Snow emergency excuse?

LPN1974, LPN · Jan 22, 2005

Well, I live in Arkansas, and we are not prepared for even the least little bit of snow or ice.

They usually start sanding the streets if it even looks like snow or ice.

Just a thin sheet of ice or a couple days of snow even has schools letting out for the duration of it. We have alot of rural areas, so alot of people who work at my facility do live 35 and 40 miles away.

My facility has the policy that CRITICAL care personnel MUST be on the job. NO excuses.

That means, nurses, dietary, cna's, and some kind of maintenance department coverage, etc.

I have known of nurses in my department coming in well before the bad weather hits and spending the nights there, right thru the storm, until the roads were clear enough to get back out on their days off.

I live just about 7 or 8 miles away and I usually do not have to spend the night at work. I just drive it. I agree that 8 miles is no comparison to 35 or 40, but as you say, you knew this when you took the job.

I don't feel it's fair to expect the ones who live the closest to provide all the coverage while the ones who live further out to stay home until roads are passable.

In fact on my shift alone, I am the only one who lives as close as I do. The other nurses all live about 35 to 40 miles away. So how could I provide all the coverage? Impossible. They just might as well pack that suitcase and come on, cause one person can't do it.

My facility helps all they can...they will provide a van to pick people up and bring them to work in the worst snowstorms, and then take them back home.

And if they don't want to stay on the job, there are motels fairly close and I'm sure the facility would provide transportation there and back. It's just a fact of life if you work where I do.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jan 22, 2005

Now I live in a place that rarely snows, and when it does snow it usually melts fast leaving black ice. That is how it always is...we are rain country and come cold...we tend to turn icy (happens maybe once or twice a year...short spans like a day or two)...and I live in a very rural area where that pretty much shuts you down because of all the dirt roads and hills (pretty hard to drive on without killing yourself in ice conditions...which again...are rare so we are not accustomed to driving in it, or the Department of Transportation isn't as quick to respond with sanding out here!).

What I did is I was an eagle eye when it came to the weather reports, and had a room set aside at my facility for me to stay in. If the ice started falling or even snow (we had freezing rain..oh goodie), I would get to work the moment that hit and get there and stay. I had to work the weekend it happened and was the ONLY nurse that could!

Luckily for me the majority of the probelm had its icy boarder 10 miles east of me! WHEW...I was able to get to/from work just fine! My neck of the woods was barely hit. Where as the rest of the east of me...OUCH they got pelted!!

I had two other back up plans...knowing folks that can drive in snow, and I felt comfortable with their driving on ice too.

I let my employer know I was doing all this, they proably thought I was overdoing it..but I let them know after last years bad snow/ice storm we got (that one was 5 days..again we are NOT use to this huh?)...I was going to do my best to get there no matter what! And that is exactly what I intended to do...if I had to call in...it was because of something I couldn't control past all my plans!

However, I don't believe that risking your life in icy or snowy conditions is worth it at all! I can get another job, but I will have a harder time getting a new car or wow...a new body part or life if the risk of driving came to a sad conclusion!

Some people have more driving skills than others, some come from areas where they have learned to drive in this, some people are calmer drivers and don't overcorrect, and many other factors. I happened to be a person who ONLY started driving at 28 because of nursing school...I can't drive in these conditions nor do I want to because I will suffer an accident (seirously..even my hubby hates driving with me!!!!!). I would be one of those folks to try and wind up hurting myself and someone else! Best I stay off the roads for safety.

So if someone says they can't make it in due to snow or ice, your facility should have a gameplan for these conditions to cover. It isn't worth a persons life trying to get to work in conditions that even the police and department of transportation say 'don't drive in this!'.

I work for a living, but my work doesn't rule my life! Best to be prepared and plan for times like this..but bottom line, you can't make it in bad weather, you call in! Hey, I would tell a patient this wouldn't I...I better listen too!

Also, as others have mentioned, some places consider snow/ice emergencies...this can be so true, especially when the state government and EMS agencies say not to drive! At that point...sorry to say, who gets called in emergency situations to help a facility??? Yep, the ones closest to the facility (like in power outages, fires, and other emergencies where personal are needed to help get patients out or housed). So if you live close...sorry...just like us that live outside..you chose that! I have had to do my share too...always coming in to cover because I lived the closest for many years! Now I don't...but at least I try really hard!!!!!!! (I am a planner anyway...I always plan for things like this! I would love to make a good living planning for emergencies!!!!! I am very good at it!).

fotografe · Jan 22, 2005

I am not working in a hospital yet, but my current employer considers us "essential" under any circumstances (tv station -- someone has to be there to tell you it is snowing). When the snow is predictable, they book rooms in a hotel a few blocks from the station to ensure that they are fully staffed. We don't get paid for the time we are in the hotel, but we can bring our families in to use the hotel services (nothing like jumping on a hotel bed for a 2 y/o). Our contract states that we all get private rooms unless it is impossible.

I am sure my employer has a bit more cash to throw around than the average hospital, but I would think ensuring you have your staff in would be a sound planned expense. That should be something union shops should have in their contracts, and something non-union staff should bring up with employers. Depending on the kindness of those who live nearby isn't good planning and certainly isn't fair.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jan 22, 2005

Totally right on Fotografe! My facilty is actually next to their old facility which is now a really trendy hotel! They are kind enough to lend us spaces in emergencies as part of the purchase agreement from the facility! YEAH! So if we need the space and have no open rooms at our facility, we can stay there (even though the folks that use to work at the old facility don't like to go there, they say it is haunted...can't call in for "hauntings" that I know of..LOL!).

My facility has two guest rooms for family staying for loved ones, so ususally we have two small rooms. Family are not encouraged to stay, but just employees because of space and the fact that different shifts must sleep different times and need the quiet! But it is nice to have that option there, and like I said..I packed a bag and kept it near during the threat, and even my hubby (paramedic) did and we both knew the chances of us staying was very high (we had made preparations for my son to stay with grandparents ahead of time).

If you can plan..go in, if it is unexpected...then that is a different story and people may have the right to say they can't come in!

Had to love the other post that stated that usually the rural area folks made it to work vs the closer ones...I see that too!!! Wow huh...well guess we have had to plan for this a few times...and once we get a good plan going on...we show up! We have carpooling around here for bad weather, and people really try to help. Also previous shifts know they may have to stay over a bit to cover as the carpools get everyone or the ice melts...that is helpful too and everyone should appreciate and not complain about it! I would have gladly stayed..and I had to handle all the call ins, and administrative duties last weekend on top of my nursing duties...busiest gal in the place this weekend I assure you...I was tired, but would stay to help no questions asked! I will do that for my team and my patients :).

tridil2000, MSN, RN · Jan 22, 2005

so, here in nyc, we're expecting a big one this weekend. my friend is working tomorrow night, and is anticipating a problem getting in to work already (they're saying it's going to be at it's worst during her commute in).
so here's my beef: although she is my good friend, she lives 35 miles from work, as do many of the others (some live further than that). i, on the other hand, live about 5 miles away. every winter, i hear about how these people can't get to work because of the snow, or their mother, father, husband or dog will not let them drive in the snow to work. am i the only one who feels that we, as health care professionals, have an obligation to get to work?? and also, isn't this something you need to consider when you decide to take a job that is so far from your home?? now, i'm talking about nyc/long island, where there is a hospital every 5 miles, not the boon docks (where some of you may be). and i'm also not talking about a school nurse job or a doctor's office, where no one would be there anyway if the weather is bad. it's a hospital, where sick people are, and will stay, until they get better.
i just can't bear to listen to the complaining anymore, especially when i don't agree with their rationale. i can get into an accident on my way in, too. i can't not say anything (i'm just not that type), so i know i'm not going to be popular when i get into work tonight. speaking of tonight, i'm working overnight. so my friend calls me up and says "they might start holding people over before it snows, so you might have to stay". my shift ends at 8 am, and the snow is supposed to begin in the afternoon. i can't imagine that they would hold the entire night shift over in anticipation for a storm.

i am 12 miles east of philly. i was lucky that i wasn't scheduled.

i was scheduled during the big president's day snowstorm 2 years ago, and they sent the ambulance to pick me up.

funny, bc when i went in, someone had to go into philly for immediate cath possible ptca, and i went on the transport with them. it took about 4 hours of my shift and it was a fun ride.

if my employer offered me time and a half (or a bonua) and a ride, i'd go in today, or even tomorrow (big eagles game... i don't care though.)

you would never see the er doc or the residents calling out bc of snow. they're professionals and realize it's just the luck of the draw with this stuff.

nurses, ask for a ride if you're scheduled. there are people with hummers etc, and the hospital can get ambulance transport people to pick you up. if you're off, and want extra money, call in to the supervisor and ask for a deal if you want. the worse thing they can say is no. besides, if 4 people offered to come in for bonuses and, they were short, they could call the administrator on call and run it by them.

you're a nurse. they need you. put your offer on the table. if more of us did this, everyone involved would benefit!

Nesher, BSN, RN · Jan 22, 2005

I too live in Washington, but in Seattle, where life grinds to a complete halt if it snows. In the past I have been through various scenerios - the unit I worked on had a car pool set up using those with cars that could handle the snow to pick up those in need. I have also been through the planing ahead aspect - and folks stayed with nurses who lived close. One storm the hospital had all kinds of nurses hiking and snow shoeing in( we area an outdoorsy bunch and everyone has hiking boots:) ) At any rate I agree that if a nurse has enough notice to make plans to deal with the weather they owe it to themselves as human beings to respect the needs of their fellow nurses and get a little closer. The also owe their patients the pleasure of their company.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Jan 22, 2005

I live in an area where heavy snow is a rarity, so things pretty much shut down whenever it does happen. However, last winter we did have a good-sized dump, and yep, I had to go to work. I was also terrified to try to negotiate my long, sloping driveway, let alone the roads, as I was nearly killed about 10 years ago when I spun out on an icy highway and narrowly missed being T-boned by oncoming traffic. But duty called, and fortunately I work for a hospital that allows staff to stay over in extreme bad weather......so I packed my little bags, said good bye to my family and told them I'd be back in a couple of days. :chuckle

Now, I can think of worse places to be during a snowstorm.....it may not have been home, but hey, I had a warm bed, a shower and bathroom, a TV set, coffee and food nearby, and all the blankets and pillows I could want. Best of all, it was FREE, and I didn't have to negotiate icy roads and fog at 11 o'clock at night.

The moral of the story is, there are some occupations that demand attendance at work, no matter what the circumstances, because they are essential services. People get sick and need care in all kinds of weather.......there just aren't many excuses for us not to be there when we're needed. :nono:

LPN1974, LPN · Jan 22, 2005

So if you live close...sorry...just like us that live outside..you chose that! I have had to do my share too...always coming in to cover because I lived the closest for many years!

Well, it depends on the facility, and what the emergency is.

Like I said before, just because I live close doesn't mean I can provide all the coverage. I am the ONLY nurse on my shift within 8 miles.

And my shift requires at least two nurses to get all the meds given.

If the other 5 nurses couldn't make it, sorry, I can't do it all by myself. So someone else better plan on how they're going to get there.

And if there is snow 35 miles from work, most likely there's snow 8 miles from work. Usually what is affecting one of us is affecting all of us on my job.

But if one of my coworkers who lives 35 miles away were to have an emergency, as you say, electrical or a fire or whatever, of course, I would help cover for her.

My facility has a plan.....the NO excuse plan when it comes to weather.

You come to work. Period. No matter how far you live. Plan ahead and come in BEFORE the storm hits. We usually have warning here in Arkansas that we're going to get a snowstorm.....it may not be much of one when it finally arrives, but most usually we were warned by the weatherman.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jan 22, 2005

I too live in Washington, but in Seattle, where life grinds to a complete halt if it snows. In the past I have been through various scenerios - the unit I worked on had a car pool set up using those with cars that could handle the snow to pick up those in need. I have also been through the planing ahead aspect - and folks stayed with nurses who lived close. One storm the hospital had all kinds of nurses hiking and snow shoeing in( we area an outdoorsy bunch and everyone has hiking boots:) ) At any rate I agree that if a nurse has enough notice to make plans to deal with the weather they owe it to themselves as human beings to respect the needs of their fellow nurses and get a little closer. The also owe their patients the pleasure of their company.

YEP, Near Portland Oregon here! It is wierd when things go icy huh!?!?!? Like armagedeon! LOL!!!!!!!!!

Hey...what pearls of wisdom do we all have for ice/snow conditions?

1. Nylons over shoes works well in ice/snow (be very careful still), or wear golfing shoes!

2. Kitty litter in your car trunk helps with weight and when you get stuck!

3. Be mindful of power outages at work and carry a little pocket flashlight, and remind other staff to remember where the flashlights are and test them!

4. Food that doesn't need to be cooked is always a good idea to have handy!

5. Leave early and have a blanket, water, first aid kit, and other emergency supplies in your car! Never know when they will come in handy :). (especially when I have come onto a wreck!).

6. Plan your trip well...get a snow route!

7. Make arrangements to stay at the facility, but remember..if you are there they will expect you to work in a pinch! (so sometimes a nearby relatives house does a bit better if you can safely make it there!).

8. Don't forget to bring your cel phone chargers with you. YOu never know when that cel phone will come in handy or as your alarm clock if the power goes out!

9. Keep a ditty bag of tolietries, and change of clothes handy in bad weather in case you do get stuck at work.

10. Cash...very handy if power goes out and you can't use your cards, also for phones if you need...and sorry, but many tow truck drivers will free you, but they want CASH! (same with some taxi services in bad weather). Also if you need to rely on public transportation at some time!

z's playa · Jan 22, 2005

YEP, Near Portland Oregon here! It is wierd when things go icy huh!?!?!? Like armagedeon! LOL!!!!!!!!!
Hey...what pearls of wisdom do we all have for ice/snow conditions?
1. Nylons over shoes works well in ice/snow (be very careful still), or wear golfing shoes!
2. Kitty litter in your car trunk helps with weight and when you get stuck!
3. Be mindful of power outages at work and carry a little pocket flashlight, and remind other staff to remember where the flashlights are and test them!
4. Food that doesn't need to be cooked is always a good idea to have handy!
5. Leave early and have a blanket, water, first aid kit, and other emergency supplies in your car! Never know when they will come in handy :). (especially when I have come onto a wreck!).
6. Plan your trip well...get a snow route!
7. Make arrangements to stay at the facility, but remember..if you are there they will expect you to work in a pinch! (so sometimes a nearby relatives house does a bit better if you can safely make it there!).
8. Don't forget to bring your cel phone chargers with you. YOu never know when that cel phone will come in handy or as your alarm clock if the power goes out!
9. Keep a ditty bag of tolietries, and change of clothes handy in bad weather in case you do get stuck at work.
10. Cash...very handy if power goes out and you can't use your cards, also for phones if you need...and sorry, but many tow truck drivers will free you, but they want CASH! (same with some taxi services in bad weather). Also if you need to rely on public transportation at some time!

Some very good ideas here! Thanks Triage RN34!

must say it will be a cold day in h*** before I venture out with nylons over my boots though!

Z :chuckle

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Jan 22, 2005

I have always tried to make it into work snow or no snow, but I have worked for some pretty short sighted facilities ,so after my last esperience, I go if scheduled but do not go in early, stay over, or expect to get anything but paid for the hours I worked. If I am mandated, I want to know exactly what the facility is expecting of me, if I will be fed, and if I can shower or sleep after awhile. Don't laugh, you would be surprised at how some facilities treat staff here. I make it clear I will only stay as long as it is really necessary and no amount of threats will budge me. I worked with one nurse, who has since died of a chronic illness, whose husband had to brave bad roads, snow, and getting a ticket to get her medicine to her, she was mandated, she had to take her meds, and the facility would not give her a dose as needed. THIS is the truth. So a little professional attitude on both sides needs to be practiced.

Antikigirl, ASN, RN · Jan 22, 2005

HEAR YOU! I too asked from my administration what I was expected to do! I was conserned that if I was on site that I would be taking on a double if not triple shift and I was unwilling to do that! Sure, a few hours for coverage...help with residents while I was awake if there was a power out...but not back to back shifts, I wanted someone to cover for me since I was working each day from 0600 to 1400.

I got a ration of caca from my management..."well aren't you miss team player! If you are here and we need you you will work!". I simply told them that I was merely asking a rational question, and in that case calling in had more incentive! I told them if I was staying I would not only stay on the dependant side of our facility (opposite side of a large complex), but WILL sleep between the hours of 2200 to 0500 so I could be fresh and help handle the expected call ins, and extra work I would be doing to help! I will be fed, I will have a shower, I will be allowed to use the telephones (they shut them off in guest rooms unless the room is occupied and last year they didn't turn them on for staff!), and so on. They had to agree...I was the only nurse (the other day nurses were out of town on vacation...kinda silly of them to do that in ice season huh?).

Luckily for me, I didn't have to stay! And I have found that if I can walk about 4 blocks I can get to a local fire station where they all know me and my hubby (hubby stations there at times, and was a volunteer too), and they would set me up! YEAH! I think if I can I will chill out with them next time :)