Unit Lock Down

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i work in an icu that basically takes all kinds of patients from ods, traumas, neuro patients, surgeries, medical patients, etc . . . we also unfortunatly get a lot of patients from the prison. these patients are usually accompanied by a guard from the prison, but the potential visitors (ex. patient with mafia ties and confirmed gang activity) pose a safety risk to the staff and other patients on the unit. aside from the prisoners, it is difficult to control the stream of visitors coming and going at all hours of the day and night. the er, l & d and or all have locked units and we are trying to lock the icu now as well.

first question: is your icu locked?

second question: does anyone know of an article that supports the restricted access to icus? we need ammo so administration will release the funds!

:nurse:

thank you!

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Specializes in Cardiac, ER.

All of our intensive care units are locked, have been for years. Sorry no data for you,.I'll look though.

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Every place I have worked, the ICU's have had restrictive visits. 30 minutes twice-three times a day immediate family only.

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The icu I worked as a unit clerk was also locked...and the visiters were restricted...also, whenever we had prisoners they would put in the system as xxxxx and they could never have visitors...its crazy that ur icu isn't locked...our cvsu,l &d , er and peds units were also locked

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Specializes in Critical Care, Acute Dialysis.
Every place I have worked, the ICU's have had restrictive visits. 30 minutes twice-three times a day immediate family only.

:up: same here haven't seen any data though

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Specializes in Family Practice, Mental Health.

Our ICU unit is more open than a 24 hr Walmart...... It sucks.

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Specializes in ICU.

My ICU is locked, although we don't really restrict access except on night shift.

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