VIOLENCE
(continued from page 11)
due to either gunshot wounds or stabbings. Many of the violent
crime patients end up with a tracheostomy and work with our
pulmonary therapists to be able to have it removed. Some patients
do go home with a tracheostomy and the family has to be educated
on the management.
Our nursing staff of course works around the clock to take care
of the multiple needs of patients. As many of the patients are under
an alias and have restrictions on visitors, they have to also moni-
tor that in conjunction with the medical needs of the patient. The
nurses provide the front line care and deal with many challenging
family situations.
With this patient population, some of the hardest challenges
are faced by our psychologists and discharge planners. Our goal is
to return the patient home to a safe environment. Sometimes that
is not a guaranteed option. We would like to have family that will
come in and train to learn how to manage their needs. These pa-