With the current news over gun control and gun rights legislation being pushed through Congress as a result of the tragedies of Aurora, CO, Newtown, CT and the others like them, the thought of concealed carry among healthcare workers has got my attention peaked. Recently, another Allnurses member started a thread (up to 22 pages presently) about what nurses can do as a result of these horrific events.
This post is not meant to reflect my personal stance on this issue, although I can inform that I am not a CCL holder (however interested), nor is it meant to be a bashing session from either side, but I am interested in seeing how many individuals have their concealed carry license, and if they carry while they are at work (and, yes I am well aware of the legal stance healthcare facilities take as being gun free zones)?
I, also, am aware of some of our members being both nurses and current/former law enforcement officers, so what is your take on this issue?
To AngelfireRN - my guess was Texas. A strong NRA state.
Read your last post - tough place to work. No further comment to stir up anything!
One last thing - it is on my 'bucket list' to just go to a firing range and take a few practice shots at a target. Just to say/get the feel of handling a firearm. Want nothing else more to do with them!
Specializes in med-surg, psych, ER, school nurse-CRNP.
It can be tough...the NP that took over for me during my maternity leave ran screaming. It's an acquired thing, but I love it. Yep, by most measurers, I'm unprofessional. I'm brassy, I have NO filter, and I pretty much am the biggest redneck you'll ever run across. But I'm a dang good NP and I always have been in good standing with my respective boards, as well as most of my patients. They're not the most educated, the most couth, or the most likable people on the planet, but the vast majority of them are wonderful.
It's a benefit of being raised in the sticks.
Oh, and we do NRA down here, too!
Your local PD may offer gun safety classes, that's where I did mine. Ask them if they do and knock that off the list! It may just change your feelings about them!
My husband and I took a gun safety class. While we do not currently own firearms I see no problem with those who do. I don't suggest bringing it into work.. Sounds like an accident waiting to happen.
Specializes in Nurse Leader specializing in Labor & Delivery.
As someone who works at the Aurora hospital where most of the theater shooting victims were taken, I'm a strong proponent of gun control (I was before the Aurora shooting). Every hospital I've worked at has had a "no firearms" policy, with a sign to that effect posted at the front door. The idea of more people with concealed carry frightens me. As someone else said, let's leave the law enforcement to the people who are trained to do that.
I know of an ER doctor who used to conceal carry at work. His employer made him stop bringing his gun to work. Shortly after he stopped doing so, a man brought in for drug/alcohol testing by police gained control of a police officer's firearm in the same ER and opened fire, killing one officer and injuring several other innocent bystanders before a lockdown and manhunt took place at/around the hospital. It lasted several hours before the suspect was located.
The same ER doctor was working that day. He took cover under a desk in the ER while shots were fired, and then called in the shooting from the deceased officer's radio after the suspect fled.
I'm the child of a police officer. I support strict gun control. And I know that there's no saying what would've happened if said doctor was able to carry his weapon to work; he could've stopped the shooting sooner, or caused more injury and chaos (after all, I have no idea if he was an excellent marksman or not). But it makes you think about what might have been, does it not?
As someone who works at the Aurora hospital where most of the theater shooting victims were taken I'm a strong proponent of gun control (I was before the Aurora shooting). Every hospital I've worked at has had a "no firearms" policy, with a sign to that effect posted at the front door. The idea of more people with concealed carry frightens me. As someone else said, let's leave the law enforcement to the people who are trained to do that.[/quote']
I see both sides of it as I work in the D.C. area and a few years back a deceased patient's son brought a gun into a Baltimore hospital, opened fire and killed several people. I have also cared for suicidal and homicidal patients in the ER who have brought loaded guns in from home. We have no metal detectors and and while our security is awesome, they do not carry guns.
Specializes in Emergency, Med-Surg, Progressive Care.
My state doesn't require a permit to carry. I do not carry at work, since it is against hospital policy to have a weapon on your person. It would most definitely make my scrubs sag, anyhow.
To the poster who suggested leaving the law-enforcing to the police: the Supreme Court has ruled that it is not the role of the police to intervene in violent situations. They often do, but if they do not they are not liable. Remember, when seconds count, the police are only minutes away.
I currently do not have a gun or a permit for Concealed Carry.
I would like to learn and to eventually have both.
I enjoyed target shooting in archery in college and would most likely enjoy it with guns.
I don't know if I would ever "carry" but strongly would like to have the option.
Why don't I have either yet? time and money!
To safely & responsibly own a gun and carry one, I feel one must take all available safety courses, one must have a firearm that is suitable for themselves (ex. I have small, weak hands so a huge gun would be difficult for me to handle properly), and one must practice frequently to stay proficient. I think too many folks with hand guns buy them and never really become skilled in their use, just leaving them locked up in case of an emergency! I don't have the time or the $$ to do what I think should be done to be a responsible gun owner.
Would I "carry" at work? Nope. I work Labor & Delivery and have few conflicts there. However, depending on my commute, I might "carry" in my car and elsewhere.
My son, the father of two little girls, has his permit and "carries" wherever he goes with them. He would defend them at any cost! And he fits my requirements to be a responsible owner by taking courses, frequently going to the gun ranges to keep up on his skills, and keeping them safely secured in his home.
I carry everywhere I go except for both my jobs, as it is against policy to have a weapon on you at work or in the building. Our security is unarmed and yes the police are only minutes away. In the few minutes it takes to get to you a lot of damage and carnage can occur from a assailant with a handgun holding 10 rounds and extra clips or a rifle with a 10 round mag and extra clips. I currently carry concealed S&W M&P 40 10 round clip and 2 spares. I am a firefighter/paramedic and a nurse, son of a police officer. I understand the rules or gun ownership and the safety requirements of owning a gun. I feel there is nothing wrong with a weapon on your ankle just in case. Although I cannot, will not do it at work. I love my job too much.
While I do not believe I would carry to school or work for various reasons, I would like to share the 2nd Amendment is about the people (of any amount of training) being able to bear arms. It is not just for the police, military, or specially trained persons; nor is it about hunting.
amoLucia
7,736 Posts
To AngelfireRN - my guess was Texas. A strong NRA state.
Read your last post - tough place to work. No further comment to stir up anything!
One last thing - it is on my 'bucket list' to just go to a firing range and take a few practice shots at a target. Just to say/get the feel of handling a firearm. Want nothing else more to do with them!