Advocating for personal safety in home hospice

[Juniper369]

Lately I have begun to feel uncomfortable with some of the situations I have been placed in home hospice. Our company takes on very difficult patients, active meth users and other substance users with known violent family members and in very rough sides of town. I want to help but when I've been called out to make visits by myself all alone at night I have at times, been scared for my life and safety. I am a young woman and not to mention the meth smoke makes me feel physically sick. Is this a common feeling with home hospice? I love my job but miss at least, having a team nearby and a somewhat controlled environment. 

[Cal RN, BSN, RN]

In home health, there's a lot of things that aren't in your control ( the neighborhood, what activities they do in their home, who's there etc…). Are you able to choose which patients you are going to see? Switch to dayshift? No one should feel scared for their life while working. If you feel that way , I would consider looking for another job or a different company that covers a different city. I worked for a home health company that was only day shift, but it wasn't hospice. 

When it comes to leaving a position, there's no obligation to stay. If it isn't for you, it's OK to leave and that's okay. You will be happier and find the right fit for you. 

[Missnurse28]

I did home health for many years but most of my shifts were day shifts. Follow your gut if the night shift isn't safe for you switch to the day shift then or find another alternative that works best for you. Your safety is very important. Hope this helps a little. I wish you the best. ?

[Juniper369]

Cal RN said:

In home health, there's a lot of things that aren't in your control ( the neighborhood, what activities they do in their home, who's there etc…). Are you able to choose which patients you are going to see? Switch to dayshift? No one should feel scared for their life while working. If you feel that way , I would consider looking for another job or a different company that covers a different city. I worked for a home health company that was only day shift, but it wasn't hospice. 

When it comes to leaving a position, there's no obligation to stay. If it isn't for you, it's OK to leave and that's okay. You will be happier and find the right fit for you. 

Yes I do work day shift. But we occasionally have to take on call hours and if we get called out it could be at any hour.

[FMRNBSN]

Get out. It's not worth it.
I have been in similar situations. One agency I worked for briefly started to provide a security escort at night, then decided they didn't want to spend the money. I went into areas where most nurses refused to go. I've been in homes with drug activity and where deals were happening.
The agency you work for needs to be concerned for your safety. Often, it's all about the almighty $$.
One of the nurses I worked with was abducted and harmed by drug dealers who were associated with a patient's grandson. 
It was awful!
If you want to stay in hospice, try to find a position at an inpatient facility. If you like home visits, pick and choose where you go.
I know you can't always pick and choose if you are full-time.
You can if you are PRN or independent.

[hospice_nurse]

I am a over night runner (home hospice emergency on call nurse). If I get called to a unsafe location I request day shift see them in the day time. I will not put my life in harms way for any job.