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.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
I was not trying let you reveal your identity, as I believe you are not the only nurse in your state. I just don't understand some of the comments. And I asked for the official statement, because I want to understand if there is a real expectation to travel in a blizzard or hurricane. We are not emergency workers. Essential and emergency do not equal the same. I will try to find the information for myself.
The laws exist. A nurse is essential personnel. I've been stopped for driving in a blizzard, showed my hospital badge and was given a police escort to work. Now with a hurricane -- you'd have to be stupid not to already BE at work, given all the hurricane coverage. You know when it's coming.
Studentworker has long disappeared from the thread. I can only imagine she followed some of the advice given and is still out somewhere walking those 15 miles through the snow to get into her new place of employment :)
I just wondered about this: you say you aren't a nurse and don't plan to be one, so why are you posting on a nursing site? And yes, if you are aware of potentially bad weather 24 hours in advance - you should have been at work.
Studentworker has long disappeared from the thread. I can only imagine she followed some of the advice given and is still out somewhere walking those 15 miles through the snow to get into her new place of employment :)
This is the high point of this thread. Thanks for the chuckle.
Specializes in L&D, CCU, ICU, PCU, RICU, PCICU, & LTC..
Quote from wannabenycnurse2011
Why are people such a**holes in this thread? We all have been in staffing situations that suck as nurses. I hate annually having to decide what to do during hurricane season here in Florida but it is part of the job. However, I think by the 100th post of saying the same thing over and over again, maybe the point has been made? I just don't understand how effin rude and presumptuous some posters are. From the condescending, "millennial" posts to insinuating the OP was a crap student who instructor didn't care about her, and finally that her parents can't trust her with a car? If this is how some of you act in a anonymous forum, I can only imagine what it is like to work with some of you.
The OP made a bad decision and hopefully learn her lesson. She rightfully DESERVED to be told to drive a safe car and not work in a job that has 24/7, 365 expectations. She did NOT deserve to have rude accusations about her character.
If I could love your comment! Exactly how I feel. I would not like to meet, nor be treated by any of these so called nurses on this thread! Just poor taste, in the treatment of this young lady.
I kind of hope you do NOT work as nurses. I would not want to be treated by you two.
Nurses should have that kind of passion, love and concern for their patients and their careers! The field certainly does not need immature kids who can not even prioritize their own lives to be responsible for anyone else's life.
Yes, this girl has a LOT to learn about real life, but when others are depending on her, YOU, for their own life, that is not the time to be playing around with "wah, wah, make me feel better".
Until you have worked double shifts, short handed, from no shows, and in disasters especially as the supervisor responsible for everything going on, please do NOT criticize those who have and KNOW what they are talking about. You have gotten some GREAT advice from many good nurses on here and need to grow up and accept it, appreciate others taking the time to let you know what REAL LIFE is like.
And as Wuzzie said "tone down the profanity." Needing to use it is very unprofessional and makes you look unintelligent.
It's a minimum wage job ... not even nursing related. Go to the next business down the street, throw in an application, and start working there. The economy is probably the best its been in 20 years, so finding a minimum wage job should be a piece of cake.
Specializes in Tele/Interventional/Non-Invasive Cardiology.
Quote from wannabenycnurse2011
Why are people such a**holes in this thread? We all have been in staffing situations that suck as nurses. I hate annually having to decide what to do during hurricane season here in Florida but it is part of the job. However, I think by the 100th post of saying the same thing over and over again, maybe the point has been made? I just don't understand how effin rude and presumptuous some posters are. From the condescending, "millennial" posts to insinuating the OP was a crap student who instructor didn't care about her, and finally that her parents can't trust her with a car? If this is how some of you act in a anonymous forum, I can only imagine what it is like to work with some of you.
The OP made a bad decision and hopefully learn her lesson. She rightfully DESERVED to be told to drive a safe car and not work in a job that has 24/7, 365 expectations. She did NOT deserve to have rude accusations about her character.
I kind of hope you do NOT work as nurses. I would not want to be treated by you two.
Nurses should have that kind of passion, love and concern for their patients and their careers! The field certainly does not need immature kids who can not even prioritize their own lives to be responsible for anyone else's life.
Yes, this girl has a LOT to learn about real life, but when others are depending on her, YOU, for their own life, that is not the time to be playing around with "wah, wah, make me feel better".
Until you have worked double shifts, short handed, from no shows, and in disasters especially as the supervisor responsible for everything going on, please do NOT criticize those who have and KNOW what they are talking about. You have gotten some GREAT advice from many good nurses on here and need to grow up and accept it, appreciate others taking the time to let you know what REAL LIFE is like.
And as Wuzzie said "tone down the profanity." Needing to use it is very unprofessional and makes you look unintelligent.
I don't know who you are, but you know NOTHING about me. YOU need to tone down the attitude. I am a nurse, who shows passion, compassion and care for my patients. Because I don't think that a person's character should be roasted has NOTHING to do with my abilities as a nurse. Get a grip. I would love to say more to you, but I will exhibit more class than you seem to have. People behind screens seem to be really bold, but I doubt you'd be as rude to my face. It wouldn't be pleasant.
Specializes in Cardiology, School Nursing, General.
I know a lot of these guys are being harsh, and that's how it is in this site. Everyone had this type of experience and while it is harsh, it has some good advice in between.
I will say that you can get tires cheap, if you find them used. They just patch it up and it won't be expensive.
Ruby Vee, BSN
17 Articles; 14,051 Posts
The laws exist. A nurse is essential personnel. I've been stopped for driving in a blizzard, showed my hospital badge and was given a police escort to work. Now with a hurricane -- you'd have to be stupid not to already BE at work, given all the hurricane coverage. You know when it's coming.