dangerous driving conditions and work

greyseal · Jan 13, 2011

You go to work, we are included in essential personnel :)

llg, PhD, RN · Jan 13, 2011

We expect our staff to pay attention to the weather forecasts and prepare for such events by coming in early as necessary. We tell them to come to work BEFORE the roads become too unsafe. We provide cots, etc. for people to sleep on if necessary.

fleurafor · Jan 15, 2011

So in the case of the storm that just came your way, you had to go in a whole day early???? and did they compensate you for those 24 extra hours?

elkpark · Jan 15, 2011

So in the case of the storm that just came your way, you had to go in a whole day early???? and did they compensate you for those 24 extra hours?

I have, over the years, gone into work early to be sure I could get there, and packed a bag and planned on sleeping over because I would probably be needed to work a double or work day shift the following day -- and I've only been paid for the actual hours I worked, not any of the extra time. That may vary depending on the facility.

If you don't show up for work when the weather and roads are bad, you're likely to end up fired if it happens often. If you live in an area that can expect to have bad weather in the winters, you're expected to figure out how to be able to get to work when you're scheduled to work.

alem-tsahai · Jan 15, 2011

In the case of both recent storms I gave myself plenty of time to get to work. I drove VERY slowly during the blizzard a few weeks ago, which was downright scary and don't think I could ever do again.

But yeah, we're expected to figure out a way to get to work, and on time. Excuses are not tolerated, you just won't get paid if you fail to show up on a snow day (even if you give plenty of advance warning). It's the nature of the beast, being essential personnel and all.

fleurafor · Jan 16, 2011

this is why i will never work as a hospital nurse. I know ppl's lives are depending on our care but what about our lives? I will never put my life at risk for my job. Getting there 8 hours early so I can assure to make my shift and not get paid for that? no way, id never do it. here's to working in DRs office then!

elkpark · Jan 17, 2011

this is why i will never work as a hospital nurse. I know ppl's lives are depending on our care but what about our lives? I will never put my life at risk for my job. Getting there 8 hours early so I can assure to make my shift and not get paid for that? no way, id never do it. here's to working in DRs office then!

I've never been in a situation, getting to work in bad weather, where I actually felt my "life was at risk." For that matter, I (or anyone else) could easily be seriously injured or killed driving to work on an ordinary day with beautiful weather. Is it your safety you're really concerned about, or the $$$$ and inconvenience?

fleurafor · Jan 19, 2011

I dont know where you live but teh winters where I live you can def put your life in danger driving on certain days. Ever hear of black ice? Blizzards? Im scared to drive in teh rain much less when there is a major storm and Im being told I have to drive to work? no way. I wouldnt take a job like that. so yes my safety is #1 but I also wouldnt take a job that required you to be there outside of your normal hours and didnt compensate you for it. Ive never heard of that before. Def a Drs office for me.