Inclement weather conditions...mandatory to work?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

How do you more seasoned nurses deal with this?

I'm in the path of hurricane Florence, scheduled to work this weekend and honestly don't know what to do.

I love my job and appreciate my patients, but my job sent out an email saying we have to be to work. I have a child to think of, so I'm clueless. I'm trying to wait until it happens to see if the conditions are actually drivable but at the same time plan ahead.

So what are your thoughts on Nurses having to chose between their jobs and safety of themselves and family??

There are ENOUGH stories of RNs dying on the way to the oh-so-important shift.

So this statement intrigued me and I did a quick search to find the stories of nurses dying on their way to work in the middle of natural disasters. My cursory search turned up exactly...zero. Serious request. Can anybody point me to references of the large number of nurses that have died in transit to their shifts during hurricanes, tornadoes, snowstorms, ice storms or other such emergencies? I'm truly not trying to be flippant. I'd like to read their stories.

Specializes in LTC and Pediatrics.
Thats all I'm saying. Just thinking the worse and hoping for the best. I've always have come to work in bad weather like snow storms. But I'm freaking fearful of rain, plus my facility is old. All i keep picturing is that pic that showed the nursing home flooded and those poor clients in that water. But I'll see how it plays out. Plus what worries me is that the electric went out before and the power didn't generate once for about an hour and it was just a regular thunder storm.

This facility did not heed warnings and evacuate. This was one of numerous facilities along the Gulf Coast last year. Most have plans. One team works at the facility or evacuates with the patients. The other team goes in and prepares for the return or if they didn't evacuate, to relieve the staff that worked. The home I worked at, had us write down at employment which we were willing to do. Also, Harvey was only to come in as a Cat 2 or so and it came in as a Cat 5.

So, don't base all of the feelings on one incident last year.

So this statement intrigued me and I did a quick search to find the stories of nurses dying on their way to work in the middle of natural disasters. My cursory search turned up exactly...zero. Serious request. Can anybody point me to references of the large number of nurses that have died in transit to their shifts during hurricanes, tornadoes, snowstorms, ice storms or other such emergencies? I'm truly not trying to be flippant. I'd like to read their stories.

I would be willing to bet there are actually more instances of nurses being killed while driving home after working a night shift and falling asleep-in perfectly fine weather.

I would be willing to bet there are actually more instances of nurses being killed while driving home after working a night shift and falling asleep-in perfectly fine weather.

Yep, especially after 12 hour shifts. I actually found more than a few of those. Yet I hear very few people arguing against them even thought there is plenty of evidence that they are not particularly safe. That goes for overtime and multiple jobs too.

Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

For Florence, I went in as I was scheduled with a bag packed in case I couldn't get home. There was no power at home and if I stayed, at least there would be a/c and a hot shower!!!

I ended up being able to make it back home and back to work again Sunday. I accepted a position knowing I would be considered essential personnel and make sure I am prepared to be there and stay if necessary.

Specializes in ER/SICU/House Float.

n/m..

So this statement intrigued me and I did a quick search to find the stories of nurses dying on their way to work in the middle of natural disasters. My cursory search turned up exactly...zero. Serious request. Can anybody point me to references of the large number of nurses that have died in transit to their shifts during hurricanes, tornadoes, snowstorms, ice storms or other such emergencies? I'm truly not trying to be flippant. I'd like to read their stories.

You're welcome to read the article I posted about my experience swimming out of my car after getting hit by a flash flood during the 2016 tax day floods in Houston. That wasn't even a Hurricane. If it had taken me seconds longer to snap that I needed to role down my window, I would have been one of the people who died that day too.

You're welcome to read the article I posted about my experience swimming out of my car after getting hit by a flash flood during the 2016 tax day floods in Houston. That wasn't even a Hurricane. If it had taken me seconds longer to snap that I needed to role down my window, I would have been one of the people who died that day too.

Yes, I remember that thread, it was riveting and I'm glad you made it our safely.

1 Votes
Specializes in Med/Surg/Infection Control/Geriatrics.
Correct, but most jobs would send out an massive email. Telling staff to come in early, prepare to stay and etc. Not just act like it doesn't exist.

They shouldn't have to think for you.

Specializes in Care Coordination, Care Management.

What about your co-workers and their loved ones? Why are you a priority? It's called planning ahead. Period.

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