Safety Strategies on your Unit

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2019

IMI work in the SICU of an urban level 1 trauma center. Our unit is locked when we have pts who are victims of gang-related violence or other assault victims when the assailant is at large. We have panic buttons and excellent security staff who are armed with Tasers. On occasion they will call the city police for backup. We have annual active shooter training.

For a violent pt we have a behavioral code which summons security and psych charge nurse, bearing 4 point leathers and IM meds.

We don’t play!

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Apr 18, 2019

Oh and we limit visitors for the aforementioned assault victims. They are usually allowed two visitors; if pt can’t communicate the next of kin chooses; when extubated they can choose their own two.

The two remain throughout the hospitalization, unless the concern goes away (say, it was a DV situation and he’s been arrested.)

We also make these pts no-info and give them an alias. If a caller wants an update but does NOT ask for the alias, we deny having the pt.

NightNerd, MSN, RN · Apr 18, 2019

Panic buttons, code greens (which activates security response, psych and/or ER charge shows up with restraints, coordinator comes), and my unit is locked with (theoretical) 24 hour security coverage. If security isn't present and my spidey sense is tingling over a certain patient or visitor, I request an officer until things settle down. It's just better to be cautious and prevent any major events if possible.

As preventative measures, we also wand patients and inventory belongings. I understand wanding isn't realistic on every unit, but a belongings inventory should be done for every patient. The kinds of things people bring into hospitals are wild.

I wish visiting hours were still a thing, but I guess that's not in vogue anymore. ?

bbnurse17 · Apr 18, 2019

Thank you both for your responses! NightNerd, I like that you mentioned requesting a guard before anything kicks off. Always better to be proactive hey! And Here.I.Stand I never considered that whole other dynamic with sedated ICU patients. Thanks so much :)