is being a Hospice Nurse dangerous?

MississippiSweetpea · Mar 31, 2009

Dangerous??? Hmmm....Each day is filled with potential danger.

In my area, (southeast of Memphis) I haven't had any dangerous situations yet. Even in our less desirable neighborhoods, I haven't sensed any danger or fear. The patient/family have asked/welcomed you, to assist them, to care for them.

A few years ago, I received a call late one weekend night to go to the projects, the patient's family member assured me that no one would bother me or my car. She would see to that. Sure enough, when I arrived, she was standing there on her front steps, 5ft tall, weight 90lbs (sopping wet), hands on hips with a look that would make St Peter fall to his knees. She called out some names of young men in the parking lot, told them to make sure no one bother me or my car or she would have some hides. All answered with a firm "Yes, maam".

But, like I said, that is my area. Someone within your region could give you a better insight than I could. But don't let fear hold you back. Every hospice family I have dealt with has been extremely appreciative.

Good luck in school.

BandEmom · Mar 31, 2009

I agree. People have asked me the same question, and I have always found that even in the parts of town that I don't like to go to the families I visit are so appreciative to have a nurse help them. We have had a couple of male patients who have made some uncalled for remarks to the young nurses, and for one of them the other on-call nurse and I were instructed to go together if there was any need to visit at night but that never happened.

jeannepaul, BSN · Mar 31, 2009

I never felt threatened at a pt house, but being on call does have it's dangers. First when you get called out in the middle of the night, every car on the road is a potential drunk driver. I usually treat everyone as if they are drunk and try to stay away from them. when stopped at a red light ensure doors are locked. do not proceed to go through on a green light unless you still look both ways. I came very close to being t-boned, but I looked and saw a car coming and sure enough he went through the red light. Also, be wary of animals, I laughed, but at the time it wasn't too funny. I got out of my car and two dogs came at me the only thing I had on me was a pair of scissors. so I am walking backwards, slowly, jabbing them their way. luckily it worked, but the most important thing is don't turn your back, and don't run. I was sitting in my car getting ready to go into a pt house and I saw a car coming down the street. I waited for it to pass and I hear a bang. I first made sure I was not shot, the car went down the road and I heard another bang. I got out and they hit my trunk and window. It was either a pellet gun or a 22. I one time could not find a pt address. I was going slowly with my window rolled down and a man was outside. I thought that was the house and he was waiting outside for me. I asked if this was the address, he said yes and started toward me. 2 police cars drove by and he took off. all of these happened at night on call. I have been on call 3 years and love it, but you have to be careful. everything is a learning experince. I now call the family, ask them to meet me outside and ask what they are wearing. I don't want to scare anyone, but you have to take precautions because it is a very dangerous world out there. I also carrry a can of tear gas with me with my finger on the trigger when I am walking into a NH or apt complex. Now, when we know we have a volitile family, we will send 2 people at a time.

texastaz · Apr 4, 2009

I have been in some pretty bad neighborhoods and haven't worried about my car being stolen. Most the time there were so many family members there no one woud dare touch my car because the family does watch out for you. The most worry is when family members get in fights with eachother - had a gun incident once and sure you don't want to get hit, some family members will throw chairs or whatever is handy. It happens but the percentage is very very low. The family dynamics is pretty well known before hand and support is only a call away and the hospice company is right on top of it because they don't want us hurt. Some families do have drug addicts so while I have not come across med problems - they need to be kept under close watch. I feel safer in a tough hospice enviorment because family members like/love you vs. going in a bad section to a medicare nursing home - family members will wait for you in the parking lot sometimes. We just have to be aware and use common sense. Stuff happens everywhere.-don't want to scare you. :up:

rngolfer53 · Apr 4, 2009

Hey Guys, just wondering what experiences hospice nurses think...is it sometimes dangerous to be a hospice nurse? I would think this because you are going into someones private home and I would also think that you might not always be able to choose the best locations(ex. having to go to a bad neighborhood)....Also, is it ever scary to be alone with someone in their home? Do you have back-up, do you ever go as pairs? Also, for post-mortem care do you go to the residency alone?
I am asking a million questions because I am in the middle of nursing school and really think I would enjoy hospice nursing...any information or personal stories would be greatly appreciated!!!:redpinkhe

I work midnight to 0830, so I'm in "prime time" for criminal activity. This morning, I was at a nursing home that is 1 block from a drive-by shooting that happened a few days ago. Since very few drive-bys happen at 0600, and since the facility has a semi-secure parking lot, I didn't have a problem with going w/o security.

I've always been welcomed into private homes, and haven't ever felt threatened there, except for one instance when a dispute between two idiot family members almost got out of hand.

The problem is the violence in the surrounding area.

Security can't do a lot to protect you in the case of the increasingly frequent shootings that end up with bullets going everywhere. It's more a matter of random chance.