the risk. Sometimes just the uniform is enough to set someone off--though I've seen others go docile as soon as they see security. I really like the ones who hang back a little and stay out of sight, but are close by if they're needed.
We did call the police about an AOX3 patient who threatened a nurse. They weren't much help at all. The patient was 17, and they said there would be no point arresting him. A security officer came and had a stern talk with him, but the little snot knew he could pretty much get away with anything short of murder.
That was a couple of years ago. I assume he's in prison, now.