Have you ever had an accident driving to work in a snow storm?

[Alnitak7]

My heart really goes out to the children and families of all those caregivers who are bullied into driving during this time of dangerous driving weather.

Their patients who sometimes do not really need help during the storm are strangely enough on a list of the ones they're coerced into driving to. These patients are afraid for their caregivers.

If you have to work during this time, may I suggest leaving before the bad weather starts and arranging a double shift so your relief nurses do not have to go out.

May I also suggest that nurse managers think about what they would want if these nurses were their own children or parents and find alternatives that do not involve threatening them into driving on a dangerous road.

Knowing how to drive on ice does not make anyone more safe.

[Silverdragon102, BSN]

I always leave for work early and take my time, what I can't stand are the idiots who come up behind me fast and then try and put pressure on me to go faster............. aint happening I love living too much and when I can feel my back end slipping because the road isn't safe then I will continue to go slower and safer

[loriangel14, RN]

I always leave for work early and take my time, what I can't stand are the idiots who come up behind me fast and then try and put pressure on me to go faster............. aint happening I love living too much and when I can feel my back end slipping because the road isn't safe then I will continue to go slower and safer

Oh yeah you drive just like me. I have never missed work due to weather but I know the value of SLOWING DOWN. Twice I have had people go flying past me in the passing lane and then I passed them later, they were in the ditch.I grew up driving in wild weather, I will drive in just about anything.

[BSNbeauty, BSN, RN]

I have slid off the road and came pretty close to doing into a ditch on my way to work in a storm. Another time was when I got stuck in the snow for hours. I usually play it by ear. If it looks to dangerous to drive and my hubby can't take me then most likely I will not come in. My job doesn't provide transportation or a place for nurses to stay in between shifts.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

I have slid off the road and came pretty close to doing into a ditch on my way to work in a storm. Another time was when I got stuck in the snow for hours. I usually play it by ear. If it looks to dangerous to drive and my hubby can't take me then most likely I will not come in. My job doesn't provide transportation or a place for nurses to stay in between shifts.

Then they shouldn't be surprised if they have staffing issues........

[elkpark]

(Does anyone else think it's odd (or overkill) that "sociopathy" is listed as one of the tags for this thread, at the bottom of the OP?)

[psu_213, BSN, RN]

(Does anyone else think it's odd (or overkill) that "sociopathy" is listed as one of the tags for this thread, at the bottom of the OP?)

Not to mention "threats and intimidation." I would like to add the tag "hyperbole."

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

My heart really goes out to the children and families of all those caregivers who are bullied into driving during this time of dangerous driving weather.

Their patients who sometimes do not really need help during the storm are strangely enough on a list of the ones they're coerced into driving to. These patients are afraid for their caregivers.

If you have to work during this time, may I suggest leaving before the bad weather starts and arranging a double shift so your relief nurses do not have to go out.

May I also suggest that nurse managers think about what they would want if these nurses were their own children or parents and find alternatives that do not involve threatening them into driving on a dangerous road.

Knowing how to drive on ice does not make anyone more safe.

Oh, for pity's sake. Bullying? Intimidation?

If you choose to take a job in the snowbelt, and if that job you've chosen to take requires you to be at work in inclement weather, then you plan to be there during inclement weather. If you cannot see yourself driving to work in a snowstorm, or staying late in a snowstorm because your relief can't get there, then don't take the job. If you do take the job, then you need to make arrangements to be there.

I've been a nurse for 35 years, all of it in areas that get snow, and I've never missed work because of a snowstorm except the one time that the snow was so deep I couldn't find my CAR. And that time, I put my skis on and skied to a major intersection where the hospital 4WD was going to pick me up, but HE couldn't make it there.

Someone has to take care of the patients, and if that someone is supposed to be you, then you need to figure out how to be there.

[Orca, ADN, ASN, RN]

I always leave for work early and take my time, what I can't stand are the idiots who come up behind me fast and then try and put pressure on me to go faster............. aint happening I love living too much and when I can feel my back end slipping because the road isn't safe then I will continue to go slower and safer

In my experience it always seems to be people in four wheel drive vehicles. While this gives them more traction and stability in moving forward, they can't stop any more quickly than anyone else. They get overconfident, IMO.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

I totally agree Ruby, Elk, Psu - I just didn't want to be the first to say it. Ooooh, the drama!

[Anna Flaxis, BSN, RN]

"Bullied"? Going to work in inclement weather comes with the territory, IMO. Nobody's bullying me. The ED never closes, and somebody's gotta be there. If I am not willing to drive in because of inclement weather, how in the world can I expect anyone else to?

No, my patients aren't concerned about me at all. They're more concerned about their chest pain or belly pain or displaced fracture.

No, I am not willing to stay and work a double just so my co-workers don't have to come in. I work long hours as it is, and I have a life outside of work as well, and it's dangerous enough driving home late at night after working a 12 without adding an extra 12 to it.

If you are not willing or able to get to work in inclement weather, best to get a job that doesn't require it.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

In my experience it always seems to be people in four wheel drive vehicles. While this gives them more traction and stability in moving forward, they can't stop any more quickly than anyone else. They get overconfident, IMO.

I have a 4 wheel drive and I agree with what you are saying....just because you have 4 wheel drive DOES NOT mean you have 4 wheel stop!!!!

IDIOTS! See you in the ditch!

[SoldierNurse22, BSN, RN]

(Does anyone else think it's odd (or overkill) that "sociopathy" is listed as one of the tags for this thread, at the bottom of the OP?)

I think it fits with some of the folks who display overconfidence on the road...but certainly not employers (as it seems may have been the implication).