search me!

are you talking drugs alcohol weapons?

We can only search if there is indication to.

I am talking about psychiatric units....

All contraband, drugs, weapons, alcohol, items that can be used as weapons....

What are your indicators for search?

Sorry I work emergency surgery. If it was self harm or involved in assault on another we search or if we have suspicion.

I work in an inpatient psychiatric facility. We have a detox unit as well as a general psych unit. We wand a patient when they come in the door. Once they are in a more private area, we have the patient take their clothes off and put a gown on and do a visual inspection for contraband. (checking pockets and sems of clothing etc). If a problem arises once the patient has been admitted to the unit, we can get a Dr order and perform another check for contraband which basically is repeating the admission process and then checking the room thoroughly.

In patient psych hospital setting: Pt must change in to scrubs in admissions/screening where all clothes which will be taken to the ward are hand screached. Only five outfits , underclothes , socks etc are allowed. All other clothes & luggage are sealed in plastic bags labled and returned only after exiting the building at the time of discharge. All patients submit to a UDS on admission and if any reason to think they may have used for admission..... if there is reason to believe the patient has contraband lighter/matches, cigarettes &/or weapons or items that could be used as a weapon a search is completed if the patietn does not volunteer th item. My faclitiy completes 2or three post admission searchs/month.

We had a female patient who came to us for detox from opiates. She had a prosthesis for a BKA. The tech said that she seemed very protective of the prosthesis. When we searched it, she had approximately 60 Lortab hidden inside it.

I'm a RN in an acute psych facility. I think that it is extremely important to search EVERY patient on admission!! Although they are each wanded when they come through the door, this can miss things. We have them go to a room and remove all clothing. This is an external viewing of their body. In addition to searching for items; we also are marking down all scars, scratches, cuts, burns, bruises, tattoos, & etc. We search and wash everything they are wearing & all clothes they brought with them. This is to hopefully destroy any pills or drugs they may have sewn into their clothing.

I have personally found pills taped under breasts & bellies, lighters, matches, needles, inhalers, razor blades, and even a knife once during the safety check. And this was all after the "wanding".

If facilities aren't doing this now, then they should definitely step it up. We do this for every patient. I know that it's hard to believe that a 65 year old granny would come toting pills or marijuana, but you would be surprised! Psych patients are mentally unstable. They are sometimes impulsive, oppositional, drug addicted, or just plain scared they won't get their benzos that they have relied on for twenty years. Best to check everyone and everything they bring along thoroughly to ensure their safety as well as your own.