PRTF Specific
what are "snaps" or "checks".
Provide an example
this is the process of helping a client who is upset or agitated regain better control of their emotions.
what is de-escalation?
this can influence how a child reacts to stressors, smells, conflicts with others, and day to day things like sleeping.
what are triggers?
when calling into your shift, you should follow these steps to ensure you are following the policy:
1. at least 2 hours before your shift, contact the oncall supervisor
2. contact at least 3 people to find coverage for your shift
3. ask the oncall supervisor if there are any open shifts for later in the week to make up your hours
when a client moves from one area of the facility to another, the staff should be doing this:
updating the status board
name one thing that clients on the PRTF are NEVER allowed to have in their bedrooms
hard plastic, string, their golf pencils, cardboard..etc
when approaching a client who is escalated, staff can help them regain control of their emotions by remaining calm, speaking to the client in very few words and modeling deep breathing is considered this specific skill.
what is co-regulation
a client who is struggling to follow directives, making unnecessary comments or using coping skills that aren't considered "healthy" may be attempting to communicate this:
an unmet need.
staff should not touch the clients in anyway, other than using:
(not including a side hug)
an SCM approved restraint or hold
before taking a client away from the group, the staff taking them needs to do this
update the status board.
yes, its that important its on here twice.
this is the only thing that is required of the clients before getting their level one on the PRTF
keeping themselves and the unit safe.
(including no self harm or suicide watches)
name at least 2 things staff should never do with a client who is escalated
yell or speak loudly, threaten client with consequences, arguing with the client, proving to the client that they were "wrong"
staff should focus on the behavior of the client and what need they are attempting to get met instead of labeling the client as this:
manipulative or "bad"
you notice that a client may be doing something to themselves that could cause physical harm to the client (scratching themselves, pinching themselves, holding their breath, etc.) what is the protocol on what to do next?
place the client on self harm watch, tell the supervisor in the building, call the on call counselor and on call nurse, and then complete an IR.
if a client punches the walls, even without leaving damage, what is the protocol for this behavior?
client must be placed on self harm watch and learning opportunity. this is to hopefully stop them from doing it again.
name at least 2 things that should never be left out in the open in the group area on PRTF
hygiene cabinets (lots of contraband in there), cords of any kind, blankets, dirty laundry and towels.
this is the term used when staff and a client become locked into a conflict by trying to control the outcome, prove they are right or have the last word.
what is "power struggling"
what should staff ask the client to help get to the bottom of the behavior?
what happened? what do you need right now? how can i help you?
staff should never use this type of language or communication style with the clients, even when frustrated or upset:
this is the time MAX allotted before staff must check on the clients physical, mental and emotional wellbeing
15 minutes at the max.
Best practice is every 10 minutes
a client is refusing to transition with the rest of the group. what should staff do instead of demanding the client follow staff directives?
staff should ask why the client is struggling, offer to help by asking if the client needs to talk then giving a time prompt. if the client is still refusing to transition, then allow them to make a choice between transitioning with the unit or getting consequences. If the client chooses consequences, allow them space and time to process.
when a client makes a poor choice, staff should support accountability by helping the client understand this:
the impact of their behavior on themselves and others so they can make a better choice the next time.
rewarding clients with special treatment or rewards that other clients are not getting shows this to the other clients:
inconsistency in programming, or favoritism. this can also lead into poor professional boundaries with the clients
this should be done each time before the client enters the unit each time
for PRTF they must also do their pocket checks