Keywords

escort procedures for committed patients, fresh air requirements, locked inpatient acute psychiatric unit, medical comorbidities, therapeutic psychiatric environment, unit culture

 

Authors

  1. Weiss, Lizabeth M. MSN, RN, CNA, BC
  2. Delia, Linda L. MS, MSN, RN, FNP

Abstract

This article describes the transformation of a unit culture within a federal hospital inpatient psychiatric unit. A change from a 30-bed inpatient acute psychiatric unit to a locked acute psychiatric unit with a diversified complex mix of inpatients including management of medical comorbidities required a considerable effort. Extensive reorganization and changes were made through staff education, training and evaluation, unit policy and procedure revision, and unit physical reconstruction for safety and aesthetics. Issues and ongoing challenges are described.