Gang violence and the street smart nurse

Gangs are a serious, growing, and costly problem across the nation. The CHN is at increased risk for incidental harm as the result of escalating street gang violence. To ensure personal safety, the CHN must be street smart about youth gangs. This involves learning about the gang mindset, detecting risk in the environment, and maintaining a defensive posture. Because they closely interact with high-risk families and youths, CHNs are in a pivotal position to intervene successfully in the family and community problem of youth street gangs. It is intended that this article will heighten awareness of the seriousness of the gang problem. It is further intended to stimulate interest in nursing research in these areas: (a) personal street-safety strategies, (b) street-safety guidelines for community nursing agencies, (c) stress reduction approaches for the CHN, and (d) gang intervention strategies at the family and community levels of practice. CHNs must seek opportunity in their role to make a difference in the national problem of youth gang violence, for it is a community tragedy that is not going to go away.