Quesion about compensation

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Hi all,

I work for a home care agency as a nurse. I work night shifts in clients homes. One of my main clients lives in a very unsafe area of town with a lot of crime. The agency I work for is aware of these conditions and is trying to get the family moved (although this is a very slow process). When I was working the other night I went back to my car in the morning (there is a main parking lot for these units that people live in). My car had been kicked and damaged under the driver side window. Someone had gotten the driver side window down and broken in. The mechanism to close my driver side window is broken. My window will no longer close and the cost to repair is very expensive. I filed a police report and also let my employer know. My main manager was away so I reported it to the other manager. My manager is a very difficult person and I've seen her be mean to a lot of the nurses. I am only casual and need the work which is why I am still seeing that client in the unsafe neighbourhood. Should I request compensation for the damage to my car? Im worried that I would anger my manager if I were to ask. Any advice is greatly appreciated. Thank you :)

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Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.

I don't see where your employer is responsible for the damage to your car. It could have happened anywhere (case in point- I live in a middle-class subdivision, and we've had a rash of car break-ins). You should have auto insurance to cover this.

However, if you don't want to go to this client any longer- remove yourself from the case. You are the only person who can make this decision.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.

You request compensation from your car insurance company. This is not your employers responsibility.

If the area is too much you ask to be reassigned.

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I would remove yourself from the case, that is really your only choice to decrease the risk of having your car repaired and turning right around and having it happen again. The employer makes money on the case and you foot part of their expenses for doing business in the area? Unless your compensation is so stellar that you can afford to repair your car whenever this happens (or let your insurance company raise your rates), nope, I wouldn't do it.

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