Patient searches

[smf0903]

I'm curious, do you search patient's belongings? (This is for those in ED or on a floor) We generally do not do searches but see them becoming a strongly advised/mandatory thing very soon as we've had a multitude of patients bring everything under the sun in on admission...not to mention the patient's we're running rapids and codes on for ODs. It's ridiculous.

Just curious what other facilities are doing.

[AceOfHearts<3]

If we think a patient's things needs searched we must call security. Nurses are not allowed to search patient's belongings at my facility and I agree with that- we are there to provide healthcare. If we think a patient has drugs or something they are taking in addition to what we give them we call security and notify our supervisors.

[Nature_walker, ASN, BSN, RN]

On my floor our techs search belongings, however I'm on a locked psych unit so we need to check for safety plus illegal items.

[april*rn]

Yes in ER belongings are inventoried before admission- in front of patient or 2 staff if patient unconscious. This helps screen valuables, weapons or drugs. Any of the above are locked up with security and receipt given to patient. On transfer to floor remaining belongings checked against inventory to make sure nothing lost. This has helped when patients suddenly claim they had glasses or $100 when they came in .

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

We search both patient and belongings. Valuables are inventoried and placed in the safe; contraband is either locked in storage and returned to them or destroyed (depends on what it is). If they have anything they wish to keep on their person--and it is safe for them to do so--then they must sign a release stating we're not liable if the items are lost, stolen or destroyed.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

We search both patient and belongings. Valuables are inventoried and placed in the safe; contraband is either locked in storage and returned to them or destroyed (depends on what it is). If they have anything they wish to keep on their person--and it is safe for them to do so--then they must sign a release stating we're not liable if the items are lost, stolen or destroyed.

Just out of curiosity...what is the deal with iPod/headphone wires? How can people possibly hurt themselves with them? My husband brought me my iPod when I was IP and was told it wasn't allowed because of the earphone wires. What the heck?

[dishes, BSN, RN]

Just out of curiosity...what is the deal with iPod/headphone wires? How can people possibly hurt themselves with them? My husband brought me my iPod when I was IP and was told it wasn't allowed because of the earphone wires. What the heck?

A person can hurt them self or others by using the wires as a ligature to strangle.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

A person can hurt them self or others by using the wires as a ligature to strangle.

But they're so thin. I would think they'd break if too much stress was put on them.

[Davey Do]

But they're so thin. I would think they'd break if too much stress was put on them.

Sorry. It's the rule.

But they're so thin.

Hey- I don't make the rules, I only enforce them.