I work 7-3 in a nursing home in New England. We had a blizzard last week and the DON was urging people to stay overnight before their shift. A few people did but a lot of them didn't and ended up calling off. I guess the staffing was a little crazy (lots of overlapping, shuffling to different halls, etc.) but they made it work. I had the day off so I wasn't there but apparently she was pretty rude to some of the people who called off-- told them they need to move closer to the facility, get a husband who can drive them, etc. I get that it's frustrating, but I think that was uncalled for.
It's supposed to start snowing again tonight and the DON called this weekend and told our supervisor to tell us that there will be no excuses this time. I live close to a main road and the snow won't be that bad in the morning (it's supposed to be worse for 2nd shift so I will probably get stuck doing a double), but I have so much anxiety about not being able to make it in. At the same time, I don't want to stay overnight at work! I doubt I would actually be able to sleep there. We already have to work short staffed and put in longer hours during weather like this... I just want to sleep in my own bed, but I don't want to get screamed at and made to feel like a piece of crap if I can't make it up a hill and have it be my fault for not sleeping over.
They don't pay us to sleep over, and a lot of people can't really do that anyway because they have kids and/or animals to care for at home.
I guess I'm just wondering what is normal for most nursing homes in inclement weather.
Specializes in Gerontology, Med surg, Home Health.
I was precepted by a nurse who lived far enough away that she took advantage of the hospital's policy of allowing nurses to sleep in their vacant hall. She said this worked out for her usually, but she did not like it when they made her vacate the bed for doctors, as they had priority.
I don't mean to start an US vs THEM, but good luck to the hospital or other facility. You can run without doctors....you can't without the nurses.
CapeCodMermaid, RN
6,092 Posts
I don't mean to start an US vs THEM, but good luck to the hospital or other facility. You can run without doctors....you can't without the nurses.