Snow- at what point do you call out?

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · Dec 19, 2009

I live in CO, it's rare snow dampers everything. They didn't even give the day off of school or send them home early when a big blizzard came through dropping 23 inches in HOURS. I was shocked as I came from a state that schools were closed with like 2 inches of snow LOL

My entire cul de sac has been about 4 inches of ice for weeks now, you can't even see the road.

misplaced1 · Dec 19, 2009

In our area they request that people that do not have 4 wheel drives stay off the roads. This is not just for their own safety but for the safety of OTHER drivers. For a profession that emphasizes safety and health to our patients, why are we ourselves not good enough to have the same considerations? Or why is it that we think we do not deserve them. And in the end, the hospital one devotes themselves too will lay them off in a New York minute. Very sad that so many of us do not think more of ourselves that we may deserve better. If we felt like we deserved better we would eventually get better.

elkpark · Dec 19, 2009

In our area they request that people that do not have 4 wheel drives stay off the roads. This is not just for their own safety but for the safety of OTHER drivers. For a profession that emphasizes safety and health to our patients, why are we ourselves not good enough to have the same considerations? Or why is it that we think we do not deserve them. And in the end, the hospital one devotes themselves too will lay them off in a New York minute. Very sad that so many of us do not think more of ourselves that we may deserve better. If we felt like we deserved better we would eventually get better.

So, if it's you lying in the hospital bed, sick, which hospital services would you like to not be available to you because the weather's bad? Can you get along okay without nurses? Without food? Without pharmacy services?

My opinion is that, if one chooses to work in a 24/7/365 facility (hospital), unless it's in an "optional" administrative-type position where you're not really needed to operate, it's one's professional obligation and responsibility to take reasonable precautions (like having a 4WD vehicle) and make plans to ensure one can get to work, even in bad weather and road conditions. I don't do it for the hospital -- I do it for the clients who depend on me.

oramar · Dec 19, 2009

So, if it's you lying in the hospital bed, sick, which hospital services would you like to not be available to you because the weather's bad? Can you get along okay without nurses? Without food? Without pharmacy services?
My opinion is that, if one chooses to work in a 24/7/365 facility (hospital), unless it's in an "optional" administrative-type position where you're not really needed to operate, it's one's professional obligation and responsibility to take reasonable precautions (like having a 4WD vehicle) and make plans to ensure one can get to work, even in bad weather and road conditions. I don't do it for the hospital -- I do it for the clients who depend on me.

Well my life matters also. On a very small number of occasions, I think it was two, in the 25 years plus I worked as an RN I called off due to weather. I refuse to let anyone with that judgemental of an attitude send me on a guilt trip. If you want them to find you frozen to death in your car go right ahead but I ain't going to put myself in that kind of danger. I am no use to anyone dead especially my patients. By the way the kind of snow storm we are having today, about 8 to 12 inches is nothing and I never let one of those stop me. However, we did have one 2 1/2 feet in 8 hour storm back in the '80 and nobody went anywhere not even me. A house on my street burned down because the fire department couldn't get there.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Dec 19, 2009

I live in an area where snow and ice are something of a novelty, but it does happen often enough that I've learned to drive in it (albeit with much trepidation) because my residents need care no matter what the weather is doing. The only issue sometimes is if I can't get up my steep driveway due to ice......that's when I pack enough for overnight and my administrator comes to pick me up in his 4WD. I've stayed at my workplace more than once; no sense risking my life trying to make it home 10 miles in the snow and the dark when there's always an empty bed or a sofa to sleep on, free food, coffee, and a shower.

llg, PhD, RN · Dec 19, 2009

We expect our staff to plan ahead -- and come into work early if necessary -- before the roads get too bad.

That way, the staff does not have to take big risks to get into work and fulfill thier obligations.

DogWmn · Dec 19, 2009

Raised in OR, lived in CO, OH and GA - just go early, get CHAINS for your car - they have some great ones out now that are easy to get on. I've never called in due to weather.

Another option is to contact your local PD, if you tell them you are a medical worker many times they will come get you and deliver you to where you need to go.

JB2007, ASN, RN · Dec 19, 2009

I have drove to work in blizzards and not able to see the road many times. I drive slow, leave very early, let someone know what route I will be taking. I also put emergency supplies in my car in case of an accident. Be safe and use your best judgement, but try to make it in to work if at all possible.

MNRN2009 · Dec 19, 2009

I live in a state where chains on your tires are illegal, so that is not an option. I have called off because of bad weather a couple times. I don't think risking my life to get to work is worth it. I live 60 miles from the facility I work for and the highway I travel has been closed for drifting/blowing snow a few times I know of. If the state patrol is recommending no travel, I don't travel. There are plenty of people that live a lot closer to the hospital than I do that can cover the shifts. That being said, I did make it to work a couple weeks ago BEFORE a blizzard hit, spent two days in a hotel and picked up two over-time shifts because other people could not make it to work. If the hospital calls a weather emergency, they will pick up the tab for hotel rooms for employees that are not able to make it home due to weather. So as long as I can safely get to work, I will go. If I have to call of, I'm not going to feel guilty about it.

AOx1 · Dec 19, 2009

The hospital I work for is wonderful. Security will come and get you if you can't drive in yourself. I've had to rely on them once, but it really relieved some stress that day when I could not get down my driveway!

EMSnut45, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Dec 19, 2009

Well, my wonderful neighbors and my family worked for 5 hours to clear our shared ("long") driveway. It's dark, and we're still not done. I just got a call from my charge nurse stating that someone will be sent out to get me in the morning. It's a "one-way" ride, and once I'm in the building, I'm being held hostage. The hospital has declared an internal emergency, so I guess they are able to keep esential staff from leaving. I was told to bring several days worth of clothing as well. I guess I'll be baptized by fire on my first day off of orientation!!

So, how much snow have you gotten today? My house has ~20 inches with another 3-5 inches forcasted to fall through the night. My poor yorkie thinks the world is coming to an end!

Medic/Nurse, BSN, RN · Dec 19, 2009

:paw: :paw: :paw: :paw: :paw: :paw: :paw:

at the point that martial law is declared, the national guard is activated (actually the ng transported me for 3 days - so that is a relative contraindication only ) and i am detained under the rules that suspend your constitutional rights. nah, i'm sorta kidding. really - who doesn't love to bundle up and read a good book on snowy days while drinking cocoa and watching it snow? the only problem is that if you work in a nursing (or other essential position) job that operates on a 24/365 schedule you are being depended on to show up.

i have went to work (hospital) in advance of a storm (sometimes, that is the key to staying out of a bad situation and doing what you are being depended on to do!) & stayed for days, slept on the floor of a managers office and even had to help in the kitchen at one odd point (i am an excellent vegetable chopper and my can opening and tray assembly skills are spot on too - i am a lucky girl!) during the "emergency". i also spent 5 days at the fire station once and 4 days as the only medic in a county - triaging 911 from the base and trying to determine if you would get a national guard unit for your "emergency" (tough spots! - not all calls could be answered. even had to tell a cp - that transport was not possible - prod cough, smoker, fever, days of sy/sx --- limited service was all there was and some problems just could not get the very scant resources).

preparation (pre-planning) is the key. good family plan (good and early communication with the employer as well), 4 wheel drive vehicle with an essential bag (clothes, food, water, meds, cash, sleeping bag, pillow, batteries, dry shampoo, baby wipes, toiletries, etc) and the good sense not to become part of the problem. (leave as early as possible, have a plan for where, what, when & who).

i know that it is tempting to use the "no reasonable person" should be out in this weather and i get that, really i do. i also understand that the "duty" thing is kinda twisted due to the risks (accident/injury/death or worse!) but it is not like this situation happened suddenly and without warning. you had time to prepare - i just hope you did and and did not rely on magical solutions for getting to work. if, however, you did not think this through or plan ahead and now - you are sitting in a foot of snow without an appropriate vehicle and are a few hours from the start of your shift - nearing panic and planning to "try" or call and make a lack of planning the hospital's problem - shame on you. this will be a lesson to learn from - and as a new grad in a tight market - you are being watched not so much to show up, but to see if you can use good judgement. i really hope that you are not in that spot! if you are and you have exhausted all your personal resources (family, friends, the local rescue that may volunteer transportation, co-workers that may be closer and able to trade or cover) - by all means - then call the hospital and see if there is some solution - just be prepared that you may not get any help and won't likely be catered to for the return trip. and as much as it annoys me - i'm not condoning "calling out" but - at some point you may have to consider your and others safety as it relates to your journey to work. :eek:

another word of caution - if you have limited driving experience and a vehicle that is not capable in snowy conditions, please consider asking for help before you "try" and find yourself neck deep in a situation that is potentially punishing for you and others. there are worse things than losing a job. just be prepared that the lack of forethought and planning on your part may not forgiven and understood. it is not that you called out that will surely hack 'em off - will be the lack of preparation. you have a known situation that should demand contingency planning (long commute) and the storm has hit the area - so everyone is effected ! but - it is what it is.

whatever you decide - just make a responsible decision and be accountable for it. good luck.

practice safe!