The hospital I work at recently instituted this policy for inpatient-all patient rooms are locked from 9am-9pm and patients must be in the milieu. They have to request the door be unlocked to use the bathroom and then be locked again afterwards. This applies to all patients, including those detoxing from alcohol/drugs and patients with medical concerns (ie patient with back pain needs to lay down periodically). Any exceptions must have a doctors order and a 1:1.

This is insane to me and I’ve never worked anywhere with a similar policy. Being on a psych unit can already be a dehumanizing experience and we’re now taking away the ability to lay down and nap or use the bathroom freely?? The milieu has uncomfortable chairs and 1 shared TV for all the patients. So many staff have tried to advocate against this but management isn’t budging. Has anyone ever worked somewhere with a similar policy?