Snow- at what point do you call out?

[EMSnut45]

I am a new grad, and my first day off of orientation is tomorrow... and we are set to get 2+ feet of snow in an area that only sees that much snow once every 15 or so years. While I've been in the healthcare setting for quite some time, I've never experienced a snow quite like this during my career. I understand my responsibility to work, but I also want to keep in mind my safety out on the roads (I have a 35 mile drive to the hospital). At what point do you decide that you just can't make it into work? Do you always attempt to make it in, or do you look out the window and make that decision?

Disclaimer: I am a team player, and understand that if I call out, that means our unit runs short. I'm interested in hearing when to draw the line.

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

If the job is 24/7 you are committed to keeping track of the weather and planning ahead to get there. For me that includes what road my house is on, the distance to work, good studded snow tires, and determination to get the job done.

During my first year in Maine I had to call a tow truck to get me out of the ditch in front of my house twice in the same week. I said I would be there to work, and by God, I was coming. The second time the tow guys followed me in. :) I have called in late because of car or weather issues, but it's my responsibility to show up. I've also stayed overnight at the hospital so I could make my next shift.

I'm in Canada now and a new grad was quizzing me up during orientation about when she could call in R/T snow. You don't. Keep track of the weather and come in ahead of time, or set the alarm an hour early to shovel, and pay an extra hundred or so for good tires. Keep a cell phone, candle, kitty litter, shovel and blankets in your car, and don't go below half a tank. Yep, I've had to pull out all of the above and it's a great feeling to be ready to cope with anything!

If you get a reputation for copping out in a clinch that's not cool. Show up, and your dependability will pay you back in easier work relationships, and your boss will love you. Even as a floor nurse snow days were usually quieter than a regular shift, and had a holiday feel, enjoy it!

[blondy2061h, MSN, RN]

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.

We've often had storms last days with relentless snow. What's too early to come in? 3 days? 2 days? A week? Are you going to pay me for my time? Give me some place to sleep? Something to eat?

[Pat_Pat RN]

Well my life matters also.

In EMS they gave us this tidbit to live by: "Safety, You are #1, you do no one any good if you become a patient. Your partner #2, The patient is a distant #3."

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

Are they on the clock for this time?

...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.

Our county has one 4x4 vehicle, a 1980-something Military surplus Blazer.

I've called out twice d/t weather, both times I couldn't get out of my own driveway(three 4x4 trucks and two tractors stuck).....and I can't even get the County to come and plow my road first...it is a tertiary road 7 people live on it, not their first priority.

On the other hand, I've driven to work in the worst possible conditions, 31" of snow on unplowed roads, through flood waters. Heck I'm the one that they call to go get people when they can't get in due to the weather! (Now I have a 4x4 tractor, so I guess I COULD make it to work no matter what, but driving 25 miles at 12mph max isnt' much fun without a cab!)

But if you feel unsafe doing it, refer to the above about keeping yourself safe.

Pat

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

I'm showed up today in the storm but I don't know about tomorrow. We only have two wheel drive. I may be calling my boss to pick me up.

[EMSnut45, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

In EMS they gave us this tidbit to live by: "Safety, You are #1, you do no one any good if you become a patient. Your partner #2, The patient is a distant #3."

Pat,

That's my mentality. I have been in EMS for 8 years now, and am having a difficult time adjusting to the "nursing" way of thinking-- patient is #1 and nurse is #2.

EMSnut

[Riley3]

When working in the hospital setting I have never called out for snow, but when I was working in a monday through friday infusion clinic I have had my manager call me and tell me not to come in. If I couldnt make it the patients coming in for treatments could not make it either. Most of the time I would tell her thanks but I will try if I ran into problems I would call her. I have been on our major highway and hear on the radio that the road is closed..umm no it isn't I am driving on it..:)

I do have to say that it is at times frustrating when I who lives 50 miles from work makes it there and others who live much closer do not. Also the first big snow/ice storm I called and told the charge nurse I would be about 10-15 mintues late but would be there. When I walked in the charge nurse said "oh here she is the slacker" Although I am suppose to think of this comment as a joke I kinda wondered if this was his passive-aggressive way of saying get here on time.

So no I havent called in while working in the hospital setting but do admit to being a few minutes late in really bad whether. Being late was not because I didn't leave an 45 minutes or so earlier then I usually do.

Also our hosital does not offer any accomodations for us that can't get home. Also if I was going to go in before the storm starts since I work day shift that would mean I would have to go in the night before and foot the bill for a hotel room. That is not a reasonable option for me. If they want me there the night before, they could give me some incentives to do so.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

Well, I strongly suspect that I live in the same area as the OP.

As a general rule, I make it to work no matter the weather, though I am more used to driving in hurricanes than snow storms. And I have also had to work without much electricity/fresh running water in a facility, post hurricane.

Having said that, I called in this AM for tonight because I have been sick for the last 4 days (called out earlier this week - febrile, congested, hacking cough, swollen nodes). I did speak to my charge earlier (after temp went back up). Me, sick, trying to fight my way through snow, to get stuck on road, or on extended stay at work (on an immunosuppression unit), coughing on people did not seem like a safe idea to me or my charge. I do feel "wimpy" for it, though as I live closer than many staffers.

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.

That's a lovely concept, but we would have had to have left 24 hours ago, there are no "safe" motels near the facility and the neighborhood around the facility is the home of the local knife and gun club.

You do the best that you can do.

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

I would not compromise my own safety for any job. On the other hand, making co-workers work short is not a path for good working relationships. The best plan is to get out there before the weather whenever possible. I'm sure your seasoned co-workers have the same concerns you do. There must be an emergency plan in place. Give yourself every advantage... winter tires, emergency road kit, good strong battery, cell phone charged, etc.

Sometimes there are unforeseen events like a sudden freeze of the roads. Sometimes it means coming in later, sometimes it means calling off. When there is simply no safe way to get there, and ICE is not driveable I don't care what kind of car you have or what your driving skills are, I advise be wise and stay off the road. You do not have to be another patient in the trauma bay. While you are on orientation you are not considered "in staffing". Call your manager with your concerns and the sooner the better. Like you say, this is a historic snow storm.

[TigerGalLE, BSN, RN]

So my question is.... How can they make you stay at the hospital if you have children or pets at home? How can they hold you "hostage."

I know if my dog was at home and had no one to care for him... I'm sure as heck not staying at the hospital for 2-3 days.

[MERRYWIDOW46]

Well, I strongly suspect that I live in the same area as the OP.

As a general rule, I make it to work no matter the weather, though I am more used to driving in hurricanes than snow storms. And I have also had to work without much electricity/fresh running water in a facility, post hurricane.

Having said that, I called in this AM for tonight because I have been sick for the last 4 days (called out earlier this week - febrile, congested, hacking cough, swollen nodes). I did speak to my charge earlier (after temp went back up). Me, sick, trying to fight my way through snow, to get stuck on road, or on extended stay at work (on an immunosuppression unit), coughing on people did not seem like a safe idea to me or my charge. I do feel "wimpy" for it, though as I live closer than many staffers.

That's a lovely concept, but we would have had to have left 24 hours ago, there are no "safe" motels near the facility and the neighborhood around the facility is the home of the local knife and gun club.

You do the best that you can do.

Yes Carol, I work at your East Balt counterpart. I don't stay home either. However, last year while doing a contract at your facility I did call out for illness and it just happened to be a weekeknd and snowing. I do not have any safe facilities close to work so I am stuck driving. Sometimes I am not feeling comfortable going home after 8pm, but slow and steady wins the race. I just take my time and get there hopefully in one piece without any damage to the vehicle. Feel better. Life goes on, with or without us. We just do our human best.

[MERRYWIDOW46]

So my question is.... How can they make you stay at the hospital if you have children or pets at home? How can they hold you "hostage."

I know if my dog was at home and had no one to care for him... I'm sure as heck not staying at the hospital for 2-3 days.

YOU make a contingecy plan if you live alone with children or pets. Other family members or neighbors take care of them for you. They CAN and WILL declare a disaster internally and you are not premitted to leave. If you do leave without permission you risk termination. In this economy that isn't something that you want to happen. My ID badge has the following statement on the back: "To all law enforcement agencies, this is an employee of XYZ Medical Institution, in a declared emergency/disaster all employees are required on the medical campus. Please allow safe passage." What would have happened in New Orleans if NO one came to work or EVERYONE left during Katriina? It is part of the responsibility that goes witb the choice to become a member of Health and Human Services professions/occupations. It is the unwritten expectation.

[PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN]

Good luck to you all.

We have this similar situations only it is related to "Hurricane Call."

Our hospital has such an intense setup that SOMEONE will come to get you to go to work even if the OCEAN took over Florida.

Perhaps that's something the Northern hospitals have or should have in place.