Need Advice cancelling job shadow d/t weather

NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2008

Unless it would truly wind-up being a life or death situation, you should go. Leave plenty of time to get there.

Here's the thing, you will be expected to come to work even though there is snow. You keeping your committment would show that you won't call off at the first hint of inclement weather. Officially, they would say it was okay, but it probably really wouldn't be. If cars are going off the road right and left, that's another story, but I would really try and go. If the weather is crummy, they would probably also be grateful for the extra set of hands. Just my :twocents: .

NICU_nurse2b · Feb 1, 2008

Thank You!!!

That is what I was thinking. My husband is a very dramatic and he is getting upset with me because I told him I am still going. I asked him what he would do if I told him the same thing. He said he would still go in but he has more driving experience in this weather. I just replied I'm going to have to get used to driving in this weather. The weather is not great but I have seen it a lot worse. I think I will be fine, if not I guess he can say I told you so.

Thanks for your advice:specs:

Jolie, BSN · Feb 1, 2008

I'm going to offer a different perspective.

As a former nurse manager, I wouldn't bat an eye at a candidate who asked to reschedule a non-essential activity in the midst of extreme weather. It's not as if your presence is necessary to staffing, or even for an educational program. It seems like bad judgement to me to put one's safety at risk on a long trip in bad weather to attend a session where your presence does not contribute to the functioning of the unit. Not to mention that the unit may be understaffed due to bad weather. Having to explain everything to a 'shadow' is time consuming, and not conducive to efficient patient care under certain circumstances. (Please don't mis-interpret that statement! I used to encourage candidates to shadow, but not when census was extremely high or staffing was bad.)

I would encourage you to call the unit early, and ask to reschedule. I doubt that the nurse manager will think badly of you for doing so. She is probably more interested in your attendance record at your school or present job as a means of evaluating your work ethic.

This situation does present you with an important consideration regarding future employment: Is 1-1/2 hours too far to drive on a daily basis. IMO, it is.

NurseyBaby'05, BSN, RN · Feb 1, 2008

Jolie-I definitely see where you're coming from. I certainly wasn't suggesting she jeopardize herself. If the roads are okay by about 4 or 5, I would still go. Her hubby couldn't think the weather was too bad if he's willing to drive in it himself.

For the record, I also agree that 1.5 hours each way is too long of a commute, period. This from the person that couldn't stand being in traffic for 30-45 minutes and moved 10 minutes away from my job and six from dh's. Unfortunately, there might not be a lot of other options where she is at.

NICU_nurse2b · Feb 1, 2008

Jolie - I do understand what you are saying. I checked the road conditions on the state website and the roads I will be traveling on are good. They are only wet no snow or ice. I am a mother of 3 and would not risk my life if I thought there was a true risk. Although, there is also some risk in driving - drunk drivers, bad drivers - but I have no control over this. As far as the drive (time). It really only takes an hour to get there, but I give myself an extra 1/2 hour in case of bad traffic or any other unexpected event. The local hospitals are all owned by the same company and I do not want to work for them. Employee satisfaction is low. I did my clinical there and the atmosphere was horrible. I have also had family members that worked for this company and from there stories, I am not interested in working for them. I also enjoy the drive. It gives me time to get my mind set for work and gives me time to decompress before I get home. In the area I live most people I know work at least 40 minutes away. As you can most likely guess, I live in a rural area. I could move closer, but I love living in a small town. Thanks to both of you for your advice. I really appreciate it!! :specs:

Jolie, BSN · Feb 1, 2008

Jolie - I do understand what you are saying. I checked the road conditions on the state website and the roads I will be traveling on are good. They are only wet no snow or ice. I am a mother of 3 and would not risk my life if I thought there was a true risk. Although, there is also some risk in driving - drunk drivers, bad drivers - but I have no control over this. As far as the drive (time). It really only takes an hour to get there, but I give myself an extra 1/2 hour in case of bad traffic or any other unexpected event. The local hospitals are all owned by the same company and I do not want to work for them. Employee satisfaction is low. I did my clinical there and the atmosphere was horrible. I have also had family members that worked for this company and from there stories, I am not interested in working for them. I also enjoy the drive. It gives me time to get my mind set for work and gives me time to decompress before I get home. In the area I live most people I know work at least 40 minutes away. As you can most likely guess, I live in a rural area. I could move closer, but I love living in a small town. Thanks to both of you for your advice. I really appreciate it!!

Good luck, and safe travels!

NICU_nurse2b · Feb 1, 2008

Thank You!! I will be safe!