Journal of Psychosocial Nursing and Mental Health Services
Vol. 47 No. 8 August 2009
Common Ground, Not a Battle Ground: Violence Prevention at a Detoxification Facility
Mary A. Adamson, RN, MS, CNS; Audrey A. Vincent, RN, BSN; and Jeff Cundiff, EMT-B
ABSTRACT
This article evaluates the results of a workplace violence prevention program implemented in a Colorado detoxification facility. The program interventions are modeled after federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration guidelines and use theories from both nursing and criminology for philosophy and direction. Serving as its own control, the detoxification facility shares data measured over a 4-year period, demonstrating a sharp decline in assault rates after program implementation. The importance of administrative controls, environmental adjustments, recordkeeping and evaluation, and education and training are emphasized as key components of success.
AUTHORS
Ms. Adamson is Charge Nurse (Night), and Ms. Vincent is Clinical Director, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver CARES Detox/DHMC, Denver, Colorado. Mr. Cundiff is a firefighter in Bennett, Colorado.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support. The authors thank David Becklund, MEd, for his help with editing.
Address correspondence to Mary A. Adamson, RN, MS, CNS, Charge Nurse (Night), Denver Health Medical Center, Denver CARES Detox/DHMC, 1155 Cherokee Street, Denver, CO 80204; e-mail: madamson@dhha.org.
doi:10.3928/02793695-20090706-01
Disorder or Delusion? Living with Morgellons Disease
Lindsay Simpson, RN, BSN; and Marjorie Baier, RN, PhD
ABSTRACT
Whether Morgellons disease is a delusional disorder or even a disease has been a mystery for more than 300 years. Symptoms of Morgellons include crawling and stinging sensations, feeling of “bugs” and/or fiber-like material beneath the skin, disabling fatigue, and memory loss. The cause, transmission, and treatment are unknown. Research about Morgellons is staggeringly sparse and limited in scope. However, in recent years, discussion about Morgellons has become more common because of the Internet and online support groups. Mental health professionals and the general public need to be aware of the signs, symptoms, and treatment of this disease. Focusing on the disease and listening to patients can make a difference in the way health care professionals provide the best possible care for people with Morgellons.
AUTHORS
Ms. Simpson is an RN, DePaul Health Center, Bridgeton, Missouri, and Dr. Baier is Associate Professor, School of Nursing, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Edwardsville, Illinois.
The authors disclose that they have no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity. The authors thank the Morgellons Research Foundation, especially Mary Leitao, Executive Director, for encouragement, contribution, and support.
Ms. Simpson thanks her friends and family, especially her parents, for their love and support, and Dr. Marjorie Baier, her co-author, whose mentoring, patience, and continuous encouragement have intrigued her passion for psychiatric nursing even more.
Address correspondence to Lindsay Simpson, RN, BSN, 23B Fox Meadow Lane, Glen Carbon, IL 62034; e-mail: lsimpso85@yahoo.com.
doi:10.3928/02793695-20090706-03
Treatment of Conversion Disorder: A Clinical and Holistic Approach
Sandra L. Tocchio, RN
ABSTRACT
Conversion disorder is rare, but when it affects a young woman on the verge of adulthood, it can be devastating. The intent of this article is to encourage others by describing the success that psychiatry and alternative medicine can offer to patients with conversion disorder and to emphasize the value of nursing as a part of that team. This article will explore the attitude change in both staff and patient that was needed to achieve the ultimate goal of wellness.
AUTHORS
Ms. Tocchio is a staff nurse, McLean Hospital SouthEast, Brockton, Massachusetts.
The author discloses that she has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support.
The author thanks Joan Kovach, APRN, BC, Nurse Manager, for her support and encouragement in writing this article. She also thanks all of the team members who helped with this patient’s recovery. The author also acknowledges the leadership of Jeffrey D. Rediger, MD, MDiv, Medical Director, for his vision and willingness to seek the best treatments for his patients and his concern and encouragement of his staff.
Teresa has given her permission for her story to be told.
Address correspondence to Sandra L. Tocchio, RN, 46 Pine Street, Hanover, MA 02339-1534; e-mail: santoch@aol.com.
doi:10.3928/02793695-20090706-0
