Bringing kids/hubby to work with you?

caliotter3 · May 27, 2012

I wouldn't recommend this.

amoLucia · May 27, 2012

As caliotter said --- not a good idea. My reasoning is I would think liability issues. You're probably getting mileage reimbursement. If they were to be injured in the car (while on the road and/or parked), they most likely WOULD NOT be covered by your employer or your carrier. And just FYI - have you checked with your own auto insurance carrier re: your coverage when using your car for work-related travel??? You may need special coverage.

KateRN1 · May 27, 2012

I don't think there are any laws against it, but certainly most agencies have policies against it and for good reason, such as those described above. Think of any other practice environment--would you take your family with you? Why would you think home health is any different?

JustBeachyNurse, LPN · May 27, 2012

If you were working in a hospital that you split your time between two sites would you keep your children/spouse in the vehicle? If you floated between floors would you bring your family with you and have the hang out in the various lounges while you worked? My agency has a specific policy against this behavior whether doing shift bork or intermittent visits, caught and there is no second chance.

Not a wise choice.

threebrats46 · May 27, 2012

I def see everyone's point. My main concern is that I get sent out to extremely rough neighborhoods and they do not provide escorts. I had my hubby escort me a few times. I know many RNs who do this as well but always wondering if it was legal. My agency doesnt have a policy against it but no I didnt outright tell them either.

I dont get mileage either bc I am per diem. Thanks for everyone's response! I also didnt know I would need special insurance for my vehicle..I will look into it,I am assuming it's going to cost me an arm and leg lol.

threebrats46 · May 27, 2012

Oh and I want to point out bc I am per diem I get sent out to admissions late evenings too up to 10pm the latest. I really hate taking the late cases bc I do get frightened but I need them money and am afraid if I start declining they will stop calling me. One time I was sent 2 hours out of my way into an extremely bad neighbor hood at 8pm,it takes 2 hours max to admit a pt. My dad came with me to that one and I thank goodness bc there was about 5 drunk men downstairs in the building,the elevator had urine everywhere. So what are some suggestions for cases like that?

Patti_RN · May 27, 2012

Your additional information gives me even more worry... you'd leave your kids in the car at 10PM in an unsafe neighborhood?

Erikadawn RN · May 27, 2012

Didn't she state her husband was with her? Sheesh, if it's a dangerous place, believe me my husband is going too. People don't care if your a nurse, nurses can get hurt and robbed too.

sharpeimom · May 27, 2012

i wouldn't do it. several years ago, when i did volunteer work for the ywca's domestic violence shelter, my volunteer partner and i were sent out to get a woman and her three little kids and deliver them to a family violence shelter.

the y's "buddy" system had worked well since the mid-sixties. not. that. night.

we were ambushed by the husband's family. we were in the locked jeep when they suddenly materialized seemingly from everywhere. they surrounded the jeep and rocked it back and forth as i tried to peal out

of there. my partner kept trying to call the state police but it took awhile because we live in mountainous

hilly country.

we got away because i finally almost ran over one guy's foot.

i was waaay beyond terrified and so was everyone else in the car except the sleeping baby.

moral: don't do it for many reasons but especially safety.

RNGriffin · May 27, 2012

This is illegal and a HIPAA Violation! You are essentially sharing personal information(addresses and patients demographic). You should seriously consider yourself lucky no patient hasn't complained about this or invited your family members inside, then later had a conversation with your coordinator to discuss how great your family is.

If you only have one means of transportation, work around this in some way!!!

RNGriffin · May 27, 2012

Don't look at all other nurses performance. You are only responsible for your license. Therefore, if you feel the neighborhood isn't safe enough to travel alone, request a time change. If the time change is not possible, you may have to switch that case with another nurse who is experienced in traveling to impoverished neighborhoods.