Is there any situation where it would be okay for me to run out of the room screaming?
Although it is not recommended, here are some times when I think it would be appropriate:1) When another volunteer turns into a zombie and starts eating brains
2) When Thanos and his army enters the crisis room through a large hole from a different dimension.
As crisis counselors, we are trained to be cool and collected no matter the situation.
If the person asks for clinic hours do we still ask for all the information? Where do we log the call?
We must always gather contact information, no matter the presenting situation. If the caller declines to give their name and says, "I'll just call back at 8am" then we don't have to continue to ask. Log the call as Non Urgent Night Watch and check the box, "Counselor asked the caller for contact information and the caller declined to give some of the that information.”What are available options for when a person needs medication before the next business hours?
A common concern is when a client runs out of medication for the night. There are a few things you need to assess and a few options for the caller:Assess if the caller has enough meds for the night. If she does, then let the caller know her meds can be dealt with in the morning when the business office is open. If caller has run out of meds check to see how long the caller has been without meds. Does the caller feels safe getting through the night without their meds and have the caller been in this situation before.
- “I am not able to fill your prescription at this time, and there is no one who can go to your house. If you need meds tonight, you can go to the nearest hospital to get emergency medication.”
- “How long have you been without meds?”
- “How are you feeling tonight?”
- “Have you been without your meds before? What was it like? Do you think you will be able to get through the night?”
Sometimes, a pharmacist can give emergency medication if they have a relationship with the caller. Remember, most pharmacists are going to be closed in the evening and may have limited hours on the weekends. The name and the phone number of the pharmacist should be on the prescription bottle.
Help the caller problem-solve ways of staying safe for the night, or ways of getting herself to the hospital.
- “What will help you get through the night?”
- “Is there anyone who can drive you to the hospital?”
- "Have you tried calling your pharmacist?"
Where do I log third party callers? Often times, third party callers are not forthcoming with contact information.
For non-crisis/non-urgent third party callers, I would the Non Urgent NightWatch Button. If they give their name and phone number, fill that out on the form. There is a place on the form called "Client Name" and "Client Date of Birth" where you enter information for the person needed services.If they decline to give contact information, that is okay. check the box that says, ""Counselor asked the caller for contact information and the caller declined to give some of the that information.”
