Nurses and CHL's

[WildBill]

Not saying they should of course.... but I know several Drs who carry into 30.06 posted hospitals saying they go in and out all times of day and night and that people might try to stop them for drugs.

Doctors have more hospital privileges than nurses.

[SwimFan85]

I think written authorization would circumvent the sign.

[chasfm11]

Not saying they should of course.... but I know several Drs who carry into 30.06 posted hospitals saying they go in and out all times of day and night and that people might try to stop them for drugs.

I wonder how many of those Drs had a hand in making the 30.06 sign decision in the first place. Yes, I know that Baylor is a system and there is an administration that probably treats doctors mainly as employees. I also believe that policy decisions in a hospital that run counter to the majority of the doctors there don't survive long.

[kjolly]

I liked George's response. Personal escort. She may not be as trained or willing to defend herself as you and numbers count.

[Matt78665]

I am a RN as well. I think the idea of her having a CHL is a good idea none the less. I know it will not protect her as she walks to and from the hospital, but I think that its a good idea for all people interested. In her case specifically, pepper spray, taser, air horn all would be good choices. I would talk to the hosp DON and see if a buddy system can be worked out to make sure people do not walk out alone. We have done that in the past to help in these cases.

[wgoforth]

Would it be possible to go to the hospital board/administration and just state "I am a license, trained concealed carry holder. I come in all hours of the night. I know there is a 30.06 sign which is likely for the patients/visitors, and I am wanting to follow the law. Therefore, can you grant me permission to carry to and from work? And while at work the gun will be secured at the XXX location." I realize I probably don't know what I am asking, so just kind of brainstorming here.

[speedsix]

...yup, it would...and, like SwimFan85 said, they could elect to give you written authorization that would trump the sign...

[PeteCamp]

I think written authorization would circumvent the sign.

I think I might try this approach as well. Both my wife and I have been Amateur Radio operators for many years and the hospital actually approached her to act as a communication liason for the hospital/ER should a major disaster occur and communications fail. There might be some consideration given if we asked for a waiver for a CHL holder. The more I think about it, this might be the best option. Building good will between CHL holders and hospitals might be an excellent step if they agree. Thanks for the idea.

[zigzag]

Talk to your immediate nurse manager and head of human resources.Discuss your concern and see what they can do.

[erick619]

in the mean time... you might consider this: http://www.surefire.com/E2DL" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;. There are cheaper ones out there, but the reasons I like this is the strike bezel, the two output function (useful for daily use and self defense situations), the button bezel ensures that the button isn't depressed when stored in a purse or pocket (depleting the batteries), and most importantly the 200 lumen output.. this will disorientate any BG's long enough to get out of a sticky situation. Also, makes them question their decision to attacking "easy prey". Asking questions like "why does she have a flash light? is it because she is edumacated in self defense? does she have a gun to pair with that light? why does my brain and eyes hurt so much?!"

just a thought. good luck to both of you and keep us posted!

[alexrex20]

The hospital I work at has 30.06 posted on clear windows with white letters. According to Texas law, to receive effective notice of 30.06, the sign must be in contrasting colors. I think a visitor would have reasonable defense to prosecution, citing the hard-to-see sign, but not so much a hospital employee...

Getting special permission in writing from hospital administration is a good way to legally carry to/from the car. Most ERs will have lock boxes where the gun can be stored, as well as LEOs on duty at all times.

[johnson0317]

I have worked at several hospitals. All that I worked for would provide a security guard to walk with the ladies to their cars. Tell her to ask.

I have been in nursing for 26+ years, and worked in Level I and Level II ERs for 17 of those years. The hospitals I have worked at have had several shootings, including two in the last couple of years at the one I worked at in East Texas. I did a travel assignment in Raleigh, about 20 yeas ago. A social worker was walking to her car when she was beaten, and killed. This hospital immediately started to offer shuttle services to and from the parking areas. Too little, too late.

The hospital in East Texas, that I mentioned, has very nice security guards, and they are armed...and a little long in the tooth...and not quicker than your average LEO to respond to a crisis. In one of the shooting incidences, the BG caught his ex-girlfriend right after she got out of her car. He shot her three times, including through her defensive hand and into her face. She recovered very well! In the other incident, a guy came through the front door and started shooting.

I can not be a hypocrite here. I kept my gun in my car while at the hospital. I was lucky enough to park in the physician's parking lot (I am a FNP-C). This placed me about 100 yards from a lock-card protected entrance. However, many of the people who work there park in the back 40, or further away. There is a shuttle service offered, but that simply is not a defensive measure. Everyone has to make up their own minds, but I could envision carrying a nice BUG size gun in a fanny pack (which many nurses wear), and then storing it in my locked locker. I would also envision NEVER telling anyone I worked with, under any circumstance, whatsoever, never, never, that I did this. Nurses love to talk, and there is no such thing as a secret in a hospital (unless they are getting ready to trim the workforce to meet some new and ridiculous budget).

Just a thought. IANAL, of course, and each person must understand the legal liability they would take upon themselves. I think the biggest drawback would be losing your job. You have to decide for yourself if the need for safety overrides your hospital policy.

RJ

[johnson0317]

in the mean time... you might consider this: http://www.surefire.com/E2DL" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;.
just a thought. good luck to both of you and keep us posted!

Good thought, but not very effective during the day.

RJ