Cna/Chha
Inmates have a more extreme experience of disabilities along with mental and physical health needs than society as a whole because they are in this intense prison environment.All acquired people skills are used to assist Inmate Patients in their medical or psychiatric recovery/treatment in addition to regular CNA activities. Therefore, mediator and mentor skills are used to understand and work with this population to the best of my ability. It is necessary to be very direct when speaking with this population. I document Inmate Patient activities every 15 minutes within an 8 hour shift, (called Rounds), when on Suicide Precautions; I also, perform one on one Suicide Watches in the various prison blocks. I maintain MARs on each Inmate Patient and file that information routinely and other clerical duties as needed; use Military Time; and have worked in Prison Treatment Rooms and TTA. Work closely with RNs and COs, (Custody Officers), to facilitate Inmate Patient needs including serving food. Sometimes I deliver medication within the prison when there is a discharge; flexibility is a must – meaning duties can quickly change along with location of same and with double shifts.This position requires continuous awareness of surroundings/situations (as there are times when one is exposed to the General Population in any yard without COs present and at work positions when Porters/Trustees are present). Pleasant attitude, maturity and an abundance of patience along with confidentiality regarding information as within any hospital/psychiatric ward is a must. Additionally, confidentiality regarding personal information is an obvious precaution. One needs to adopt a mindset of being insensitive to Inmate criticism and all that happens and is seen in this environment.