Just beginning

toomuchbaloney · Sep 16, 2014

I "retired" last week from ICU. I tried working in an assisted living facility but it just wasn't for me. There were many total care patients, I was unfamiliar with the meds and received little orientation. I am considering home health prn. My main worry is being asked to go into unsafe areas. How do you handle this? Do 2 nurses go together? Can you refuse?

In my view travelling to some of the less attractive and more dangerous parts of the communities we serve is part of the Home Care package. Most agencies will have a policy about unsafe environments and have a security plan which may include 2 staff members visiting simultaneously or may include presence of a uniformed comanion.

allnurses Guide · Sep 17, 2014

We have a policy in our office that we do not go into any of the more dangerous neighborhoods for visits after certain hours.

During the day? Secure your vehicle. Keep your head held high and have a confident no nonsense stride. Check your vehicle before you get back in. If you really truly feel unsafe going it alone, speak up. Perhaps you can pair up with another nurse who works close to that area.

I've gone into unsafe areas myself but I have a feeling that the most unsafe part of my town doesn't begin to compare to say, the worst part of Chicago. :)

caliotter3 · Sep 17, 2014

When going into unsafe areas, I have encountered clients who will stand outside on the porch with the light on, watching for me to drive up, and then watch me walk to their door. These considerate people are well aware that this little effort on their part can mean the difference between having a nurse at night or not having a nurse. You can always refuse a case at any time, but keep in mind that the more times you refuse cases, the more likely that the agency will just forget your phone number when trying to staff their cases. Establish your limits and stick to your guns. If they tell you they don't have work for you in safe areas, go to another agency.