Clinical site is dangerous

[deemarys]

I just got my clinical site for 2nd semester which starts in May. I am very concerned because its in an area where there is alot of crime mostly shootings. What can I do as a student? Alot of students who are going there also have this concern. Also there is no parking available for us so we have to walk to the facility, we were told that it would be best to carpool and walk in groups. This warning alone made me worried about my safety.

Should I just suck it up and just deal with it and hope and pray everything turns out ok?

[tfleuter, BSN, RN]

Is this a new clinical site for the school, or have they used it for some time? I would definately take your concerns to your school and see what they say. Definately see if you can carpool with a group for your own protection.

[deemarys]

Is this a new clinical site for the school, or have they used it for some time? I would definately take your concerns to your school and see what they say. Definately see if you can carpool with a group for your own protection.

It is the 2nd time the school is using this site. The first time they used this site I guess there were problems thats why they are suggesting we carpool and walk in groups. That is difficult for me considering no one lives near me so it wouldn't make sense to carpool.

[Blueorchid, ASN, RN]

My school isn't exactly in the most crime free area either. Walking with groups always helps in shady places so without knowing much about your situation-maybe meeting up with a group of students at a halfway point could work? There is definitely such a thing as safety in numbers but then you have to think, a group of nursing students still isn't going to stand up against a gun. Make sure if you're taking anything of value (its better not to) that its well out of sight (both on you and in your car) and limit the cash you're taking. And of course if you are confronted by someone and they ask for money...give it to them! Its really not worth putting yourself at risk for further harm.

Does the actual site have any suggestions about how to stay safe as well? Maybe the nurses or the techs there can give their own suggestions. When I did my EMT-B ride alongs in the same area as my nursing school the paramedics were quick to steer me away from particular streets driving to and from the firehouse. Its funny how one street can be fairly quiet and the next one over you wouldn't want to go anywhere near. Oh the same principle applies for certain blocks on the streets...gotta love it.

Good luck with the clinicals and stay safe!

[JBudd, MSN]

As said above, meet together somewhere you consider safe, and carpool in, in a taxi. Most taxis can get right up to the door. For a short ride split among you, it may well be worth the peace of mind. Just schedule the taxi ahead of time so you don't have to wait.

[tfleuter, BSN, RN]

It is the 2nd time the school is using this site. The first time they used this site I guess there were problems thats why they are suggesting we carpool and walk in groups.

Ugh, that really stinks. I wonder what kind of possible liability the school might be taking on by using this site (since students must park in a area outside of the hospital.) Not that I think the school should be held liable, just that if a student was mugged or assaulted, could the school be sued as a result of choicing a site that they knew put students in harm's way? Any lawyers on the board

Seriously though, stay safe! Even if you can't carpool to the hosptial, if you can agree to time arrivals and walk to the hospital together will accomplish the same thing (just don't make a habit of showing up early and waiting in your car, someone could catch on to that and take advantage of it )

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

They will have Security. If you have a cell phone, take it with you, go in a group, call the facility switchboard when you are ready to go into the building and ask that a Security guard come out to look for you coming into whatever entrance you are going in to. Go into the ER entrance if possible. There are usually police officers and a lot of Security guards hanging around the ER entrance.

Even better, call ahead and ask to talk to the Security Department and ask what they recommend.

The fact is that many inter-city hospitals are in "bad" sections of towns. Often, the crooks know these are neutral areas; places where people go to get help. Just be smart. Walk with confidence. Do not carry a purse. That is asking for trouble. I learned years ago to carry everything I would need in my pockets. Look businesslike; like you are going in to work.