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I thought this was an interesting discussion that happened to pop-up on a certain social media site. How many of you conceal carry? And what do you think about prohibiting firearms on hospital property?
I think with the increasing violence these days, safety is a major concern for everyone. How do you protect yourself and still abide by the rules set by your facility?
A few months later the administration got the smart idea that none of the nursing staff would be allowed to park in the hospitals parking lots /garages any more (note this applied only to nursing staff). Instead they were directed to park at the administration building located about a mile and 1/2 away from the hospital. While there was a shuttle provided they were all encouraged to walk the mile and 1/2 as they received reduction off their health insurance for doing so.This mile and 1/2 walk was down some very sketchy dark roads, when it finally opened up to the main streets they got the pleasure of walking past dive bars and XXX book / movie stores.
This never sat well with me and I often wondered what would happen if some nurse was attacked while walking this route. I'm soo glad my wife transferred to another location. She carried pepper spray but never CCW.
As you note, the hospital did provide a shuttle bus back and forth to the parking lot. People who walked were choosing to do so, and choosing to take the risks involved.
Everywhere I've ever worked that had a staff parking lot at any distance from the main building, the hospital either provided a shuttle bus or hospital security were available to escort employees to the lot.
I don't find it particularly disturbing that some folks choose to go armed - whatever gets you through the day. I guess. In competent hands guided by a level head, a gun can be a lifesaver. I've made my own opinion clear more than once and will not reiterate it here.
What's more disturbing to me is the scorn heaped on those who don't make the same choice.
This isn't the first time that I've come across the implication that unarmed citizens have nothing valid to say in these discussions.
What's more disturbing to me is the scorn heaped on those who don't make the same choice.
This isn't the first time that I've come across the implication that unarmed citizens have nothing valid to say in these discussions.
There is plenty of scorn being tossed the other direction. That seems to come with the territory for any politically charged topic, especially on the internet.
Why is it that anyone feels the need to carry at all? I realize that this is a choice, however, I find it disturbing that people have the illusion they're safer carrying a weapon.
Good question. I carry concealed a pistol and pepper spray when I travel in a high crime area. It is ironic that the only time I've been accosted it was by a road rage driver in a nice neighborhood. After he cut in front of me to pull me over I faced him and let him vent to de-escalate the event. He did not know that I had pepper spray in my hand and my wife had a pistol in the low ready position.
Sometimes a concealed carriers are in a position to make a difference.
To me, a lot of the fear of concealed carriers is like the fear of HIV+ people in the early days of the epidemic. People imagine lots of terrible scenarios if they know it's present.
PMFB-RN, RN
5,351 Posts
Despite the fact that I once had my patient shot to death while in his ICU bed by his own brother, not 30 feet from me, I haven't ever felt that the risk in the hospital was worth lugging around a firearm all day.
At certain places I have worked I felt very at risk while coming to and from my car.