metal detector policy

[PsychRN13]

I want to use a metal detector to screen our admits in psych. I am looking for a policy. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

[CharlieRN]

My facility has a metal detector but has not found it useful. I personally don't trust them. My family owns a couple non-metalic knives so I know they are readily available. They are professionally designed to fool metal detectors. At my institution, we do a strip search, but after admission.

In admissions, which is where I work, I ask if potential patients are carrying any sort of weapon. Surprisingly enough this is effective.

Also I "trust my gut" and if I get "bad vibes", I call the police. In this I am supported by my institution. That is why they have old timers like me, with much experience, working in admissions.