Nurse Shot in Nursing Home!

[Truth66]

I just came across a recent scary article of a senior allegedly shooting a nurse in a Nursing Home. As scary as the shooting it self may be, what's even more scary is the comment from police that stated that the alleged shooter may well be within his rights to possess a firearm.

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/montreal/story/2009/07/15/montreal-senior-shooting-residence-jardins-de-laubade.html

Are Patients/Residents allowed to possess a firearm, or any other weapon where you work?

[chicookie, BSN, RN]

That is scary.

It does make sense though what the officer said. i don't agree with it though. It shouldn't be allowed, I think in that kind of setting.

[Boog'sCRRN246, RN]

He may be within his rights to own a gun, but owning it and using it are two different things! Yikes!

[oramar]

It is not for sure whether he owned the gun legally or not. However, there is nothing to stop these institutions from having a "NO GUN" policy. Before you sign on the line to be admitted you should be informed. If you object then you can go somewhere else for care.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

whether or not he had the gun legally, i hope by now his right to bear arms has been revoked!

[noni06]

A confused and hostile senior has the right to own a gun? Really... There is something really wrong the law makers in this country!

[Moogie]

I agree completely that a confused, hostile person living in any sort of facility should not have a gun. Having said that, please keep in mind that in the hands of some of these folks, ANYTHING can become a weapon. I've heard of someone whipping a nurse with a gait belt, stabbing a CNA with a fork, throwing the footrests from a wheelchair at a CNA. I was once hit by a plastic drinking glass and ended up in the emergency room.

I've never worked in a LTC that hired security personnel but I think, even in small facilities, it would be wise to have someone immediately available.