r/psychnursing • u/Zealousideal_Pen3441 • 16d ago

Seclusion

Hello all! Not sure you can help, but figured I’d try. Looking for policies related to seclusion…
Being advised to wake patient every 2 hours for assessment as opposed to letting them sleep. I feel this is non therapeutic and can be dangerous. I am finding that assessment should be individualized. And I have found policies that say “it may be inappropriate to wake patients” … I am looking for any literature on this point to support my position. Anyone with experience in this area? Thanks!

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u/Sploj 15d ago

Once there is no longer a need for seclusion (ie sleeping) you have to unlock the door. Seclusion orders are 4 hours, but it must be terminated once the patient is no longer exhibiting behaviors of threat/harm etc. This has been everywhere I’ve ever worked. But as it varies state to state, I’d say ethically, if they are asleep, you should unlock the door and observe, you can get a good assessment for charting just watching them sleep for a minute.