C.: Today on Cal.E.’s Korner, we’re going to change the format a little and talk about something serious. To help me discuss this subject, I have my partner, author and nurse d.c. scot.
d.c., I read something disturbing in yesterday’s Houston paper. I’m sure that you also read the article that I was referring to, since it was about nurses feeling threatened in the workplace. D.c., since you’re involved In correctional care nursing, do you feel that you are in more danger than other nurses while working at The Kennel?
d.: I don’t for a few reasons. One is that I have the advantage of knowing what the person I’m treating is capable of, if I choose to reference his file at The Kennel.
C.: Is that legal?
d.: It is, as long as I have direct dealings with the patient. However, some of my former classmates have similar dealings with patients in the free world that I've had with the patients in The Kennel. I seem to have an advantage in this situation.
C.: Okay, that’s one reason. You said you had a few. I’d like to hear the other reasons, if you don’t mind sharing them.
d.: I don’t mind at all. The next reason is that, according to The Kennel’s policies, I’m supposed to have a security officer within a few feet of me while I’m treating the patient.
C.: Well, I work at the same place you do, and some of those officers don’t seem to be capable of defending anyone, including themselves. Others seem only to be interested in defending themselves. Do you agree?
d.: I do, but with a caveat. That being that most of the patients I deal with are looking forward to returning to the free world within two to three years. If they mess up in any way, that could add years to their sentences.
I agree that some of our officers aren’t the best that TDCJ has to offer. Most are retirees who are returning to the job to earn an extra paycheck. As with any job, there are good ones and bad ones, but the second day of nursing school, the students learn that the most important thing is to always take care of yourself.
C.: How, specifically?
d.: Well, number one is always alert. Don’t put yourself in a dangerous situation.
C.: Could you give an example?
d.: Yes, never let a patient get between you and the door. Also, try to always follow the policies the institution where you work as closely as possible, in case legal action is taken. This is because no one will look out for the nurse, only the institution and themselves. However, if the nurse can point out the s/he is following the policy set forth by the institution, s/he should be cleared of any misconduct charges. Of course, don’t follow the institution’s policies if they are contradictory to the policies the nursing board puts out.
C.: But won’t it be hard to find another job?
d.: No. Nurses have been in high demand for many years, and the trend is that there will be a severe shortage of nurses in the next ten to fifteen years. If you’re a good nurse, there should be no problem finding employment.
c.: Okay, do you have any more suggestions about keeping oneself safe in the nursing practice?
d.: I do. One thing that almost always works in any situation is to treat the patients with respect. The patients at The Kennel appreciate that.
C.: But, it doesn’t always work. I know that from careful observation. And, as we agreed before, we don’t have the best correctional officers. It’s almost like a retirement home some days.
d.: That’s true. That’s when I rattle what’s in my pockets and convince the patients that I have expired scalpel blades in them to protect myself. That almost always works.
C.: So, what’s really in your pockets?
d.: Well, that’s all the time we have for today, folks. Please join us tomorrow for another episode of Cal.E.’s Korner.
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