Home hospice nursing

[Sleepykitty13]

We have a very large snowstorm coming up, and the company i work for has a tendency to assign cases really far from us. Thats not the problem. Theyre already talking about shutting down the roads, so my question is; are home care workers considered essential personel?

[caliotter3]

Never heard hh workers referred to as 'essential personnel' before. Have always encountered instances where there were ample call-offs. Worked for one company that said they would never consider lack of transportation as a valid excuse. We were told to take a cab to go to work. Both roads in the direction of a case were closed due to flooding one time. I called the agency and told them I could not make that shift and that they should consider calling a nurse who lived on the other side of the flooding. Surprised I was not told to take a helicopter to get to work.

[Sleepykitty13]

Thats what im wprried about. I have to leave my house later in the afternoon/evening after its been snowing all day. What if i get stranded at my case or worse, on the highway? But i also dont want to get fired for not going. Im just trying to figure out what the state of ct deems as essential employees for healthcare so i can cover my butt

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

If you're stopped by the police (or whomever) you can easily explain you are a nurse on your way to your patients home. I've driven in several of the storms that they closed the roads down and only essential workers were allowed to drive...I got stopped once, explained I was a nurse going into work for my shift. No problem.

Spoke with several officers since then and they aren't going to haul you off to jail or ticket you for being on the road if you are going to/coming from work as a nurse.

Work on the other hand might not like it if you call out because of the weather. Nor will telling them that the State of CT said only essential employees are supposed to be on the road. Health care workers are essential.

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

CT definition of 'essential employee',

"The term essential employee”, as defined by the Essential Services Act of 2013”, is an, employee that performs work involving the safety of human life or the protection of property.” Typically, these workers include police and emergency management personnel, staff working in prisons, hospitals and residential services as well as highway and road crews responsible for clearing state roads and maintaining mandatory operations.'

Who is Considered an “Essential Employee” During a Blizzard? | WTNH Connecticut News