[doodlemom]

My significant other and myself were pondering the question of how hospice workers get around in big cities. Do they drive, take the subway, a cab maybe? I would think on-call would be a bear. Just a thought....

[Suesquatch]

Well, I'm a student nurse but I lived in NYC for the first 51 of my 52 years.

How they get around would depend on which borough they're working in. For example, a Staten Islander would need a car. A Manhattanite wouldn't even think about anything other than foot, subway, and bus.

[aimeee]

Interesting question...but that would severely limit the amount of supplies you could carry with you.

[caroladybelle]

From what I was told by a HHC nurse in Manhattan.

They are allotted a certain number of blocks and the patients therein.

Given that, I routinely walked to and from work, with my backpack, from 39th to 69th on a regular basis, not unusual.

As far as the bus/subway, a monthly pass with unlimited rides runs (or did in 2004) about $79.00. That is a bargain compared to cabbing it or trying to pay for parking in Manhattan.

Considering the number of people in some of the larger buildings, especially those in "elderly" areas, it might not take more than a couple of buildings.

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Not that this is a good comparison, but I lived in a relatively small building next to several tall towers. The local doggie day care came by to pick up its charges in the morning. I swear to you - one building - They must have had twenty or thirty dogs that they were loading up on each run.

[doodlemom]

Originally Posted by aimeee

Interesting question...but that would severely limit the amount of supplies you could carry with you.

That's kinda what I'm wondering...how could they possibly carry all the supplies needed? Can you see someone carrying diapers and chux on the subway? You can't run back to your car for that extra foley. Wow, it just seems like it would be hard to practice, doesn't it?

[caroladybelle]

Please remember that 24 hour pharmacies and/or delivery services are more prevalant.

A layperson can order refills of meds and have them delivered to the door within an hour.

My favorite conundrum solved, was as a country girl, I was used to going to the grocery store and loading up. Easy to do with a car, impossible without. The local Gristede's/D'Agostino's though had very cheap delivery rates, and groceries showed up wthin 90 minutes and saved me from killing myself lugging them home.

I would expect that maybe it might be the same with invalid services/supplies.

[saribeth]

When you are on call, how long does it take to get to the pts apt and what about pronouncing someone???? I never even gave it a thought..yes visiting nurses in cities do have some challenges but I am sure that it all works out really well...hope those elevators are working in most of the buildings('specially when the pt is on the 87th floor!!!)