Thinking about getting a gun for safety

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I'm a new grad RN that has just been offered a home health position in a large city (ATL) and I'm considering purchasing a gun for safety. I came to this idea due to the fact that I'm from a different smaller city and I don't know ATL that well but anticipate being sent out to very rough areas. Is this a good or bad idea?

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Specializes in SICU, trauma, neuro.

A college roommate's mom carried; she was a social worker with CPS in a rough urban area. FOR ME I wouldn't feel safe with a gun; I have horrendous hand-eye coordination, and throwing adrenaline into the mix see huge risk of collateral damage.

Would Georgia's law allow you to carry in someone's house, as opposed to public places or your own home? What safety measures are in place with your agency?

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Talk to your coworkers and see what they recommend. They might have some useful tips to pass along to you and some stories to tell.

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If you were to do this, get the necessary training, otherwise you are just putting yourself in further jeopardy. Your employer, as most, probably has a "no weapons in the workplace" policy which would place you at risk for losing your job should you make this fact known. There is no getting around the fact that the client homes are considered to be your "workplace".

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Yep, pretty unlikely your employer would support you carrying a weapon.

If you don't have extensive experience and training, statistical odds are that it would be used against you.

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Specializes in Pedi.

Bad idea.

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Specializes in Ambulatory Care-Family Medicine.

I have a concealed carry permit. If you do decide to get a gun please go through the proper training and get the permit for your state (each state has different requirements so you'll need to research your state requirements). You won't be able to carry into someone's private home without their permission, but you could carry it in your own vehicle. If you are driving a company car then the company probably does not allow weapons in their cars so you couldn't carry then. I've had my CCL for 7 years and have never felt the need to pull my weapon out honestly. I've just never felt that threatened. Remember even if you are in a sketchy area you can only use your weapon in life or death circumstances.

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I'm not looking to necessarily carry in someone's home but I would like to have one in my vehicle. I have great hand-eye coordination and grew up around firearms so no worries there. I wont know what safety measures are in place quite yet until my 1st official orientation next week.

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Bad idea.

Ok why?

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I have a concealed carry permit. If you do decide to get a gun please go through the proper training and get the permit for your state (each state has different requirements so you'll need to research your state requirements). You won't be able to carry into someone's private home without their permission, but you could carry it in your own vehicle. If you are driving a company car then the company probably does not allow weapons in their cars so you couldn't carry then. I've had my CCL for 7 years and have never felt the need to pull my weapon out honestly. I've just never felt that threatened. Remember even if you are in a sketchy area you can only use your weapon in life or death circumstances.

Yes I will definitely get trained and have my permit. I just want to keep it in my vehicle just to feel safe.

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Specializes in NICU.

I once had a job offer doing home visits ,it seemed perfect ,until I inquired about certain rough neighborhoods .The agency said they would provide an escort or an armed guard,well that was the end of that conversation.

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Really? I've never heard of an agency providing security to staff who have to go to sketchy areas.

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