Clinical site in a dangerous area?

AlmostANurse321 · Dec 9, 2016

Unless you're in Syria, your fears are overblown.

Has anybody from your program assigned to that site been the victim of a crime?

You sound like someone who is unfamiliar with big cities. Most crime victims are caught up in the life, buying or selling drugs, or know someone who is. If you don't look scared or scary, they'll leave you alone. Just walk purposefully to your destination. Be confident. If someone hassles you, ignore them. Usually you're getting hassles as a goof on you, because they know you're scared of them.

Don't leave anything visible in your car.

I worked as a PCA at a hospital in a bad neighborhood and had clinicals there.

First, the hospital security and cops were all over the place. Second, when street people or bangers saw scrubs, they left us alone. They know we do for them, and they know we are some of the only people who help them and treat them like human beings.

If you're really scared pay for parking.

LovelyInPink · Dec 9, 2016

May I ask what makes this area extremely dangerous? Just curious because I have had patients and even students comment that I'm from an extremely dangerous area (Bronx, New York) or currently live in a dangerous area here in Michigan and come to find out, they are basing this information on the income and color of the people that reside in the neighborhood as well as the news reports they hear every now and then. Not saying you are doing this as well but I'm just curious. Plus, I doubt your nursing program will place you guys in an area where there is a very high chance of something horrible happening to you.

verene, MSN · Dec 9, 2016

If you are concerned for your safety you need to talk to your program. It may be your fears of this being a "bad area" are over blown. (I doubt a school would want the liability of putting students in a clinical site where they are likely to come to harm). Talk to you program about how to stay safe when going to this clinical site. They should be able to provide you with sound advice if they routinely send students to this location.

I previously worked in an area many would consider "sketchy" and never had an issue. The true crime violent rate was actually much lower than rumor would suggest, and once I became regular in the neighborhood the residents of the area actively looked out for me. I ultimately ended up feeling safer there than I did in my own neighborhood which at first blush appeared to be the "safer" neighborhood but actually had frequent car prowling and stabbings.

You don't have to specifically reveal the location you are being sent to, but what about it makes you believe it is a bad area that is physically unsafe to travel to and through? Perhaps some of the members here who've worked in similar environments will be able to advise with safety tips.

caliotter3 · Dec 9, 2016

Find out the other students in this clinical placement. Meet, and make arrangements to car pool as a group. Go to and from the car as a group. Watch out for each other. Provide for each other's safety. If there are eight of you, take two cars each day.

crazydoglady89 · Dec 9, 2016

You've received a lot of good advice/comments already, so I won't restate those.

When I was living alone an in another state (especially when I hadn't made friends yet, I used to move states every nine months), I would text my husband (then boyfriend) and let him know the W's; who, what, where, when, how long etc. when I was going out on the weekends. I'd then text him when I got home. My entire purpose for doing this wasn't because he particularly cared all the time, but that he knew I was safe. If I was walking to my car at night alone, I would sometimes call him and just walk with the phone at my side, not talking to him, and talk to him when I got home. If you have a close friend/SO/family member who would be willing to be "on call" for you on these days, then I would do that.

I think it's good to be vigilant, but I think you are also working yourself up.

Remember to lock your car doors IMMEDIATELY upon closing them, and to always check your back seat before driving off.

You'll be fine.

AliNajaCat · Dec 10, 2016

AlmostANurse321 is right.

When I was a student I had a fall on some ice as I got out of the subway in a VERY sketchy part of the city. I was wearing my little student nursey dress and white shoes and was now all dirty and my stockings torn all to hell. I was not heartened when a bunch of pretty ugly looking dudes roused themselves up off the nearby stoop and rushed towards me. But then: "You okay, missy?" "Are you a nurse at the hospital?" "Your knee is bleeding, you need some help?" "You'll be alright!"

And another time I was on a call in one of those big ugly project buildings, wearing street clothes. I got in the elevator and there were some more big ugly dudes in it. I swear I could see a gun in the back pocket. I punched in my floor and gripped my bag as casually as I could. Silence. Then one guy spoke up. "You da nurse?" "Yes," I said. And the other guy said, "Nurse helped my momma once. You good. You have a nice day."

Look like you know what you're doing and don't make yourself look silly by freaking out. Those people are pretty much just like your people, and you now have a great opportunity to learn it in a way that a lot of your high school classmates won't.

BiaRN2OT · Dec 10, 2016

Yeah. Never good to judge people off of prejudice or you seeing them as "big ugly dudes". Guns are legal, anyway.

But OP, No matter where you are, you should always follow basic safety precautions. If you work nights, see if there is someone willing to walk with you to your car if you park outside. Co-workers here are pretty good about that.

Locked doors, find a parking deck or somewhere with cameras, park close to your destination, meet up with a friend.

When I'm walking on the street, I try not to have my phone out or seem non-attentive to my surroundings. I carry my keys with my pepper spray keychain in my hand.

Be vigilant, but not afraid or panicky. Don't assume every person that you pass is going to attack you, because that is a look that everyone can pick up on...and probably not gonna happen.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2016

Generally speaking, people in the "hood" and so-called "ghetto areas" tend to have a high degree of respect for healthcare staff who dare to enter these areas.

There's a saying: "Don't start none, won't be none." Basically, if you act confident and avoid bringing negative attention in your direction, no one will bother you in the 'hood.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2016

Welcome to AN! The largest online nursing community!

((HUGS))

There is good advice here but I beg to differ....there is definitely very dangerous sections in the US. I've worked them...Gary, Indiana, South Side Chicago. It is unnerving at times to be in these areas.

If your school has had problems they would not put the students in those areas. It is probably a day shift...you should be fine. It is true that medical personnel is usually very respected by the communities...and gangs.

There are things you can do....be confident. Lock your doors. Don't carry a "purse" and carry as little cash as necessary. Ask security to walk you to your car if it makes you feel better. Be aware of your surroundings...drive through a red light if someone approaches your car door or window. Get gas before you get downtown. Don't get out of your car for any reason until you are in the parking lot. Learn where the police station is and if there is a police officer pulling you over unless it is a marked squad car drive to the hospital or police station. Get a can of mace for your key chain. Remember a can of aerosol hairspray and a lighter is a blow torch. Walk with confidence...don't be a victim. Talk on your cell phone but be very aware of your surroundings.

If all else fails talk to yourself....act unstable. No one wants to mess with a crazy person.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 11, 2016

I will echo the above advice. Also don't use your phone/electronics while walking in the street. Keep bags closed. Wear your backpack with both shoulders - not one shouldered. Keep walking straight and quick and look ahead.

flufffyo1 · Dec 11, 2016

Carry pepper spray when you walk around. Never listen to music while you're walking. Carry very little. Be confident and always be alert and look at everyone in the face when you walk by so you'll know what they look like if something happens (this actually deters criminals from committing crimes on you as well). I grew up in the ghettos and that's how I survive. lol. This is only temporary placement and you'll only be there two days a week so I'm sure you'll be fine.