Terminated!

I think you should fight it for the sake of the inmates.

I think you should fight it for the sake of the inmates.

Thanks. This keeps going through my head. I feel like the changes I saw that needed to happen are important, and still do even though I don't work there anymore. The treatment of psych pts is almost inhumane. Basic policies and procedures that I found out ARE in place at other facilities such as this need to be instituted to protect both inmates and the remaining nursing staff.

I mean, this cardiac & diabetic patient was given a sign that said "Nitro" to hold up if he needed it, that they would see it on camera...... Nitro kept in bubble with COs not with nurses. NO policy regarding when to admin nitro or how to, when to call 911, etc. No way to start a line prior to nitro in case the pt tanked. There were not even any policies regarding insulin or any precautions or supplies for hypo/hyperglycemia.

I just don't know where to start- the BON, Labor Board, Atty General?

Who regulates corrections nursing anyhow as they have never had a visit by anyone to check up on them.

I have no idea. I'd start with the NH board of health.

Is this a state run facility or privately owned one?

i would try your state rep/senator.....even if this is a contracted (private) facility, there should still be some state oversight

Well I have to say that I have learned a lot in this whole situation. I will NEVER take a position I don't feel comfortable with and if I ever am somewhere that does not want to give me the tools and trainng I need to do my job, there is NO WAY I will take on the assignment.

I've worked in corrections for 8 years, ED nursing for 15 years. I think you really need to fight this. You should start with the grievance process with HR at the facility. You should also be able to contact the agency that oversees the facility (state or county) and discuss your concerns. You just don't want this to reflect on your practice as a new nurse. Good luck and stay strong.

You should have a Policy& Procedure book somewhere in your Department. But then again every place is different. Also you should, have been oriented , as to what your job description is, where security comes in, yada yada yada. If your supervisor can't give you the answers you need, who is his/her supervisor? Although Security comes first in my facility, I have the power in my lowly night position:wink2:..to deem where inmates need to be sent in an emergency, whether it be a medical segregation cell, or to the nearby hospital....But I have a great supervisor, a P.A.(whom gives us a good protocol to go by,) & a great staff of Correctional Officers, that I work well with. Something is definately wrong at your place. If you like your job, you may have to go higher up, than your supervisor to get the answers you are looking for.....

I think that you should fight the termination for the sake of the inmates and your professional reputation.

Let me tell you, when I was a Correctional Nurse I would write up letters upon letters about the unsafe conditions that I saw !!!!

It did little good at that time of my employ but at least there was documentation to the facts.

The main issue with Correctional Nursing is litigation.

When I was about to resign there was an investigation of a death of a inmate.

Although, I was not directly involved with the incident, but my notes were under scrutiny and I must assume that my complaints were also noted.

For your situation, it depends on what effect you want to have (Sledgehammer or Behind-the Scenes Maverick).

You could present your case to the Medical Director of the institution. Or you could notify the State Health Surveyor.

Maybe you could even threaten the Medical Director that you will go to the Surveyor.

I know after the death, policies were changed and crash carts were purchased. It's a shame that it took a life being lost to come to that. Those Correctional Health Institutions seem to skate on thin ice.

Good Luck:twocents:

Not so sure I want my job back but I do feel strongly that changes need to be made. These are not costly changes or necessarily even time consuming changes. BUT something should be done for the sake of the prisoners.

I just keep seeing that poor soul who had ripped all the skin off his nose and part of his face, being left in solitary with no meds for days and days.

I keep thinking about all the times I tried to get in touch with the director of nursing and was rebuffed and blown off, and how when I went up the chain of command, got rebuffed every step of the way.

I keep thinking that I know I am idealistic as a new grad, but gosh, how on earth could they expect me to accept those conditons and not want to make improvements if I could?

I will be seeking some answers this week and next before I decide which road to travel.

Okay, I have worked many many facilities, and even well trained, I didn't start my last facility job without two weeks accompanied training....Sounds like you worked in a death trap! I would fight, but not only would I fight the termination, I would use that letter to back up your concerns that were voiced and ignored. I would talk to someone at ACA. They have to accredit these places! If not there, talk to someone at the local health department about your concerns...Sounds like you were doing the best you could under the circumstances...Good luck and yeah, fight for the poor fellas that will die without some advocacy!