HELP! Need Advice!

[macgrad]

I have to make a decision on a job in less than 24 hours. The job is a hospice job making visits to nursing homes during the week. However, I would be on call certain weekends. When on call, it is for 8pm to 8am and I am required to visit nursing homes as well as individual homes. My concern is, I live in downtown chicago, and would be required to visit unsafe neighborhoods in the middle of the night if called. I was hoping some seasoned home health nurses could give me some feedback on my concern for safety?

[shmily]

Wish I could help, but I practice home health nursing in a rural setting. Very few unsafe areas, however, the police are ususally willing to accompany one on a visit in an unsafe place (that's part of their job). So if you decide to take the job, don't forget to call on them.

[renerian, BSN, RN]

I hear your concern. I have done night visits for home health in so many bad areas. I was always concerned about that. Some of the larger agencies had escorts. Does this agency? Having been to Chicago alot I would not do that but I am super cautious.

renerian

[macgrad]

Well, here's the update... I took the job! I investigated further and found out that when going to a bad area, the security guard will pick me up at home and drive me to where I am going, and when the visit is completed, take me home. Sure, there are still some concerns on the safety issue but it is in my blood to do this. Thanks for the comments!