sonoma_gal

Correctional nurses talk a lot like the people did on MASH...We can be a pretty dedicated and devoted bunch but you have to laugh a little or you not survive. We see the worst thing. Our patients are a stigmatized population (well usually for good reason) and some of the stigma rubs off on us too....many Thanks to those who recognize we are doing a good but thankless job.

Hi! Just wondering how other facilities handle the medical clearance for inmate workers...Is the Medical/Nursing dept. usually involved or not.. thank you! ps: We do (get involved) and it can sometimes be a struggle (with inmates and custody)

Can't believe I am reading this thread on Memorial Day but here goes... I have worked for many years in a correctional facility with excellent medical, mental, and dental health care. We get inmates on essential medications within hours of intake. Psych meds wait up to 24 hours except in someone who will be on detox meds. Our facility waits, in most cases, to start psych meds until detox is complete. We have 24/7 RN coverage. We also have a somewhat small (compared to other correctional facilities) average census. We had spent about $15,000 a month on psych meds such as Zyprexa and also do give the q 2weeks injections for antipsychotics if inmates have been on these before. We also have a program to keep dually diagnosed people from reoffending. Funds for this are being cut. The public doesn't want to be taxed more and hence cuts. We have now been determined to be too expensive. We have been compared with other jails where a contract medical service is used. In order to "save our jobs" we must now endeavor to work "more like a contractor." I hate to think of how much less we will be able to do with inmates medical needs. I anticipate all kinds of problems. Soon we will cut staffing levels. I will keep you all posted.

I had read that a law was passed (some time ago) that allowed medical staff in correctional facilities to keep their last names from being known to inmates and/or mental health patients. Does anyone know of this law or regulation in California? If it does exist, where can I find the text of the law. thank you

In our county it is up to the Methadone Clinic to decide whether or not to detox. the person off Methadone (using Methadone) or continue them on a Maintenance dose. They deliver the Methadone to us usually in the afternoon and usually at least one of us is in the nurse's station to accept the supply (usually a one week supply). If the Methadone arrives too late for day shift to dispense then the evening shift will dispense that dose. We have other narcotics too. If someone is withdrawing from Heroin we use Valium and Bentyl per protocol. We also have narcs like Norco and Vicodin but use them very sparingly. Too bad you have to deal with this without adequate preparation. Seems like whoever is in charge needs to work out a better system for you. Maybe have a consistent time of day when the Methadone is delivered so you don't have to interrupt your routine. I wouldn't worry too much about the overdose problem. If you are concerned make sure the patient opens their mouth after taking the dose or have them drink additional water. Overdoses are much more of a problem with people out and about and still using Heroin on top of Methadone.

Are you looking for a place like OZ on TV?...that was fictional

hmmm, never have worked in a prison. Have worked in a jail now for 10 years. It is a very genteel place for the most part although booking and the safety cells as well as lockdown and the psych unit can get loud...and behavioral emergencies do occur. As for looking past what an inmate has done...never had a problem with that. I have worked with individuals such as drug addicts and alcoholics for many years now...even before jail so I guess I have the gift of being able to separate the sin from the sinner (and I am not even religious)... There have been a few times when, after reading about an inmates crime or alleged crime...I think I may have difficulty dealing with that person. When it comes right down to it I am just as able to be professional, and yes, even pleasant with them as they usually are with me. Have only been written up once by an inmate and that is because the deputy got the guy all worked up (and I was there). The deputy is gone now.

I have dispensed Methadone in two different settings. How are you currently handling your situation. Does the local Methadone Clinic bring a supply?