Snow & calling out of work

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Mar 5, 2015

Go to work. You are needed. School is called off because of the logistics and liability of other people's children.

klone, MSN, RN · Mar 5, 2015

Of course you should definitely attempt to make the trip into work.

Jules A, MSN · Mar 5, 2015

Its more difficult down south in the north we are more used to it and I would guess in most cases have vehicles that are fairly snow friendly. Go, drive slow and good luck.

elkpark · Mar 5, 2015

In my experience (in a few different states over the years), school gets cancelled at the sign of the first few flakes. That fact, by itself, doesn't really indicate anything about the severity of the weather. Bad weather happens. Barring some kind of apocalyptic-grade disaster, it's your responsibility to be able to get to work in bad weather. People are depending you. Leave extra time and drive carefully. Carpool with someone with 4WD if possible. Best wishes!

allnurses Guide · Mar 5, 2015

Sounds like you are near where I am (DFW). Reports are the roads are not that bad. Just give yourself extra time, lots of room between you and the car in front of and beside you and use deceleration by taking your foot off the gas more than using the brake.

RNperdiem, RN · Mar 5, 2015

Interstate highways are usually fine. I live in the south too. I find that once you clear your neighborhood and get on the highway, the drive is better. I once joked with a friend of mine about this and she said that in her country, the highways had so much traffic that snow never hit the ground on the main roads.

Why don't you go take a walk around the roads around your house? See if anyone is driving and how they are doing. If you are an essential worker, and it is possible, make an effort.

melizerd, ASN, RN · Mar 5, 2015

Give yourself lots of extra time and space. Take a bag with you in case the next shift can't get in and you have to stay.

PennyS · Mar 5, 2015

You should plan accordingly and go to work if you are able. I live in the Boston area and we have been buried in snow this winter. Myself and my coworkers are essential employees and people have been sleeping at the hospital and nearby hotels so they can make it into work. I always leave myself plenty of time for my commute if I know I will be going in during a storm.

Anonymous1257 · Mar 5, 2015

If you don't go in, some poor night nurse will be stuck there for an extra 2-3 hours while they scramble for coverage. If you can get there, you should go.

Just be careful on bridges, those are what really ice over. Take it slow and leave plenty of room between you and whoever is in front of you

CrazyGoonRN · Mar 5, 2015

Thanks everyone for your responses. I am in TN. The governor has closed state offices and is advising people to stay off the roads. We are under a state of emergency. At my house I got 2 inches of sleet and 4 1/2 inches of snow. Some got more. I have been watching the news and the interstate I have to drive on is still covered and is shut down just 20 miles in the opposite direction from the way I go to work. Maybe conditions will improve in a few hours. I'll leave early and attempt it. I just hope it goes well.

melizerd, ASN, RN · Mar 5, 2015

How long does the drive take you on a normal day?

lets say 30 min...I'd give myself probably 1 1/2 hours or more to get there now.

Im in Wisconsin so we can handle snow, and people are used to dealing with it and driving in it.