Tips on visiting patients that live in a bad neighborhood

[dxlpochacco]

I have a question for you HH nurses out there. I am thinking of taking a case management job dealing with Medicaid patients and my area of coverage will be in a large urban city. There are not so great neighborhoods in the area. I have visited patients in poor-bad neighborhoods and know some safety tips but I wanted to see if anyone here has any experience with this and how you have handled it. I know that if it's really bad, just keep driving but what about just other general tips. Anyone work in a large city before and asked the police for an escort? Does this work? How do you know prior to visiting that your patient is in a bad area? Do you try to ask them before going?

Any tips would be welcomed!

Thanks! :)

[kiszi, RN]

Start early, finish early. Lock your door when you get in the car, keep it locked till you have all your stuff together and are ready to get out. Always be aware of your surroundings. Walk confidently.

Honestly though, I've worked in a lot of rough 'hoods and have not had a problem. And I'm a twenty-something white female. People seem to have respect for health care workers and will generally leave you alone.

[kiszi, RN]

I can usually tell if it's a "bad" neighborhood by looking at the zip code. :) No, I've never requested or felt that I needed a police escort. Oh, and I carry pepper spray and know how to use it.

[Burlshoe114]

1.) Keep your visible car interior as item-free as possible to discourage break-in temptation.

2.) If you are able, let your scheduler know what times you will be going in to see your patients. This way if something does happen to you and you don't show up to your next scheduled visit, they have some idea of the timeframe you are missing from and will also have a general idea of your last where abouts.

3.) Have a GPS. It prevents you from getting lost in areas you don't know.

4.) Always assess the living quarters for ways to get out if you need to before you walk all the way in. This also counts as an Oasis question (Fire Escape), so if they ask what you are doing, just say this is part of the assessment process.

5.) You can alwas tag-team your visits with another skill. I have had cases where I went with Social Workers, OT or PT on the first few visits until we were sure about the situation.

Hope some of this helps!

[dxlpochacco]

These are such great suggestions! :) I've thought of many of the ones you all have mentioned before but it was good to get a reminder. One suggestion that I hadn't thought of was trying to coordinate my visit with other health professionals. It's a great idea. I can get to know the other health care workers dealing with my patient, increases safety for everyone and makes it more convenient for my patients that have tons of appointments already.

Great replies and I know you guys aren't just helping me but anyone else who might be put in the same position!