New options for handling disruptive patients

[3rdcareerRN]

This article contains an interesting idea for handling combative or truly threatening patients (and could be used for such family, too). It is similar to the show-of-mass used in many psych facilities. Basically, you call a code for this situation, and handle it with a combo of multiple staff on hand and de-escalation process.

http://www.todayshospitalist.com/index.php?b=articles_read&cnt=593

Anyone use it or something similar?

[Virgo_RN, BSN, RN]

The hospital I work at has a very similar system in place. I didn't realize this was a new approach. I assumed most hospitals did this.

[AprilRNhere]

We do this where I work. Of course- day shift has MUCH more response to code green than nights!

[correctlywrong]

We call it Condition M for "mental" and I have had to call one before. Saved my patient's life and maybe kept me from being injured as well.

[ShayRN]

We call it Condition M for "mental" and I have had to call one before. Saved my patient's life and maybe kept me from being injured as well.

Please, tell us what happened. This is how I learn and grow, without having to make my own mistakes.:heartbeat

[racing-mom4, BSN, RN]

We call them code strongs, and they have been very succesful at our facility. Normally the ER doc comes up, any paramedics/Emts and any additional staff comes over. Some times just the sheer amount of people that appear tend to calm the patient right down.

[RNKPCE]

We have been using "Code Grey" for many, many years. We also now have a "code silver" anyone brandishing a weapon. Haven't seen that called yet. The "code grey" is most often used on confused, agitated patients who are physicaly kicking, hitting, spitting at staff of who may harm themselves.

[frez]

its called assisstance needed at my hospital. They have been doing this for years. The article makes it sound like it just started 3 years ago. Security responds along with other staff members including housekeeping. They all have been trained in what to do in response

Frez

[imanedrn]

This article contains an interesting idea for handling combative or truly threatening patients (and could be used for such family, too). It is similar to the show-of-mass used in many psych facilities. Basically, you call a code for this situation, and handle it with a combo of multiple staff on hand and de-escalation process.

http://www.todayshospitalist.com/index.php?b=articles_read&cnt=593

Anyone use it or something similar?

We call a "doctor strong to room xxx" overhead. There is no specially trained team. Instead, ANY personnel who are able to run to that room / are in the area (from an RN, CNA, even techs like EKG or lab) are "encouraged" to do so.

The idea (present in psych nursing also) is that just seeing the sheer numbers (and fear of force, if there are some big people / men there) will be enough to de-escalate the patient.

Also, I say that personnel are "encouraged" to come to the call, as we are told during orientation. No one is required to come, but the expectation is that, when the unruly patient sees the large group, that alone will de-escalate him/her and, therefore, no force or anything else will be necessary. From what I've heard, it's almost always effective.

[casi, ASN, RN]

We call these code greens where I work. I've seen them called on my unit twice. Normally we get supervisors, security, a psych nurse, and a couple other people to respond.

[nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN]

We have a code green as well, and during the day, we get the "testosterone patrol" -- security, burly guys from facilities, etc., in addition to the NM for the floor issuing the call, extra nurses, etc. At night, by the time we get help, it's usually resolved or really, really bad.