Fired Due to Not Being Able to Get to Work

Nurses General Nursing

Published

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.

allnurses Guide

hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I

4 Articles; 5,044 Posts

Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Well all I can say is that driving a car that is a safety hazard is just plain irresponsible. You could kill someone. You need to have reliable transportation especially if you live in an area with inclement weather. I personally drive a Subaru that is sporty and fun to look at and drive and handles well in all weather conditions. Personally when I knew the storm was coming I would have started to head for town. The hung out in the hospital cafeteria until it was time to go on.

Hppy

allnurses Guide

hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I

4 Articles; 5,044 Posts

Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Where do you live that they get away with paying you $20.00 for an entire overnight shift. If you are in the US you are entitled to the federal or state minimum wage whichever is greater. Sounds like a job I wouldn't want>

Hppy

Davey Do

10,476 Posts

Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

Welcome to AN.com, Student worker!

Yeah, well, this is one of those circumstances where priorities rule. However lack of planning on your part doesn't mean others have to share your priorities.

Having been in this business for nearly 40 years, I can tell you that these things happen, so we just have to buck up, learn from this experience, and move on.

The grieving process for loosing a job that sounds like it pays way less than minimum wage should not be too long, either.

And, there are places that sell new and used tires for extremely reasonable rates. Just do a little footwork because safety is a priority!

The best to you!

Now you know. Never call in for inclement weather..just call in sick.

P.S. Get new tires or a SUV.

Sour Lemon

5,016 Posts

If you live in a place where it snows and you have a job, you've got to have transportation that works with snow. The suggestion to head in early and hang out was a practical one, although I understand how it would be unpleasant.

Specializes in ED, psych.
Well all I can say is that driving a car that is a safety hazard is just plain irresponsible. You could kill someone. You need to have reliable transportation especially if you live in an area with inclement weather. I personally drive a Subaru that is sporty and fun to look at and drive and handles well in all weather conditions. Personally when I knew the storm was coming I would have started to head for town. The hung out in the hospital cafeteria until it was time to go on.

Hppy

I ❤️ my Outback. That baby has gotten me to more shifts and before that, clinicals. Some scary driving conditions this winter but so far, so good.

Now, OP - let this be a valuable lesson for you in so many, many ways.

First off, safety first -- drive a safer car for everyone's sake. Or, *don't drive.* Find alternate transportation. It sounds like a disaster waiting to happen, for you or some poor unsuspecting soul. Listen to Davey -- there are used tires out there at reasonable rates.

Second, if you plan on being a nurse in the future and plan on living in snowy climates ... you would be most unpopular if you keep with this attitude. It's expected to be there, on time and as scheduled (weather be damned)

Good luck.

Davey Do

10,476 Posts

Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
Now you know. Never call in for inclement weather..just call in sick.

P.S. Get new tires or a SUV.

Good advice on both parts, Been there!

Last summer we had two gigantic trees block the driveway to our house and the electricity was knocked out. The temps were close to 100 degrees.

Belinda called in to say that she couldn't come in due to the electricity being out. The medical side Sup wanted to argue with her. I mean, come on now...

So when I called off to the psych division Sup, I merely said "I have family emergency".

"Well, okay", the Sup replied, "I hope things get better!"

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
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.

This is why you got fired.

Studentworker

17 Posts

I did not post this to get hammered about my car. If you did not read correctly I am 20 years old and an undergrad. I work 9 hours a week at my other job and pay for other bills. My parents do not pay for really anything for me, 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 do not plan on being a nurse, and I think I'm smart enough to know that living in a snowy climate requires a good car. However, again, I am 20 years old. I didn't get to CHOOSE where I live and was raised. When I HAVE a career and actual income, I will have a safer car. Not all of you were born with money I'm assuming, so perhaps be understanding.

Studentworker

17 Posts

Also, if it were work in a hospital I would have the option to come in early. However, it was an apartment. It's not my job to come in 24 hours earlier while someone else is on the clock.

Specializes in NICU, ICU, PICU, Academia.
Also, if it were work in a hospital I would have the option to come in early. However, it was an apartment. It's not my job to come in 24 hours earlier while someone else is on the clock.

Well, you got that right because it's sure not your job now.

+ Add a Comment