nurses role and expeirence regarding use of force in correctional nursing

[gooodnitenurse]

i have been working in a maximum security PAMIO unit for about 5 months now and totally confused about the nurses role in "use of force" situations. I do not understand why the psych nurse (LVN} has to be involved in a security issue while it is in progress. I fully understand why after an offender has been exposed to mk9 or whatever should be seen by triage or medical but why in during progress. I would like very much to hear some feedback from nurses who are involved in UOF in the prisons where they work.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

In our system, nurses are not involved at all in use of force incidents. If there is a use of force, all of the hands on stuff is handled by custody. All that the nurse does is administer an emergency medication or check the correct application of restraints (if indicated).

[TAKOO01, BSN]

In the federal system, the nurse is also an officer. The nurse is present at all use of force events to ensure that inmates are not seriously harmed during or after the incident. We dont actually suit up and crash the cell, but we have to watch, and as Orca said, check restraints and such afterwards.