Guest guest Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 , Just a suggestion.....consider using any felt tip markers instead of pencils. They are less likely to pierce skin or contribute to serious self injury. They also won't require a sharpener. It is difficult to predict behaviors of in-patient populations. Good luck. Judith Levy, LCAT, LMFT, LP, ATR-BC 420 E. 72nd St. NYC, N.Y. -------------- Original message from Kelley Linhardt : -------------- Hello NYCCAT: A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 What is your concern about pencil safety? I use pencils with children all the time.Hello NYCCAT:A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. Thanks,Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 I currently provide services for individuals diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness and I have never had any problems with providing them with pencils. If you have a concern, which you really shouldn't, incorporate and educational segment into your group demonstrating the proper use of pencils. Hello NYCCAT: A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 I treated a boy who did in fact stab other children and adults with pencils and did kill his cat with one. Your instincts are right to be concerned regarding inpatient treatment, pencils and safety. Michele Amendolari MA, ATR-BC, LCAT Hello NYCCAT: A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Although I don't know where to find them, special small flexible pens are available. They have been used inside the max prisons. I have seen them in prisons I have worked in. They are supposed to be safer because they bend under the slight pressure. I have used them and the flexible and the small size can be annoying and takes a bit of getting used to. If you feel concerned about supplying regular pens or pencils, these may be an option. Here is a tongue-in-cheek article that actually has a link to where one can purchase these pens. http://news.cnet.com/8301-17938_105-9692352-1.html However, at $10 each, I doubt any Dept of Correction is paying that much. Maybe try calling prisons to request more information about this. Good Luck. To: NYCCAT From: artkozak1@...Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:30:45 -0800Subject: Re: pencils safe for psychiatric patients I currently provide services for individuals diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness and I have never had any problems with providing them with pencils. If you have a concern, which you really shouldn't, incorporate and educational segment into your group demonstrating the proper use of pencils. Hello NYCCAT: A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC See how Windows connects the people, information, and fun that are part of your life. See Now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Hi may I suggest offering oil pastels as an alternative for your patients to use independently. That way you'll sleep better! Mia Barkan e Sent via BlackBerry by AT & T Re: pencils safe for psychiatric patients , Just a suggestion.....consider using any felt tip markers instead of pencils. They are less likely to pierce skin or contribute to serious self injury. They also won't require a sharpener. It is difficult to predict behaviors of in-patient populations. Good luck. Judith Levy, LCAT, LMFT, LP, ATR-BC 420 E. 72nd St. NYC, N.Y. -------------- Original message from Kelley Linhardt : -------------- Hello NYCCAT: A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 I am aware of an woman who stabbed herself with a pencil and another woman who rubbed her skin raw with the eraser; scars remained. Both were inpatient at the time. If you are working with folks who self-harm, some will find most any way to self-injure. Gretch Sando, ATR-BC, LCAT On Thu, 19 Feb 2009 07:40:11 -0800 (PST) Michele Amendolari wrote: > I treated a boy who did in fact stab other children and adults with > pencils and did kill his cat with one. > > Your instincts are right to be concerned regarding inpatient > treatment, pencils and safety. > > Michele Amendolari MA, ATR-BC, LCAT > > > > > > > > > Hello NYCCAT: > A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute > inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources > where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be > realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not > judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. > Thanks, > Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > IMPORTANT NOTICE: This e-mail is meant only for the use of the intended recipient. It may contain confidential information which is legally privileged or otherwise protected by law. If you received this e-mail in error or from someone who was not authorized to send it to you, you are strictly prohibited from reviewing, using, disseminating, distributing or copying the e-mail. PLEASE NOTIFY US IMMEDIATELY OF THE ERROR BY RETURN E-MAIL AND DELETE THIS MESSAGE FROM YOUR SYSTEM. Thank you for your cooperation. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 I think Mia & Judith have some good suggestions, as this is a valid safety concern on an inpatient unit.. Soft Pastel pencils, may also be an additonal option to consider....... Re: pencils safe for psychiatric patients I currently provide services for individuals diagnosed with a severe and persistent mental illness and I have never had any problems with providing them with pencils. If you have a concern, which you really shouldn't, incorporate and educational segment into your group demonstrating the proper use of pencils. Hello NYCCAT: A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC A Good Credit Score is 700 or Above. See yours in just 2 easy steps! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Kelley,I worked with inpatient children and adolescents and this was always a concern. Before and after group sessions, I always counted my pencils to make sure no patient took one. They were only allowed to use them during structured group with supervision. A fellow staff member was stabbed with a pen, and adolescents had stolen pencils in the past to cut themselves with the metal that held the eraser. You can NEVER be too cautious on an in-patient unit. Always yield on the side of safety. SchwarzTo: NYCCAT From: drw4me@...Date: Thu, 19 Feb 2009 14:38:43 +0000Subject: Re: pencils safe for psychiatric patients , Just a suggestion.....consider using any felt tip markers instead of pencils. They are less likely to pierce skin or contribute to serious self injury. They also won't require a sharpener. It is difficult to predict behaviors of in-patient populations. Good luck. Judith Levy, LCAT, LMFT, LP, ATR-BC 420 E. 72nd St. NYC, N.Y. -------------- Original message from Kelley Linhardt : -------------- Hello NYCCAT: A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC Want to do more with Windows Live? Learn “10 hidden secrets” from . Learn Now Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 We use the small miniature golf pencils on our psych units because a previous patient stabbed a dr. in the ear w/ a regular pencil. I will give the pts., crayola markers (fat ones) as they are not sharp and wash off the walls w/ soap and water; pencils and crayons do not. Subject: pencils safe for psychiatric patientsTo: NYCCAT Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 8:56 AM Hello NYCCAT: A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 I understand the concern, but I do end up using regular pencils. Another option is golf pencils, kind of too short for really effective stabbing and without the metal at the end that could be removed and potentially used for cutting. Subject: pencils safe for psychiatric patientsTo: NYCCAT Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 8:56 AM Hello NYCCAT: A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. Thanks, Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Hey Kelley, You might try woodless pencils if you are looking for something erasable. You can get them at the art supply store near the drawing pencils. They might be a little thick for writing, but there is no metal or wood. It might not be ideal, but they can be sharpened enough just by rubbing the side of the pencil on the paper. If you broke them in half they would be pretty safe. Best, pencils safe for psychiatric patients > To: NYCCAT > Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 8:56 AM > > > > > > > > Hello NYCCAT: > A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute > inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where > I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be > realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not > judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. > Thanks, > Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 19, 2009 Report Share Posted February 19, 2009 Just a quick side note regarding giving patients markers vs. pencils. We once discovered that a pt was given markers to use in his room unsupervised and later discovered that the pt put a marker in his anus. I do not allow pts to have anything unsupervised with the exception of golf pencils. However, having said this, I have never had such an experience like this before or after this particular incident. Atwood, MA, LCAT, MT-BC, CGP Psychotherapist Licensed Creative Arts Therapist Board Certified Music Therapist Certified Group Psychotherapist www.MindBodyMusic.net pencils safe for psychiatric patients > > To: NYCCAT > > Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 8:56 AM > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Hello NYCCAT: > > A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute > > inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources > where > > I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be > > realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not > > > judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. > > Thanks, > > Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2009 Report Share Posted February 20, 2009 Hello All, THanks for everyone's ideas about the pencils. I am enjoying this conversation about materials. What's so special about golf pencils? I believe you could put one in one's anus or stab someone with them. I am a dance/movement therapist in private practice, and often work with drawing materials, so I am interested in following this discussion. For drawing I tend to use markers, oil pastels, charcoal, or crayons, regular or super fat for kids. I suppose in a hospital setting, almost anything is possible to use for some abusive purpose to self or others. I've been wondering for some time how to safely use fingerpaints, even in a private practice setting, without ending up with a huge mess - thrown paint comes to my mind. ( My space has a carpeted floor.) Maybe it has to be used in a space where a water based clean-up of EVERYTHING is easy. THanks again to all for their input and ideas. Best, Vitalah Simon, ADTR, LCAT Re: pencils safe for psychiatric patients > >Just a quick side note regarding giving patients markers vs. pencils. We once discovered that a pt was given markers to use in his room unsupervised and later discovered that the pt put a marker in his anus. > >I do not allow pts to have anything unsupervised with the exception of golf pencils. However, having said this, I have never had such an experience like this before or after this particular incident. > > Atwood, MA, LCAT, MT-BC, CGP > >Psychotherapist >Licensed Creative Arts Therapist >Board Certified Music Therapist >Certified Group Psychotherapist > >www.MindBodyMusic.net > > > pencils safe for psychiatric patients >> > To: NYCCAT >> > Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 8:56 AM >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Hello NYCCAT: >> > A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute >> > inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources >> where >> > I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be >> > realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not >> >> > judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. >> > Thanks, >> > Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2009 Report Share Posted February 20, 2009 One thing to consider regardless of the art tools used is that if there is a real concern with a patient using them then you should get the psychiatrist to write an order allowing the use of such tools. That way the doctor, and hopefully the treatment team, would be aware of what you're doing. Plus it would probably get you off the hook if something were to happen. Walters LCAT-ATR > > Hello NYCCAT: > A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient > unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order > pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for > patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault > risk), I'd appreciate it. > Thanks, > Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2009 Report Share Posted February 20, 2009 Markers... patients in psych setting will swallow them. It does a real number on them too. I really love those peeling crayon pencils. I think in the catalogue they are listed as crayons, you could also get grease pencils. Stay away from the charcoal, the noise would drive you nuts. For journaling the golf pencil might be the least frustrating for them. > > Hello NYCCAT: > A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient > unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order > pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for > patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault > risk), I'd appreciate it. > Thanks, > Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 20, 2009 Report Share Posted February 20, 2009 it's only that golf pencils are short, and this makes it harder to grip them as one would have to in order to use them as a stabbing weapon it's true, if there is a will, there is a way...one can make weapons of many things >> > >> > From: Kelley Linhardt <kelleylinhardt@ gmail.com>>> > Subject: pencils safe for psychiatric patients>> > To: NYCCATyahoogroups (DOT) com>> > Date: Thursday, February 19, 2009, 8:56 AM>> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Hello NYCCAT:>> > A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute >> > inpatient unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources >> where >> > I could order pencils or other writing utensils that would be >> > realitively safe for patients to use independently (if they are not >> >> > judged a suicide or assault risk), I'd appreciate it. >> > Thanks,>> > Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC>> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > >> > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2009 Report Share Posted February 21, 2009 Hello Kelley and NYCCAT members, I noticed that so many people responded to Kelley's questions, which I found very important. I have been working for adult psychiatric inpatients for a while. Thus Kelley's question is not foreign to me. My experience resonate with some of your responses as well. There are few things that I consider when I pick art materials for acute, psychotic patients with unpredictable behavior. Of course we can not work with them unless their doctor believes that person is ready for therapeutic activities and treatment. It may depend on where you work. 1. How many people in your group or individual? 2. Functioning level of the person in your group, individual session? 3. Is there any system for calling for assistance? Do you work with another staff member or assistant? 4. Combination of group members. (What kind of unpredictable behavior may happen?) 5. Facility policy on safety. (Only use of nontoxic materials ...) 6. What material you find comfortable to use? 7. My ultimate suggestion is just use paper, which people might swallow, or get paper cut but less hazardous comparing traditional art materials. etc. I found it useful to use Origami as a tool for my patients which may not suit you and your population. It seems, touching colorful paper has soothing effect also. If only you know how to fold origami and you are comfortable presenting... Hope it helps, toshiko > > Hello NYCCAT: > A quick question: I'm starting a journaling program on an acute inpatient > unit and was wondering if anyone knew of any resources where I could order > pencils or other writing utensils that would be realitively safe for > patients to use independently (if they are not judged a suicide or assault > risk), I'd appreciate it. > Thanks, > Kelley Linhardt, LCAT ATR-BC > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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