Policy Manual sample

MDT Home Health Care Agency, Inc. 6. Consider appropriate ways to frame questions about domestic violence. During the physical assessment, the home health nurse may say, “Since domestic violence is so common in women’s lives, I routinely ask all mypatients about it. Has your partner ever hit you or physically hurt you?” Another question is “Has your partner ever threatened you with physical harm either by words or actions?” If the nurse is uncomfortable asking direct questions, she or he may say, “Every couple has disagreements or arguments. What are these like in your home? Do these disagreements ever become physical? Are you afraid of your partner? Does your partner ever force you to have sex?” 7. Be alert to the patient’s body language as well as her words when she responds to questions or comments about abuse or domestic violence. 8. Instruct the patient to call the police if she feels threatened by her partner (this intervention may save her life). 9. Instruct the patient to create a safe place in the home where she can barricade herself and in which she has access to a phone (ask her to think about getting a cellular phone). 10. Assist the patient to develop a safety plan. 11. Instruct the patient to not announce her intentions to leave before a safety plan is in place . . . then just leave. 12. Encourage treatment (individual or group) for the household (victim, children, and her partner). 13. Consider leaving the batterer a neutral letter only after the patient has told her partner that she has notified you of the “problems.” Ask whether he would like to speak with you. 14. Teach relaxation and meditation techniques to households who can use them to reduce tensions. 15. Work with the patient on improving her self-esteem. Help her to realize that she is not to blame or responsible for her partner’s behavior. 16. Continue to offer support and be available to the woman and encourage her to take care of herself and her children. Foster and promote the woman’s decision-making. OTHER CONSIDERATIONS Without specific education and special training, home health nurses are not expected to provide intervention for domestic violence beyond assessment/identification and referral to social services for follow-up. Keep in mind that your role is to support, stay neutral, and link the household up with the appropriate resources if possible. During this time it is important to offer caring and a willingness to assist the woman in locating help. The nurse’s role is not to be a rescuer but a facilitator. Violence is addictive for the batterer and the victim. Be aware that identification and acknowledgment of this life-threatening health problem is the first step toward health and recovery for the victim. Follow local ordinances to report actual or suspected child abuse. The National Domestic Violence hot line is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The number (800) 799-SAFE. L-53 Home Health Agency Client Assessments