prison guards in the OR

CHATSDALE · Mar 14, 2006

don't know what protocol is . not something i have thought of but it would seem to be a conflict between pts rights and the safety of the or personnel

suzanne4, RN · Mar 14, 2006

First, depends on what penal system that they are under. Federal prisoners actually are required to have the guards right in the room with them, they can not be sitting outside of the OR. We just sit them in the corner, usually facing the wall or where they cannot see anything, they usually do not have the stomach for it. They usually just put a monkey suit on over their uniform.

Others are dependent upon the warden of that prison, etc. Have never had an issue with it any of the places that I have worked and we have had prisoners in the OR. They have been there for major heart cases, as well as big neuro cases, and anyhting else in between.

suzanne4, RN · Mar 14, 2006

I should thorw in the policy needs to be based on patient population and jail that they are from, not just what the OR or hospital wants. If they need a guard, then they need a guard.

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Mar 14, 2006

Guard is in the room at all times, sitting facing the pt. until the pt. is asleep, then they are asked to face the wall while the pt. is prepped and draped (they are sitting behind the pt. off to the side of anesthesia). When the drapes are up, the guard can face forward again.

Trauma Columnist · Mar 14, 2006

Wow - I would never have considered this - thanks for the information.

RNinSoCal · Mar 14, 2006

Hello OR nurses.

I have relatives who are prison guards and who do hospital duty with inmates. The guards take the handcuffs or restraints off as soon as the pt is asleep and the sit out of the way during the procedure. They do have to be able to see that the pt is asleep throughout the procedure. They do not want to interfere, they are just there to make sure no harm comes to anyone. Some of these men are very dangerous and the guards know what to watch for to keep you safe. Other inmates are just sick and want to get better, in those cases the guards are there because of prison policy and state/federal laws depending on what type of prison. My advice is to have really good communication so that the OR staff know what the laws require the guard to do and the guard knows what the OR staff needs. The guards I know have good relationships with hospital staff and there have been no major problems.

prmenrs, RN · Mar 14, 2006

The hospital I retired from had a fair # of prisoners over the years; Security work out a formal Policy and Proceedure w/the Sheriff's Department (Sheriff's are in charge of prisons and prisoners). I don't think they went into the OR w/the pt. I think they stood outside.

We did have "elopements" on occassion--used to make me laugh to think of these guys running thru the canyon in their little jonnies, barefoot, in the middle of winter. Between the vegetation and the cold, I'd bet some of them were happy to surrender!

angel03 · Mar 15, 2006

First, depends on what penal system that they are under. Federal prisoners actually are required to have the guards right in the room with them, they can not be sitting outside of the OR. We just sit them in the corner, usually facing the wall or where they cannot see anything, they usually do not have the stomach for it. They usually just put a monkey suit on over their uniform.
Others are dependent upon the warden of that prison, etc. Have never had an issue with it any of the places that I have worked and we have had prisoners in the OR. They have been there for major heart cases, as well as big neuro cases, and anyhting else in between.

We are in the process of developing a policy.....if you have one would you be so kind as to share it with me.....The prisoners we are dealing with are from a county jail.....they do range from drug dealers, users, sex offender, thiefs, armed robbery and even murders......I would really appreciate any help and you seem to be knowledgeable.......thanks so very much in advance for any help......angel03

shodobe · Mar 16, 2006

W have patients that come through from a local State hospital and have two guards with them right up to going to sleep then the handcuffs come off and they go sit out at the desk. We have a very good relationship with these guards and they will do anything that will make it easy for us, as long as the patient isn't out of their sight. As far as a poster above said about their rights, I think they lost those as soon as they entered the penal system. We still treat them as we would any patient but privacy isn't an issue.

carcha · Mar 17, 2006

Yeah, same as Shodobe here. The guard stays until the patient is asleep. Handcuffs , leg irons off, guard leaves, stays at desk. Patient extubated, guard back at side leg irons on, depending on surgery, or handcuffs on. We never have the guard in the room, no need, patient is anaesthetised, intubated, what does an intubated patient do ?.

amnesia · Apr 15, 2006

One guard explained to us that safety of the nursing/medical staff is also their concern. He went on to say that they have had the family of prisoners attempt to liberate the prisoner during these procedures. It is notible to add that the family trying to free them was ARMED! I have always been thankful from that point on that there are guards present! I had never thought of that before!