Hi everyone. I joined this page to ask this specific question. I used to be a PCA, and am currently a college student. During my winter break, I was home and there was a snow storm that made visibility terrible, and the roads were not even plowed. I was scheduled to come in that night for an overnight, and had told my employer I probably wouldn't be able to get there due to the snow over 24 hours in advance. I messaged every single other person that worked as well, and everyone either did not want to or were even further away than I was. I had to end up just saying that I could not come in. I drive a very old sports car that has BALD tires. When I even hit a patch a slush doing 5 mph, I will still slide. Living in a town with all hills that was unplowed and had ice all over, I couldn't even get out of my driveway, and knew there was no way my car would make it there. My family did not allow me to take their four wheel drive vehicles, or even my brothers car which is at least a little safer. I do not live at school, so I didn't have anywhere I could stay beforehand to make it to work. I ended up being fired, and was obviously upset. I got yelled at for being "unprepared" and "irresponsible", as if I could have just snow shoed there or had any other option. This is NOT my full time job, it was simply for patient care hours. I did NOT take on this job thinking I would have to do this, nor was it ever mentioned to me. There were people on campus that just did not want to go in and cover me. Is this really my fault? I hate losing a job and a reference, but I can't control what car my family gives me, or that I have no viable option. I'm an undergrad, not a nurse knowing fully well what I have to do. Also, on overnights you get paid $20 for the whole entire night. You don't get paid hourly. I don't think totaling my car or getting hurt or killed is worth any amount, much less $20.
so please do not say "get a new car", because that is the least helpful advice to someone who does not have even a percentage of the money to buy that. Hence the "student worker".
I totally agree that it is not practical (and not helpful) to say "get a new car." However, once you graduate and have a job, and can afford another car, it really is your responsibility to make sure you have reliable, weather appropriate transportation
I do think it's worth mentioning that if you are driving on "bald tires" because you don't have enough money to get new ones, then you really can't afford to be driving a car, period. If you can't afford the required insurance, you can't afford to drive a car either. If you can't afford to keep your brakes functional, you can't afford to drive a car. If you can't afford to pay the registration, you can't afford your car.
Bald tires are not just a hazard for the OP, they are dangerous for the innocent bystanders who are sharing the road with the OP, such as other motorists, pedestrians, and cyclists in her vicinity. This isn't just about her; her tires can affect numerous other people who happen to be near her when her tires fail her.
I understand being young and broke. I was 23 when I finally got my first car. Prior to that, I couldn't afford to do more than buy a clunker. I wouldn't have been able to do the proper maintenance on it, nor could I afford to fix anything that might break or go wrong. So, I didn't buy a car until I could do all of those things. It was inconvenient for sure, but I made do.
We just had this discussion at work today. You knew 24 hours in advance that you weren't coming right? Why couldn't you leave earlier in the day and hang around work until your shift started? When you call in for weather that you knew was coming it makes you look REALLY BAD!...and irresponsible. It puts undue pressure on your co-workers who generally have to stay late and come in early to cover your shift which puts them is harms way as well. If you are not willing to go into work early then invest in a 4 wheel drive vehicle.
Lots of comments about OPs responsibilities. First of all, OP is not a nurse. Second, when the officials tell you "no travel on the roads" not even nurses are supposed to be in their cars travelling. This causes problems for rescue personnel, who have to risk their lives to save you. Just look at the bad weather we had and all the people who lost their lives. There are no worthy employers who would want their staff to come in despite clearly unsafe conditions.
As for all the advice to the swearers, maybe, just maybe, they're fed up with posters sitting on the head of a twenty year old making no money and having no resources. Many people do not know what it truly means to have no money. We must be careful about the advice we give on this site. Walking? You drove in a blizzard? A real blizzard? For what? Would you advise your child to do something so unsafe.
OP, never, ever put yourself in harms way, unless you are some kind of rescue person or it's your child. And next time, do not ask these questions on a nursing forum. Call the police department and get sound and rationale advice.
Is this really true?
i work private duty as an Rn,and I was told we were essential personnel,however,I thought that only applied to acute care facilities?
Well,I would be the first to admit i would call out during bad weather.
If you die on the roads,will a job really matter?
As a private duty nurse,my days going beyond for the families is long over. The families could take care of their loved one.
Have never had a client where the statement that a competent family member will assume care when the agency can not provide a nurse is not listed on the 485, although I imagine such is possible.
There are no states where tire chains are prohibited when necessary for traction in ice or snow.
You can get cable chains for as little as $20, which is why I'm not see the insurmountable issue to keep the OP from getting to their scheduled obligation.
Tire chains are most definitely illegal in many states. You can even buy them because it's illegal to sell them.
I agree with the poster not risking their safety for $20, is that even legal? (all overnight for $20). However, when I know about a snow storm I plan ahead and make sure I'm there. I've gone to the extreme when I worked nights and stayed at a hotel during the day to sleep and go to work that night to make it to work 45 mins away, I would beat the storm and be close by. You gotta do what you gotta do. I also bought a car with AWD, New England weather isn't the best. Good luck.
Maybe I'm showing my age, but I'm not really clear why you absolutely couldn't get there. Even if it's a long walk and it's snowing, dress warm and leave early.
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psu_213, BSN, RN
3,878 Posts
I totally agree that it is not practical (and not helpful) to say "get a new car." However, once you graduate and have a job, and can afford another car, it really is your responsibility to make sure you have reliable, weather appropriate transportation