The state made a weird request

[angeloublue22]

I work in a new medical detox. We are attached to a long term recovery house that has been around for 9 years. I helped open the detox and wrote the protocols because our supervisor is a social worker and knows nothing about the medical aspect. We opened 6 months ago and we just had our first state survey and passed with flying colors which is awesome. Then the state surveyor made a weird request. When the state surveyor spoke with the clients, they complained about the staff being able to drink coffee and bring in outside food for themselves when the clients can't. No big deal right? Well, apparently it is a big deal to the state surveyor who has now requested that it be implemented that employees are not to drink coffee or bring in fast food because it upsets the clients. Does anyone think this is ridiculous? Has anyone ever heard of this?

[Tenebrae, BSN, RN]

You don't allow them coffee or outside food, but you then sit there in full view of them while you enjoy your coffee and outside food? That's a dick-move. I would hope anybody who comes through and witnesses that would point that out; surveyor, visitor, client, etc.

This for the win:yes: said it so much better than I could

[angeloublue22, BSN, RN]

Have you asked the clients the reasons they do not want to be exposed to the outside coffee and fast food? Does the exposure make it more difficult for the clients to manage cravings? Since the clients must adhere to the facility rules for the duration of their recovery and the staff only have stick to the rules for the duration of their shift, I do not understand why it would be difficult for staff to respect the clients request. When you labelled your clients manipulative, it showed you are biased, is it possible your bias is influencing your view of this issue? If you are objective, you should be able to use the nursing code of ethics as a guide to your resonse to the state's recommendation.

I'm not sure of your background but the manipulative behaviors that come with addictions is actually part of their disease process. It is not a bias. Part of their treatment is taking responsibility for the manipulation tactics they use regularly to get both positive and negative responses they are seeking. We teach them how to interact with people without using these behaviors and focus on truth and responsibility by confronting them on it and having them work out new ways to interact. It may sound weird to others but believe me if we didn't keep this in mind we would be doing our patients a disservice.

[angeloublue22, BSN, RN]

Unless the facility is required to purchase your food items in order for them to be the same foods that patients are eating, yes it is a weird and ridiculous request. If you're not eating it in front of the patients, there should be no problem. Toss that schtuff in a brown paper bag so no one can see what it is and march on back to the break room. Problem solved.

This a manipulative tactic. The patients need to understand that they are entitled to certain rights and dignities, and there are things they are not entitled to. Their circumstances do not dictate what staff are and are not allowed to eat or drink in the break room. Freedom from exposure to food items is not a thing. Employees are not there for treatment are simply not subject to the same rules.

Thank you, that is what I was thinking. I also see the other side. But when some of the staff are working 16 hours shifts they may want coffee and no, the facility doesn't provide it to employees.

[angeloublue22, BSN, RN]

Thank you for the feedback. I see where both sides are coming from. I wasn't really looking for a debate but I sure got one. Nurses are passionate people, including me. I will bring both points up if my support staff have any issues.