Becoming afraid to do my job.

JellyTwoPointO · December 2012

So I first want to preface by saying that I do actually love my job. I love what I DO, what the mission statement and intentions of my position is meant for. Basically I'm a social worker that does in home visiting for moms of infants that are low income and screen as at risk for child abuse and neglect. This is the best job I've ever had in the nonprofit field.

But I am feeling really vulnerable lately. I go into some ROUGH neighborhoods and apartment complexes. I spend my day in the streets that get featured on the evening news. About two months ago, I found out that there was a shooting RIGHT outside of one of my clients houses TWO HOURS after I'd just been there.

I guess pregnancy has just made me feel more aware of how vulnerable I am and a little bit more nervous to go to these places. But I feel like I can't tell my supervisor this because I don't want to jeopardize my job or make her think I can't do it. It's just that since becoming pregnant, for some reason I feel more and more nervous to go to the places I need to go to for work.

I'm stumped on how to handle this. Any ideas? Or should I just shake it off and suck it up?

MRads · December 2012

I work in pretty rough neighborhoods, so I get your concern. I mean, I wouldn't, as a general rule, go into homes that look completely unsafe, and your work shouldn't make you do that.

But just being in neighborhoods with high incidents of crime? I don't know. I don't think you can really stop that, just because you're pregnant.

JellyTwoPointO · December 2012

MRads:
I work in pretty rough neighborhoods, so I get your concern. I mean, I wouldn't, as a general rule, go into homes that look completely unsafe, and your work shouldn't make you do that.
But just being in neighborhoods with high incidents of crime? I don't know. I don't think you can really stop that, just because you're pregnant.

I'm not afraid of any of my families. So far, all the moms I work with are wonderful. It's their neighbors and where they live that scare me. I guess I'm just realizing that it's no longer just me. While I'm pregnant, where ever I go, my baby goes with me. And I'm just feeling more nervous and vulnerable lately.

MRads · December 2012

I totally understand that feeling. I took a mini road trip the other day, and it started to snow and sleet. It hit me, like, oh shiiit, it isn't just me anymore. My H was freaking out, because I have control over the baby, but he doesn't.

If you have a good relationship with your boss, talk to him/her. I just think it'd be hard to stop, because you're pregnant. It isn't a situation, like manual labor, where the physical nature of the job could hurt the pregnancy. But you don't want to be overly stressed.

FWIW, my one co-worker gets panic attacks, and we have worked with her to minimize going to places and being out in times that are triggers for her. Your boss might be willing to take some of the families off your case that are close to where violent crimes have recently been committed.

PrimRoseMama · December 2012

Can you ask for a partner?

Maybe ask to do paperwork at a desk for a while?

I think it's a reasonable worry if you are in high risk areas. As you get bigger you can't move as quickly. Talk to your boss and see if they could utilize you to move paperwork or update files. Make phone calls or give testimony somewhere?

Good luck.

kmc217 · December 2012

I am a visiting nurse and often see patients in very rough neighborhoods and have even been sent in to see drug addicts -- I have been in a home where a patient ended up doing a drug deal with me there at which point I got up and walked out. When at all possible, I see patients in these areas/situations first thing in the morning. I would never go there after dark. I keep my keys in my hand when walking to my car and lock my doors immediately after I get in. I actually used to have pepper spray but don't anymore. I keep my cell phone on and in my pocket at all times. I also may request someone else to go with me (ie- they sent 2 nurses to pull the PICC line of a patient who was mainlining cocaine through it) and if at any time I feel unsafe, I leave immediately and report it to my supervisor. In 7 years in my job, I have very rarely felt unsafe but our agency's policy is always to put our safety first and definitely respects us saying we don't feel safe. I would continue my job, if I were you and just use the same level of vigilance and safety awareness as usual.

Stina2012 · December 2012

somerandomchick:
Just be glad you're not one of the mothers you visit, who has to live in these high crime areas while pregnant.

Totally this. I think you're okay, but I get feeling that safety is more about you now. Talk with your supervisor so they know your concern. At the very least he can help you feel better about the situation or he can fix the situation.

angelsnight · December 2012

I am not in the same situation, but I totally get the more vulbnerable feeling. I wouldn't say I drive agressively, but I do drive on the more assertive side, and lately I have been much more aware of how I am driving and what others are doing around me.

I used to work in downtown Detroit....during the work week between 8 and 5 it looks like a bustling financial district of any big city, but after 5 and a few blocks off the beaten path (where I had to park) it could feel a little eerie walking to my car, especially when the big group walking around me would turn a few blocks before me, leaving me to walk alone the rest of the way. I would carry pepperspray for my walks and had it in my hand while walking.

I guess if someone wanted to do something they would have, but sometimes just seeing the pepperspray could be a deterrant and I always felt a tad bit safer. Even if you never (hopefully) have to use it, it may help ease your mind.

Unknown · December 2012

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