Bringing kids/hubby to work with you?

luv-of-kids · May 30, 2012

Unfortunately this is one of the down sides of home health care. Sometimes beautiful upscale neighborhoods (which doesn't make them safe btw) and sometimes known bad neighborhoods. I have one case in one of the roughest parts of the city, I try to stay aware of my surroundings at all times. I look around before I unlock and get out of my car, keep my keys in my hand to use as a weapon if needed, cell phone in pocket in case my purse gets snatched I have my phone. Also, PEPPERSPRAY!!!

threebrats46 · May 30, 2012

Again I want to bring up I dont bring my kids. The reason I brought that in the topic is bc two other home care nurses I know bring theirs. We were all discussing this together and I mentioned I brought my dad or husband a couple of times. They said their agencies were aware and okay with it but mine has no policy.

@ Patti_RN...I totally agree with what you are saying. I have thought out scenarios and imagine the front page on the news the next morning with me in it..lol but not so funny. Just trying to think of a way to keep safe. One of my fellow RNs basically said "you can always find another job,but your kids/hubby will never find another mom." That kind of put it into perspective for me.

@luv-of-kidsAlso another thing is I dont carry my purse,do you all put your wallets in your nursing bag? Pepper spray isnt legal here.

Are nurses allowed to carry anything?

threebrats46 · May 30, 2012

I know we have to look out for the patients,and I love my patients but who is looking out for nurses?

Apparently we don't use police bc of HIPPA reasons too. However suppose I am at a patient's home and patient attacks me,I still have to call 911 and break HIPPA?? ( and no I dont intend to bring my kids/husband/grandmother/mother..into the patient's home,Im just trying to make a point) Like the Kennedy case who pushed the nurses out of the elevator,he complained they broke HIPPA laws by getting it out on the news?

threebrats46 · May 30, 2012

Unfortunately this is one of the down sides of home health care. Sometimes beautiful upscale neighborhoods (which doesn't make them safe btw) and sometimes known bad neighborhoods. I have one case in one of the roughest parts of the city, I try to stay aware of my surroundings at all times. I look around before I unlock and get out of my car, keep my keys in my hand to use as a weapon if needed, cell phone in pocket in case my purse gets snatched I have my phone. Also, PEPPERSPRAY!!!

Great tips about the keys in hand and keeping cell phone in your hand!

caliotter3 · May 30, 2012

I fended off a road rage participant by visibly and deliberately bringing my cell phone to my ear one time. They stopped, then turned around and went back to their car. I still had to deal with them on the highway for about 30 or 40 miles, but the altercation with both cars stopped in the middle of a freeway at night didn't continue. I also had another little night time encounter when I brought my "friend" into view of a man who was getting too close when following me at night. Little did he know how little experience I have in using my "friend"! Always in my pocket at night.

Patti_RN · May 30, 2012

I'd be careful about carrying pepper spray, even if it is legal. I had a summer job in college going house-to-house; we were given a mild pepper spray to deal with dogs on our routes. I had to use it several times to avoid being bitten. A slight breeze would blow it back and I'd be chocking. Unlike barking dogs that are guarding the gas meter, you have no warning with bad-intentioned people. You can't tell them,"just a sec, while I get out my mace...." they could think you're reaching for a gun and pull out their own. if you really feel unsafe, talk to your supervisor about changes, or get another job. As you said, it's not worth risking your life--your husband and kids would never recover from losing you.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 30, 2012

Ok just to clarify...I have and would never bring my children with me to an unsafe area! I added that bc when speaking to my fellow RNs they mentioned it was perfectly ok to do so and they do it all the time. My kids are my life and so that is def a no go for me. I have family members watching them. I posted this to get more information. I was wondering about the HIPPA as well. I really love working for my agency but the non escort factor is a bit nerve wracking. Switching cases to a diff time doesn't work bc those are the times they need the per diems. I am loving the job itself..really learning a lot but the safety factor is always in the back of my head. Should I say something? What can I say?

The frustrating thing about HIPAA (not HIPPA) are the interpretations of the law. Someone's address is public information. The distribution of protected healthcare information is on a need to know basis. If you had to take a cab to the patients home you are not releasing any PHI....the driver need to know the address to get you there. I would limit this to the car only. DO not allow them to enter the home even if invited.

There is not much you can do about the location of the patients other than find an agency that services a different demographic. I have found that some demographic areas actually pay more due to the area itself. I would ask your agency what their policy is about safety. Ask other nurses in the agency what their experiences are.

I have worked in some pretty rough urban areas. Stand tough. Never show that you are afraid. Carry hair spray and a bic lighter (hair spray is flammable and propelled) for protection...I mean touch ups for your hair. I have found that once I got over my issues it was OK...but I did not do home health.

I wish you the best.

mg2312 · May 30, 2012

Pts. address is a violation of HIPAA. If you work in a hospital it would not be ok to go home and tell your husband your pts. address, so how is this any different?

And as far as taking a cab, most agencies will not hire you without having reliable transportation.

If a pt or family member decides to complain about this and/or sue they would probably win.

If you're that uncomfortable going to these homes only do it during the day or tell your agency that this is an area you're not willing to travel to.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · May 30, 2012

To be a violation there need to be 2 identifiers. If the address is a multiple housing complex you can't decern who the patient uis by the address. Yes...you can take a taxi in home health. It may be a privacy issue but not necessarily a HIPAA one. But this is one of those HIPAA situations that even if reported will be decided differently on a case by case issue.