ck4rn66

If she's driving under the influence then she is a danger to herself and others. If the police pick her up and don't charge her ask them to take her to the nearest psych facility for an assessment. The counselors there may be able to help her commit to inpatient treatment. Sometimes when facing a night in jail (for DUI) patient's will choose inpatient tx were a comfy bed can be found. If she appears before a judge (for a DUI) you can ask him to mandate psych treatment as a condition for release. Hope this helps and good luck.

Why couldn't the receptionist look for him? Caring for your patients at hand would have precedence over looking for someone in the parking lot in my book. If the staff their doesn't have anything else to do other than "write you up" they must have a lot of time on their hands whereas you don't. Sucks when you can't rely on your "chain of command". Then they wonder why staff switch jobs so often. Make sure you write the rebuttal and keep a copy of your documentation and theirs just in case. Good luck and keep "nursing on".

I appreciate the input. Interesting to see everyone's perspective on the topic.

I'm sure we are going to give it. Nonetheless since the patient is a ward of the state I have to wait for Child Serivces to approve it since it's a prescribed med. As a parent of 2 minors someone giving my child a nicotine patch would make me question the common sense of the person providing it and I would refuse it if giving the option.

All nurses get 10 days of orientation where I'm working. Doesn't matter if you're a new nurse or have years of RN experience.

I'm caring for a ward of the state who complained about tobacco cravings. MD ordered a nicotine patch. If IL law dictates that a 14 yr. old cannot buy tobacco products and actively prosecutes those who sell tobacco to minors. Can we still provide a patch? Thanks in advance for all replies.