I am new to the forum so forgive me if this is not the appropriate place for my thread. I recently got promoted to the nurse manager of our state psych hospital's geripsych unit. Now that geri chairs are considered torture devices that are considered a form of restraint, several of our pts have been having some frequent falls. We now have these pts on 1:1 staffing, much to administrations dismay. Are there any geriatric nurses out there who can share some insight and wisdom with me? The meds alone cause hypotension
and the unit is basically a dementia unit of 18 patients.
Been an RN for 20 years (I'm 42) and still wet behind the ears. Thanks in advance for your help...
Safehips are a form of underwear, only they have specially adapted padded hip protectors inserted into the sides. These have been proven to absorb the shock when a patient falls onto their sides therefore hopefully preventing any longterm damage to bones. We are not really allowed over here in our unit to use chemical restraints unless an individual is really distressed with their illness. Even then it is usually given in very low doses that are titrated to the specific patient, and then reviewed every week. The reason for the treatment is also always written in the medical notes by the Doctor as well. So we have to look for way to manage patients at ward level. It has been noted lately there are a lack of falls in the individuals taken off chemical restraints. We are not a psych unit though, so obviously we do not have severely challenging patients(mmmmmm), and I appreciate taking people off their meds is not always a choice in your units. They appear comfortable and non-invasive to the individuals we have wearing them, and you can get different sizes as well. I hope this helps, I hope this is not considered advertising, I would hate to get kicked off the site on my first day :rotfl:
studious
63 Posts
Hi everyone,
Safehips are a form of underwear, only they have specially adapted padded hip protectors inserted into the sides. These have been proven to absorb the shock when a patient falls onto their sides therefore hopefully preventing any longterm damage to bones. We are not really allowed over here in our unit to use chemical restraints unless an individual is really distressed with their illness. Even then it is usually given in very low doses that are titrated to the specific patient, and then reviewed every week. The reason for the treatment is also always written in the medical notes by the Doctor as well. So we have to look for way to manage patients at ward level. It has been noted lately there are a lack of falls in the individuals taken off chemical restraints. We are not a psych unit though, so obviously we do not have severely challenging patients(mmmmmm), and I appreciate taking people off their meds is not always a choice in your units. They appear comfortable and non-invasive to the individuals we have wearing them, and you can get different sizes as well. I hope this helps, I hope this is not considered advertising, I would hate to get kicked off the site on my first day :rotfl: