Nurses carrying weapons

Published

Specializes in Pulmonary, Lung Transplant, Med/Surg.

Wanted to get some thoughts on inner city nurses carrying a concealed weapon? My husband is a city policeman who's dealt with his share of undesirables in the same neighborhoods I venture into and is pushing for me to start carrying a gun.

Are there any nurses who carry one? I'm comfortable with weapons, I've been around them the entirety we've been together and the neighborhoods I go into are pretty rough. I'm not sure of a policy my agency has but the husband doesn't seem to care if there is one, just wants me prepared.

Thoughts?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.

Intriguing idea. I am actually pondering this idea also. I am working as a night shift hospice triage nurse and cover a large metropolitan area. Oftentimes I have to go into areas that I would never enter voluntarily.

I have a .45 but that is too big to carry around in my car. My state has no laws regarding concealed weapons. I am thinking of a .25 with a laser site on it.

I guess my answer would be a YES. I am only going to have one in my car though...not comfortable with the thought of carrying it in a patient's home or walking around with it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've recently obtained my CCW. Like you, some of the neighborhoods I have to go into are pretty sketchy and I work 2nd shift, which makes me a little nervous too. My HH company has a no weapons on company property policy, and I would never take it into a pts home, but I have been considering keeping my .38sp in the car. In my state, your vehicle is your property (just like your home) regardless of where it is, so for me at least this would be perfectly legal. You might want to really check out the laws in your area though, because it would be a shame to lose your job or license d/t not knowing the laws! Most of the girls I work with cary pepper spray and a few carry tazers. Just another thing to consider =)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.

I have a CCW and carried my 9mm sometimes when I was visiting in Detroit, especially after dark.

I was glad to have it with me one evening when a man approached me as I walked to my car...I didn't have to draw the weapon but it was reassuring to feel it in the small of my back when I reached back to it as I was cautioning the man that he did NOT want to come any closer and he did NOT want to cross the street AGAIN to follow me. I suspect he guessed that I might be armed when I reached behind me...and he left me alone.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, Forensic Nurse, SANE.

I have my concealed weapons permit. I don't carry anything at work but pepper spray. I don't see pts at night but I especially hate elevators. When creeps get in the elevator with me I have my hand on it locked and ready. I never feel unsafe in side a pts home just walking to and from the front door. One time a co worker sat in her car and called 911 because she felt unsafe. The police came and escorted her to the door and waited out side untitled she was done. They were very understanding. Be safe everyone. Great topic.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm sure your police officer husband is a great resource. If you're carrying, it's always a best practice to target practice. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ICU.

I have no idea what the law is in my state, but I went to DC a patient in a bad area, and I pulled up and there were cops and emt's outside my patients home. Apparently someone was in there high and drunks seeking drugs. I ask the EMT what's going on and he looks at me like I'm nuts to be there alone he fist says " your here alone?!?" I told him yes, as I started with an escort but then stopped. Then he says " please tell me you have something on you?!?" I of course do not. He told me too many nurses become complacent.

I realize I should realy take an escort or start packing some mace.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.
I have my concealed weapons permit. I don't carry anything at work but pepper spray. I don't see pts at night but I especially hate elevators. When creeps get in the elevator with me I have my hand on it locked and ready. I never feel unsafe in side a pts home just walking to and from the front door. One time a co worker sat in her car and called 911 because she felt unsafe. The police came and escorted her to the door and waited out side untitled she was done. They were very understanding. Be safe everyone. Great topic.

It is NOT necessarily safer in the patient home. More than one healthcare worker has been harmed, even killed in that environment.

Typically, if there are family involved, they look out for you if the neighborhood is dangerous.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.
I'm sure your police officer husband is a great resource. If you're carrying, it's always a best practice to target practice. :)

I couldn't agree more here. Weapons are dangerous in the hands of a frightened person possessing few shooting skills, and little knowledge of the weapon itself.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU, NICU, L&D, Public Health, Hospice.
I have no idea what the law is in my state, but I went to DC a patient in a bad area, and I pulled up and there were cops and emt's outside my patients home. Apparently someone was in there high and drunks seeking drugs. I ask the EMT what's going on and he looks at me like I'm nuts to be there alone he fist says " your here alone?!?" I told him yes, as I started with an escort but then stopped. Then he says " please tell me you have something on you?!?" I of course do not. He told me too many nurses become complacent.

I realize I should realy take an escort or start packing some mace.

Indeed!

I went to visit a patient just as a little "neighborhood squabble" broke out on the corner a couple blocks from my destination. Rather than drive by them, I turned at the first corner...when I heard gun shots I headed for the exit of the complex while dialing 911.

Visiting patients in their homes can be very exciting work!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health.

I just realized that I have been waaaayyy too complacent when it comes to my safety. I used to carry a knife in my car and sometimes on me, but I have not been carrying as of late. I only occasionally go into sketchy areas, but a visit yesterday made me reconsider. Was in very bad part of Canton (OH). Car slammed on brakes as I was walking to house and young man jumped out and ran after. Turns out it was patients son whom I have never met, but what if it wasn't?! I think I am going to start carrying mace until I get my CCW.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER I/CCU Cath lab LTC.

As I pulled up to a patient's house, I saw that the place was full of police cars. As I had suspected the patient and his brother (who lived with him) were up to some shady bidness, I just went on by, thinking "I'm sure not going to that house again!". Turned out a body had been found in their backyard shed. Big time drug dealers. The brother had shot him but hadn't gotten rid of the body yet.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion