At work for 36 hrs straight

Published

Specializes in Long-term Care.

A major snow storm hit my part of west viginia dumping over a foot of snow. I had been brave enough to attempt to get to work. What did I get I along with three other nurses ended up being at work for a total of 36 hrs strait. WV was declared a state of emergency and the roads were closed, allowing no on to get to work and no on to leave. I dug out a pair of flip flops from my car so that we could wear them in the shower, and resident was kind enough to give us some of her personal body wash and shampoo. We raided the lost and found to find clothes while the guy from laundy washed our scrubs. We each got about 2 hrs of sleep the first night and around a hour and half during the next day. I have never been so tired nor so glad to get to come home. I slept on the vinyl couch in the family lounge and woke up with my face stuck to it and a puddle of drool under my cheek. I have to give it to my fellow employees we took it like troopers. And to our credit we made it thru the whole ordeal with no incidents of accident and all the resident were fine. It was an adventure to say the least!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Well, I'll bet the residents appreciate you. The employer should give each of you a nice robe and slippers to be hung in the employee break room for future use in appreciation for your extra effort.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

36 hours straight! My goodness. I'm sure you did get a good nights sleep when you arrived home. That has always been a fear in the back of my mind while working in the winter. I keep a few extra pairs of clothes in my car...just in case.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Wow, you guys are troopers! And have a great attitude about the ordeal as well! Now you have a great story to tell your grandkids someday! Blessings. :nurse:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Good job! Whenever I have gotten "stuck" at work in a snow storm, somehow the residents seem to sense that there is something going on, they are almost always on their best behavior as well as so much more teamwork than usual. ALL the services help out, and somehow we get through it! As tired as you were, didn't you feel good when all was said and done? This is what dedicated is! Bless your heart!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What a great story to tell, and glad to hear all went well (considering). Just think how great that story is for an interview.. "What is the biggest challanged you have faced and how did you handle it".. :D

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Wow, 36 hrs!! That is quite an accomplishment. Shows lots of dedication on your part.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC.

I know your residents appreciated you and your employer should give you a nice little bonus in your paycheck. I did 2.5 days for one snowstorm somewhere in my nursing career and got $100 bonus in my paycheck. At least they appreciated us for being there for the residents.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I did that once. Made it in during a blizzard but since this is upstate NY I knew I wasn't getting home or relieved so I brought an overnight bag.

Well done!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion