Why work in unsafe neighborhoods????

caliotter3 · Feb 28, 2008

The paycheck. Perhaps the patient.

bshaw96 · Feb 29, 2008

??? Are they being recruited to work just the unsafe areas? I have worked in areas as a hospice nurse that were definitely unsafe, actually had to have a police escort to a couple of the apartment buildings, and it was scary. But it's also part of the job that you know is a possibility when you take the job. However, I can't imagine being recruited for JUST the unsafe neighborhoods?? All I can suggest is a very good, no, outstanding, pay rate, and pray for the best. Are the nurses now not required to go into the unsafe areas if needed? I guess I'm just a little confused.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Feb 29, 2008

Why would your agency want to put someone at risk like that? Can't that territory be shared?

Sorry, I now this doesn't address your question.

Trauma Columnist · Feb 29, 2008

Ways to recruit HH RNs for unsafe areas:

1. Explain that safety of the RN is the most important goal.

2. Provide ways for safe pt care. This may mean hiring two RNs to go for one visit, a security company escort, a police escort.

3. Meet the pt at a more neutral place outside the unsafe area.

4. Again...these nurses are going to be very concerned about their safety. So...you have to provide that.

5. The needs of the nurse outweigh the need of the client. This must be stressed otherwise you won't have nurses that are willing to go to these areas.

Georgia60 · Feb 29, 2008

Thanks for the responses. The nurses are not being recruited to just work in unsafe neighborhoods, it's just that some of the areas in the territory are not the best areas.

wonderbee, BSN, RN · Feb 29, 2008

Thanks for the responses. The nurses are not being recruited to just work in unsafe neighborhoods, it's just that some of the areas in the territory are not the best areas.

It's just part of the job. Seasoned HH nurses understand this and new ones should be made aware of it and be given tips on safety. I wouldn't dwell on it though.

Blackcat99 · Mar 1, 2008

Many, many years ago I went to a bad neighborhood for a patient. I had no idea if was so bad. I spent all day looking out the window,:uhoh21:watching to see if my car was still there or not. When they called me again for that patient, I said '' No Way."