Essential Employee Letters

[Tait, MSN, RN]

So most of us, I believe, are familiar with some form of "essential employee" letter that was given out during stay at home orders. This letter is a sort of "passport" to be out on the streets heading to work, in case you get pulled over.

This week our system has released another essential employee letter for those travelling past curfew times two work. We had a discussion this morning that, with the unrest, a letter may not be enough. Are there any systems out there with more robust protections for their staff travelling to and from work during curfews?

Thank you in advance.

[toomuchbaloney]

Do you have to show the police your papers to prevent being detained or beaten?

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Philadelphia, PA - state police initially pulled persons on Interstate highway entering Philadelphia over the morning of first day of "stay- at- home order" My son diesel mechanic was working night shift and was given "essential employee" letter which he showed and was waved on. Employer stopped 3rd shift, now on 2nd, has new letter for curfew travel --- they do not have employer issued ID, just work uniform.

Haven't heard of any other system.

[Tait, MSN, RN]

On 6/5/2020 at 12:29 PM, toomuchbaloney said:

Do you have to show the police your papers to prevent being detained or beaten?

That seems to be the sentiment coming from those who feel threatened.

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

Yeah,your picture hospital ID.....!

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

We haven't had to carry anything beyond a badge, but I did notice a few people (who were minorities) that had made giant signs in their rear windshield that said "Essential Employee--Hospital Worker." I'd imagine that they were afraid of getting arrested and accused of being part of the protests, even with their badges. It's really sad.

[NurseBlaq]

It's a shame any of this is happening. Maybe employee ID badges with some form of color coded sticker system should be implemented. No matter whom your employer is, the color coded sticker on your ID badge would alert them to you being an essential employee. I don't know who you would address that with thought to get the ball rolling, maybe the facility administration could contact a government head to make it a more cohesive, city/county/statewide system.

[adventure_rn, MSN, NP]

1 minute ago, NurseBlaq said:

It's a shame any of this is happening. Maybe employee ID badges with some form of color coded sticker system should be implemented. No matter whom your employer is, the color coded sticker on your ID badge would alert them to you being an essential employee. I don't know who you would address that with thought to get the ball rolling, maybe the facility administration could contact a government head to make it a more cohesive, city/county/statewide system.

The challenge is that it wouldn't help you at all on your way to work (especially for third shift). Plus I'd imagine the logistics of getting an entire region on the same page would be a nightmare, especially given that different cities/counties/states each have different restrictions, and people commute to work between them.

I'd think that simply having your work calendar printed out or on your phone would be sufficient, but it still stinks that it has to come to that.

[NurseBlaq]

Just now, adventure_rn said:

The challenge is that it wouldn't help you at all on your way to work (especially for third shift). Plus I'd imagine the logistics of getting an entire region on the same page would be a nightmare, especially given that different cities/counties/states each have different restrictions, and people commute to work between them.

I'd think that simply having your work calendar printed out or on your phone would be sufficient, but it still stinks that it has to come to that.

I was thinking along the lines of showing them your ID instead of the papers people were talking about. I would definitely lost the papers but not the badge. But I get it, some people may abuse the ID thing by going other places when off work. I just think it's a shame the world has come to this.

[caliotter3]

I have seen plenty of cars traveling and plenty of people out and about despite the stay at home order and curfews. You can’t tell me those people are all essential workers on their way to or from work or people seeking medical care. The only more robust system I can think of would be armed escorts. Now that would be a change for long term night shift people who have to travel through some, shall we say interesting, neighborhoods. That would be the day (night).