Are handguns allowed at work?

Nurses Professionalism

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I witnessed a nurse employed at our hospital showing a handgun she keeps in her locker to several reps Who were visiting in our department.

I am a little concerned and was wondering what the policy is on guns inside the hospital facility in the state of Mississippi. Can anyone advise me on what to do?

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Specializes in Gerontology RN-BC and FNP MSN student.

Why would someone be showing reps their hand gun?

That makes no sense whatsoever....

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Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

This is a workplace specific policy. Not a nursing specific, or related to BON regulations. Refer to your employee handbook.

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Why would someone be showing reps their hand gun?

That makes no sense whatsoever....

I wouldn't think that was allowed. Why can't they leave it in their car? Do they have a CHL? I honestly would talk to someone about that, but that's just me.

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Why are you concerned? You're in TEXAS!

Your facility has a policy regarding weapons. Read it.

If the nurse has a concealed pistol license, the issue could get complicated.

As for me, wherever I go...my weapon goes. I am smart enough to ... keep it concealed.

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I wouldn't think that was allowed. Why can't they leave it in their car? Do they have a CHL? I honestly would talk to someone about that, but that's just me.

Because.. leaving it their car makes it useless.

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My state allows people to carry anywhere except bars. Churches and private employers can decide on their own policies. This being said, my employer has a NO WEAPONS policy at work, so even with a carry/conceal license you could still be fired for having it on the property.

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I know that it is useless in the car. But why would you bring it in a hospital? Not a place for a weapon. You have security there and if you are nervous walking out to your car, have them walk you out. I have plenty of times. I am all for gun rights don't get me wrong, but not at a medical facility inside.

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My state allows people to carry anywhere except bars. Churches and private employers can decide on their own policies. This being said, my employer has a NO WEAPONS policy at work, so even with a carry/conceal license you could still be fired for having it on the property.

You betcha! Which why I follow my CPL licensure requirement.. and keep it CONCEALED.

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There was a discussion taking place in the lunch room about guns and she said she had one in her locker and "did they want to see it?". I think it was very unprofessional and quite frankly, a stupid thing to do. I am in Mississippi, not Texas. I am afraid to report her because if it the others found out it was me, they would make my life a living hell.

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Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

You should not violate company policy of one is in place. However as to why one would carry in a hospital. Consider the following

http://abcnews.go.com/US/shooting-inside-baltimores-johns-hopkins-hospital/story?id=11654462

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/07/24/shooting-wellness-center/13113555/

What most people don't understand, is that the decision to carry, generally means you carry all the time. If you made decision to be a concealed carry, than you basically assume you'll never know when you will, or will not need to make a decision to use lethal force. I do not carry, however I know many people who do. It's a mindset.

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Specializes in Home Health (PDN), Camp Nursing.

I think the decision you have to make here is do you want to report a coworker for a violation of company policy. So long as you didn't feel unsafe, then all you would have to decide what other policy violations you would and would not report a coworker for and feel out where this violation rests on the spectrum for you.

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