r/nursing • u/strawbqu • 3d ago

Nursing Hacks Verbal approach to involuntary psych patients

I am a newer ER RN in Canada, I’m looking for advice on approaching patients that are placed on an involuntary hold. Specifically with approaching an individual with restraining and chemical sedation (I know.. seems brutal but if you know you know. I’m not sure if this is legally relevant in all countries but it’s how we do it here). I find it difficult particularly with paranoid and manic patients. What is your spiel for the reasoning of the intervention, when you especially know they need it and they are refusing (and ultimately will have no choice but to take the medication and/or be restrained)

I tend to start off with the fact that the doctor needs them to take sedation.. if they are compliant they will not need to be restrained etc..

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u/Nurseytypechick 3d ago

"Your behavior is not safe for you and everyone else. If you are not able to show safe behavior, we will need to give you injected meds and place you in restraints until you are able to safely regain control of your actions.

This is to keep you safe. You are not being punished. You are not in jail. Once you are able to be safe again we will get you out of these restraints."

Less words if less decisional capacity but maintaining calm statements and giving info and reassurance

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u/strawbqu 3d ago

Absolutely amazing, I will be using this. Thank you for your advice!