Safety of Nurses in Detroit?

Published

Hello everyone! I am considering taking a position with a company that would require me to work all over metro Detroit including Detroit itself. As someone who is not familiar with the area is this a good idea? Obviously I would not know what areas are "good" areas and what areas are "bad" and should be avoided.

I raised my concerns to the company and they suggested that I talked to my family and friends and then let them know if I would take the FT position. They offer no security guards and have told me that none of their current RNs have ever had any issues about safety. I know there are many nurses who work in Detroit on a daily basis and besides the incident that happened in 2010 I have not heard of anything bad? Please advise! TY

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health, MS, Oncology, Case Manageme.

I live about 30 miles NW of Detroit, but I grew up in Detroit. I didn't see patients in Detroit without security. The patients are not the problem, its the people hanging around the neighborhood and the drugs/guns on the coffee table that worried me. Many agencies refuse to see patients in the city for this reason. Some agencies (VNA, Beaumont Home Care) that go into the city do offer security. One wound care nurse I know has her own security guard who drives her around Detroit 40 hrs a week. She said she hasn't had problems and gets her documentation done in the car while he drives. Some agencies, pay a premium for nurses that agree to see patients in Detroit exclusively.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health, MS, Oncology, Case Manageme.

Safety wise, the areas to worry about are the City of Detroit and cities immediately bordering it (Highland Park, Oak Park, Hamtramck, etc). Some areas in Pontiac, Warren and Southfield can be a little rough. Of course, there can be problems anywhere, so keep your eyes open and your cell phone charged.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you for responding paradiseboundRN. It sounds like I might not be taking this job offer after all and will continue to look. Coming from a country where we have no guns - I have never seen one in my life - and not being familiar with Detroit I just don't think I can accept it. Not worth my safety and I have a great FT job where I am so there is no rush! TY

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Home Health, MS, Oncology, Case Manageme.

I think that's a good decision :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion