Calling Out for EXCEPTIONAL Snow Conditions

[River&MountainRN]

Now we all know that nursing is a 24/7/365 job and you need to plan to commute to/from work in all conditions, but...what do you do when you get SIX FEET of snow? ? Local news reports were saying that parts of California just received that much from this latest storm sweeping the country. I have to admit to not being that familiar with the region of California where this just happened, so I don't know how many people were affected, but can you imagine trying to cope with that much snow?!?! What could anyone do? I can imagine that would pretty much entirely snarl operations where I live!

[Mikey31079]

Hey everyone...I'm a UC in the ED...I just went through this here in the Columbus area...I packed a bag with the charger for my electric wheelchair and my prescriptions, hopped on public transit and went to work...people still need us no matter the weather. The bus driver said "Oh honey, I'm so disheartened that a handicapped person such as yourself has to be in this mess." I unzipped my coat and showed her my hospital badge and said "I'm essential personnel, hun, this town could be hit with nukes and I still have to work." She cracked up lol. also, I spent the night in the hospital because it was so bad 270 couldn't even be plowed until well into the next day. As long as I had a place to plug in the chair and close my eyes I was fine...also got free meal passes for the cafeteria ?

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

I've worked in northeast USA and Canada for 30 years. We've had tons of ugly weather, and the funny thing is, I've only gotten truly stuck while still in my own driveway. If I get out, I'm good on snow or ice. But I call a tow truck if I am scheduled to work, I don't call in until it's nice out.

I think we need to buy cars with winter driving in mind, have an emergency kit in the car, and live close enough to main roads that we'll be plowed enough to drive. If you live in the boonies, get your own plow, because you committed to show up for work.

All my jobs, I've had my own very well prepared vehicle, and a secondary plan if mine can't make it in. Taxi services that run during the storm, or a fellow nurse with 4 wheel drive will do the trick. If you sweet talk a coworker, you might get someone that's getting off to come give you a drive in too. But get the snow tires, be ready for the storm before it happens.