Are nurses considered essential employees? What does that mean exactly? What would a federal lockdown look like for hospital staff? I’m wondering if I should take precautions now. I know there are a lot of rumors, but I want to be prepared. Does anyone have any feedback from previous experiences? 0 Likes
caliotter3 Mar 20, 2020 My employer issued field nurses a letter designating us as essential employees due to the fact that we care for critically ill patients in their homes, in clinics, or facilities. It specifically states that we may be required to commute to and from work through restricted areas.Relatives who work at a certain retail business received similar letters due to them being necessary in keeping the business open to provide the public with emergency supplies. 1 Likes
Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN Specializes in OR, education. Has 16 years experience. Mar 20, 2020 My badge states that I am an essential employee.From New York State:Quote1. Essential health care operations includingresearch and laboratory serviceshospitalswalk-in-care health facilitiesveterinary and animal health serviceselder caremedical wholesale and distributionhome health care workers or aidesdoctor and dentist officesnursing homes, or residential health care facilities or congregate care facilitiesmedical supplies and equipment providershttps://www.crainsnewyork.com/coronavirus/who-considered-essential-new-york-state 1 Likes
mimibrown, ADN, BSN Specializes in Med-Surg. Has 7 years experience. Mar 20, 2020 My main question is will we get to leave after our shifts are over ? I’m concerned about being required to stay at the hospital. My anxiety is through the roof right now. Edited Mar 20, 2020 by mimibrown Wrong word 0 Likes
llg, PhD, RN Specializes in Nursing Professional Development. Has 44 years experience. Mar 20, 2020 No one can predict the future. But it might help you feel better to prepare for the worst. Pack a bag. Make arrangements for kids and pets, etc. With any luck, you won't need to implement those measures -- but you might feel a little less stressed if you know that you are prepared to deal with it if it happens. 2 Likes
brownbook Has 36 years experience. Mar 20, 2020 First of all. Take deep breath. You are not alone. Every one of your fellow nurses is worried, has serious to minor reasons why staying overtime at work would adversly affect them or their loved ones. Only your charge nurse, or manager, or director of nursing can answer your questions.Realize they, like the whole country, are trying to figure out how to manage a situation that changes every 24 hoursTrying to get a handle on this pandemic is like trying to build an airplane while it's flying! I believe everyone is doing the best they can. 3 Likes
