Weapons on Site

TitaniaSidhe · Jul 25, 2005

I work in the VA system, our officers carry guns but must remove the clip(bullets) before entering the buildings & dealing with patients.

Nurse Ratched, RN · Jul 25, 2005

We have a locked box outside of our unit and no one is permitted to carry weapons inside.

I really can't imagine doing it any other way because of the potential for just the kind of circumstances you described. I'm so sorry to hear about it.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Jul 25, 2005

Where I've worked, officers who bring patients to the units lock their weapons in a lock box in the emergency department before coming into the units. However, if we call them for help in an intense situation, they bring their weapons and use them if needed (although that hasn't happened since I've been here--the using).

Aneroo, LPN · Jul 26, 2005

Thank you. I forgot that a psych unit at our hospital has a lock box, but officer's carry their weapons in the ED. Kinda concerns me. -A

Editorial Team / Admin · Jul 26, 2005

Yes, our police officers carry loaded weapons in the facility. We have a large number of prisoners from 4 maximum security facilities that frequent our institution. Also, we have the highest murder rate per captia for the U.S. and largest meth use per capita.

The use of the guns has averted a potential serious situation numerous times, but, never had a problem with a gun and hope it never happens. I know it is a possibility, however.

Siri

Whispera, MSN, RN · Jul 26, 2005

I'm talking about a psych hospital when I say the officers lock their guns in a lock box. In the general hospital I used to work in, no one locked their weapons anywhere. Security carried guns too.

CharlieRN · Aug 7, 2005

I'm in favor of armed nurses in the ED. (A nice little pearl handled, stainless steel .38, in a white leather holster, to match the uniform. It would have made me feel safer.)

I once tried to have officers leave their guns outside my psych unit. They said no. That ended the discussion. Having a gun tends to do that.

SWFlorida · Aug 7, 2005

Tasers are good. Leaves those who are out of control incapacitated for a short term without any long term side effects.

Most hospitals do have policies regarding loaded guns in ther facility. If this policy is ignored, or the facility isn't diligent about following the policy they are liable for any damages that may occour to staff, visitors or pts.

kadokin, ASN, RN · Jan 1, 2006

Tasers are good. Leaves those who are out of control incapacitated for a short term without any long term side effects.
Most hospitals do have policies regarding loaded guns in ther facility. If this policy is ignored, or the facility isn't diligent about following the policy they are liable for any damages that may occour to staff, visitors or pts.

We USED to have a policy against p.o.'s having guns inside the hospital (especially psych). That policy is no more and it is scary...Often wish we had metal detectors at our doors. Ah well, wishful thinking, I wonder how much a metal detector costs these days. Wish I held a patent for a good one.:roll

Thunderwolf, MSN, RN · Jan 1, 2006

We have a locked box outside of our unit and no one is permitted to carry weapons inside.
I really can't imagine doing it any other way because of the potential for just the kind of circumstances you described. I'm so sorry to hear about it.

I echo this.

CharlieRN · Jan 1, 2006

I think that the decision to not bring a weapon into any facility rests with the police officer involved. He/she is the person responsible. Most likely the policy of the police department, not that of the facility, is the determining factor. Ingeneral terms it would be irresponsible for a police officer to disarm before entering a potentially dangerous situation.