private duty in a BAD neighborhood

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Specializes in acute care then Home health.

Hi guys, My first assignment as a private duty nurse has been full of mixed feelings. i have the most wonderful patient, a toddler with a central line who is just a joy to be around. However, I am in section 8 housing in a very high crime area. The father I believe is selling drugs, child/youth services has been out to the house, and the house is a tremendous pig sty. Disgusting really. I have the opportunity to switch agencies, but I really like this agency and how they treat me. That is also a positive. I dont know what to do.. there is no perfect job and I dont know what kind of cases i will run into if I switch. My state has conceal and carry permit laws, so if I stay I'm thinking about strapping one on. How sad is that? What would you do?

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Do not expect a lot of help from the agency should you encounter misfortune in this assignment. Ask for another case if it bothers you too much. I speak from experience. The only person who is going to look out after you is you.

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Specializes in CNA/ ALF & Hospital.
Hi guys, My first assignment as a private duty nurse has been full of mixed feelings. i have the most wonderful patient, a toddler with a central line who is just a joy to be around. However, I am in section 8 housing in a very high crime area. The father I believe is selling drugs, child/youth services has been out to the house, and the house is a tremendous pig sty. Disgusting really. I have the opportunity to switch agencies, but I really like this agency and how they treat me. That is also a positive. I dont know what to do.. there is no perfect job and I dont know what kind of cases i will run into if I switch. My state has conceal and carry permit laws, so if I stay I'm thinking about strapping one on. How sad is that? What would you do?

You should be able to opt out of taking a HHA/Priv. if you google whwer the job is located and if the neighbor is known AS NOT A SAFE NEIGHBORHOOD, DECLINE IT.

I know there are bad neighborhoods where I live but I do know that I can opt out if I know the local as not being safe if I were to take a HH/CNA job.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Home Health.

If the father is selling drugs out of the house, that puts your safety at risk. Ask for another assignment.

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Pray for that baby and don't go. If what you say is true, then heck no tell the agency you will not go back there, it's not a safe environment for you.

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I had an assignment many many years ago in a bad neighborhood. I was a nervous wreck wondering if my car was still going to be outside at the end of my shift.:eek: I kept worrying about it. I had to keep looking out the window all shift to make sure my car was still present. It's not worth it. Say goodbye to that assignment and find something else. Good luck.

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Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

One of the benefits of private duty is to be able to choose assignments. Let this one go (yesterday). As far as concealed carry is concerned: I do and hand guns are my biggest hobby, but it's not simply a matter of "strapping one on". Remember this please:

1. Avoid

2. Evade

3. Engage

Please go with avoid.

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