would you do a home care shift in an unsafe area at night?

[smartnurse1982]

hello, i am feeling really low right now and kind of angry. i was sent by agency to do an 8 hour shift at 11:30pm - 730 am in a part of town known for high crime. first let me describe the place.. it was dark, it was an apartment complex of 150-200 families, the addresses were hard to see,{they ran from 199 -399, i had to go to #255, so i would have had to go searching the whole complex} let alone find, and there had to be at least 6 police cars riding around the area. i live in another part of the same city. the big mistake i made that could cost me my job was when i called the family and nervously asked "is that the complex they call "crazytown"?{that is the slang term for the complex due to the shootings in the area.} i did not know the proper name for the complex, was nervous, and thought they would not mind. anyway, the agency called and mom was upset, that she is really laid back, and the nurses dont have a problem with it. {i dont think thats true, however.} was that inappropiate to say to the family? i thought she would not mind because they said she was laid back and b/c her ring tone was inappropiate{ it said this is pimp productions, and hold the fu.. on while your party is reached} if that is an area known for high crime, why did the agency accept the case? do they really care about the nurses' safety? any thoughts appreciated, and to add i have worked in high crime areas {families pulling out knives on each other while i am there, fights, 50 people standing outside the house, people sitting on my car.}i think it was the darkness and some of my family who live a block away from the complex that scared me{they told me not to go there at this time of night.} sooo sorry for the long post

[azhiker96, BSN, RN]

I would not without a police escort.

[smartnurse1982]

i have never heard of police escorts and since they are short staffed i would not think about asking. hell if you called to report a crime that happened to you it takes them an hour to come, no lie.

[azhiker96, BSN, RN]

My wife is a hospice case manager. She's done that before when we lived in Texas. A couple of times here in Phoenix I've ridden "shotgun" in her car for night visits in scary neighborhoods. Stayed in the car observing while she did the home visit.

[smartnurse1982]

except this is an 8 hour shift and i doubt they have the money and the resources to stay the whole 8 hours

[jenni82104]

Ok, this may not be a viable solution, but are nurses that have to go into these dangerous neighborhoods allowed to carry a gun if they have a CCW? I'm thinking that is probably not allowed by the employer.

[Thankful RN,BSN]

This is one reason why i won't do any type of home care.

[Blee O'Myacin, BSN, RN]

Ok, this may not be a viable solution, but are nurses that have to go into these dangerous neighborhoods allowed to carry a gun if they have a CCW? I'm thinking that is probably not allowed by the employer.

An untrained person alone can easily be disarmed by a group. The risk of her weapon being used against her is astronomical and generally a bad idea. I think even a shoulder style holster would get in the way while doing care, and leaving a loaded gun unattended in a bag is out of the question as well.

I'd either get a security escort (police or other service - I'd call the non-emergency number of the local PD and see what can be arranged, if anything. You get nothing if you ask for nothing - and you said that you saw 6 squad cars in the complex while you were lost looking for the apartment. Surely one of those officers would have stopped if you flagged a car down) or I'd not accept the assignment.

Asking the mother if she lived in "Crazytown" was inappropriate IMO (I'm sorry, but you did ask). Even if she has a rude ringtone, and is "laid back". Her child requires nursing care, but nothing says that you have to be the one who gives it if you don't feel safe. From re-reading your post, I know that you regret what you said, and perhaps apologizing to the mother might help repair the therapeutic relationship - if you choose to continue it.

To answer your question. No, I wouldn't put myself in that kind of danger.

Take care of yourself, first and foremost.

Blee

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

While I understand your situation (and no, I probably would not accept such an assignment), asking the mother if this is "crazytown" was inappropriate. Think of it this way...whether she has a pimp message or not, this is her home, probably the best she can afford. And, while she may make jokes amongest her friends and family about the circumstances they live under, it is considered to be an insult when outsiders appear to turn their noses. I sincerely believe that you meant no harm, this is not what you meant, and as mentioned, you seem to regret that statement. My experience with these sorts of people is that many of them can become very defensive, sensitive and even combative when they feel they have been slighted.

I work in a hospital that attracts a great deal of people who live in neighborhoods like these and they are a challenge to work with. I have heard stories that were insane, that made my mouth want to hit the floor, but, in order to keep the peace, I have to keep a neutral face. Anything other than that can bring on so much drama.

[BradleyRN]

it was an apartment complex of 150-200 families, the addresses were hard to see,{they ran from 199 -399, i had to go to #255, so i would have had to go searching the whole complex}

Is this to say that you didnt search and rather abandoned the assignment? Im sure the numbers werent just totally random???

the big mistake i made that could cost me my job was when i called the family and nervously asked "is that the complex they call "crazytown"?{that is the slang term for the complex due to the shootings in the area.}was that inappropiate to say to the family?

Of course you were completely inappropriate. This is where these people live, so they may not have ever heard the term "crazy town". :)

[DeeAngel]

No way would I do it. I'm not willing to put my life at risk for a job. Too bad the people need home care but that doesn't mean it's my duty to put myself at risk to help them.

[caliotter3]

Speaking from the viewpoint of someone who has been assaulted while on the job, I would advise you to refuse to work in an area that makes you uncomfortable or in a home that makes you feel uncomfortable. The ultimate responsibility for your safety lies with you. Never expect your agency to look out for your welfare, before or after an incident, instead of their pursuit of the almighty dollar.