Never driving to work in snow again

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2011

And what if Nancy the Nurse has children at home, too, who due to snow are now not going to school?? Betty the Babysitter is required to stay and continue watching her kids? I guess it's easy if you only think of you and your own. I am glad to see not everyone thinks this way.

I have no idea why you quoted my post to make your point. I'm absolutely wanting Nancy nurse to get home so she doesn't give unsafe care to her patients, as well as what's going on at home, though that's actually secondary to patient safety. I always volunteer to go in on snow days. I live close and even if it's really bad, at 6 am no one's out. I'm thinking of Nancy Nurse on night shift as well as Naomie Nurse who lives in the boonies. But at the end of the day, no one forces anyone to take a job at a hospital in Snow Land. As said above, there are many jobs which require you to get there in rain, sleet, snow or dead of night-don't take the job if you're not willing to do it in a pinch.

We rarely get snow. If someone like me hasn't volunteered to take your shift, you are required to show. They'll send transportation if you don't want to drive yourself. If you call in, you're done.

pinksugar · Jan 29, 2011

To add to that, it's interesting that patients who are ready to discharge can also find rides to show up to pick them up, too! ......and don't forget to stop at the grocery store on they way home and stock up! Ever notice how busy the grocery store is on a snow day??

It must be a Maryland thing, but one of the only reasons why my unit has stayed open during some snow storms was because patients that were written for discharge couldn't get rides and cabs weren't running.

kessadawn, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2011

I have this dilemma every winter, and the winters in NE Ohio are producing more snow every year. I also choose to work about 60 miles from my home. The drive can really suck, for sure. I plan to leave really early, take my time, and have 4 wheel drive vehicle. I also pack a bag, and if I don't think I'll make it home and back for my next shift, I've stayed at the hospital. However, there are days that are just unsafe and impossible, and I just plan that usually once a year I will have to call off. My manager has been great, but I do understand that my call off is not excused. I just consider this one of the downfalls of living where I am happy, where my kids can go to school in a fantastic school system and be near family, and having a job I love.

I am realistic, and I get more and more frustrated with the drive every year. Someday, my kids will (hopefully) move out on their own, and I've told my husband we are selling the house, buying an RV, and moving southwest! I can travel nurse and we can see the country. It's probably the closest thing I'll ever get to retirement!

I'm glad the OP made it to work safely, my advice is to just take your time, but if you can't get there, you can't, and I wouldn't put myself in danger just to get to work.

Spring IS coming soon, right?

belgarion · Jan 29, 2011

Just as simple as checking the forecast huh? Before the little storm we had last Christmas the forecast called for a front that would dump maybe 3 - 4 inches of snow, about average around here. By noon that day there was over a foot and by work time that night it was 16 inches. It was the largest single day accumulation recorded here since record keeping started. People around here aren't used to that, we are used to ice storms. As I was trying to say earlier, most of the nurses who work where I do live in that town, within a mile of the hospital. I am over 40 miles away. If we get another storm like that, I'm staying put.

As far as other weather is concerned I would love to see how some of the folks who criticize others for not driving to work in the snow would react to driving to work in a thunderstorm with 90 mph winds, 10 inches of rain in less than an hour, and a couple of tornadoes crossing the road in front of them. Or a 3 or 4000 acre range fire between them and their hospital. I've had both of these happen to me in the last year. Gee, I guess it all depends on what you're used to.

highlandlass1592, BSN, RN · Jan 29, 2011

Something you said struck a nerve with me when you talked about being stuck in the snow.

May I recommend you go to a local camping store and purchase one of those aluminum-looking blankets to wrap yourself up in? They run around $2. They are wonderful, our survival flight staff wrap patients up in them for transport during winter weather. The great thing is they keep your body heat IN, to prevent you from becoming so cold.

May I also recommend an emergency suitcase to keep in the back/trunk of your vehicle? I always put extra socks, sweaters or hoodie, some tolietries, etc. If you end up getting stuck somewhere and are able to make it out of your vehicle, you will SO appreciate being able to brush your teeth and have a change of clothes. And having deodarant makes you feel almost human again. If a small additional blanket can fit, wonderful. And throw in some munchies that won't expire for an extended time: power bars, granola bars, whatever. Really can come in handy.

I have done these things for years. Have had to use my emergency kit twice. I was so glad I had some food in there, I was able to make it to a hotel due to inclement weather but forget food getting to me. And since the hotel couldn't make a bank run, forget getting change for the vending machines. Just something I've picked up along the way.

I can't blame you for being concerned about making it in safely to work. I live an hour away from my hospital, I work the night shift. I have left 2 hours early to try to arrive to work but if the freeway is closed, I have to call in...that's the only way I can get to my hospital. What frosts my cookies is since I live so far away, I do my BEST to make it in. Staff who live 5 MINUTES away, call in all the time and at the last minute. Seriously, they don't even attempt to come in. I have NO problem with staff calling in who live so far away as to be unsafe, have childcare issues (hey, if the daycare is closed who's gonna watch their kids? although, it would be nice to attempt to have an emergency plan, it can't always be activated) or health issues...I've picked up extra shifts, extra patients to help out to cover. We work short, we deal with it....I don't want my coworkers getting hurt. But to not even TRY to get out, especially for those who live so close (nor do they volunteer for extra shifts to allow those who DO make it in and work extra, rest) really angers me. It smacks of a lack of compassion for coworkers.

Having said all that, I have to share: I was on a travel assignment about 5 years ago. Big snowstorm hit, I was housed 30 minutes away. Left 2 hours early, made it to work 5 minutes late....which I thought was pretty good. Anyway, guess who else showed up to work? All the staff who were either agency or travel nurses, some of us driving two hours to make it in. All the regular staff working that night, there were 5 of them, who ALL lived in town and less than 10 minutes away CALLED OFF! I thought it was a pretty telling statement about dedication....

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jan 30, 2011

the shift that is at work, they are safe. i am not going to get on the road and die just so nancy the nurse can have relief. all the nurses running around to meeting all week, they should fill in. opportunity for management and supervisors to truly earn their pay checks.

wow, that's harsh! i suspect you would view things differently if you were the one stuck at work for 24 hours while your colleagues were safe in front of their fires at home.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jan 30, 2011

just as simple as checking the forecast huh? before the little storm we had last christmas the forecast called for a front that would dump maybe 3 - 4 inches of snow, about average around here. by noon that day there was over a foot and by work time that night it was 16 inches. it was the largest single day accumulation recorded here since record keeping started. people around here aren't used to that, we are used to ice storms. as i was trying to say earlier, most of the nurses who work where i do live in that town, within a mile of the hospital. i am over 40 miles away. if we get another storm like that, i'm staying put.
as far as other weather is concerned i would love to see how some of the folks who criticize others for not driving to work in the snow would react to driving to work in a thunderstorm with 90 mph winds, 10 inches of rain in less than an hour, and a couple of tornadoes crossing the road in front of them. or a 3 or 4000 acre range fire between them and their hospital. i've had both of these happen to me in the last year. gee, i guess it all depends on what you're used to.

forecasts are often wrong, but if you pay attention and check them you'll at least be aware that something is coming so you can plan ahead.

i'm one of those who criticize those who won't try to get to work in the snow. and i've driven to work during thunderstorms with multiple lightning strikes in my area, through (or more likely around) floods, around a forest fire, and to work with tornadoes coming up the road behind me. i still think people should try to get to work in the snow.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jan 30, 2011

long story short: i live in md and we go hit with some snow. i attempt to drive to work. i got stuck twice had , nearly drove myself into a ditch in the woods, and had to sit in my car for 2 hours with no heat while waiting for a ride. i thank god and his angels for protecting me against seen and unseen car accidents. however, i will never risk my life like that again. btw- i just brought brand new tires. no help. until i get a 4 wheel drive i will be calling out.

while i'm sympathetic about your problematic trip to work, i'm totally unsympathetic about your attitude.

four wheel drive isn't going to help you if you don't know how to drive in the snow. you live in an area where winter storms are to be expected and you work in an area where getting to work is expected. make sure your new tires are rated for traction, not performance and learn to drive in the snow. learn to carry a shovel and blankets. be prepared.

Trauma Columnist · Jan 31, 2011

I live in central IL and we are expecting 1-2 feet of snow Tue/Wed along with ice and blowing snow. I have my snowblower fully gassed up, got food in the house, putting gas in my car tomorrow and away I go. I drive approx 300 miles/week for work and most of it is rural and yep, if the pts make it, I will too.

Have a great week everyone. I like all the hints about improving our winter commutes .

glasgow3 · Jan 31, 2011

For the most part, nurses are what makes a hospital "run". People depend on us when they are hospitalized. And our coworkers depend on us to get there to relieve them; Twelve hour shifts can be too much at times let alone having to work beyond that. I get all that.

But here's a crazy thought: Why is the entire burden of truly treacherous road conditions often placed entirely upon the nurse?

If Mr Employer thinks it's possible and safe to drive in (when the Highway Patrol etc. and your own eyes are telling you otherwise) why shouldn't Mr Employer be required to offer round trip rides to core staff before any threats of disciplinary action are permitted?

If Mr Employer feels that it won't be possible for you to make it in based upon a weather report why shouldn't the nurse be compensated for staying in the hospital and for sleeping on an air mattress while their own families are being neglected? Nurses are not in the military after all.

We are constantly told that health care is a business. So why not recognize such payments and services as a cost of doing that business?

Horseshoe, BSN, RN · Jan 31, 2011

For the most part, nurses are what makes a hospital "run". People depend on us when they are hospitalized. And our coworkers depend on us to get there to relieve them; Twelve hour shifts can be too much at times let alone having to work beyond that. I get all that.
But here's a crazy thought: Why is the entire burden of truly treacherous road conditions often placed entirely upon the nurse?
If Mr Employer thinks it's possible and safe to drive in (when the Highway Patrol etc. and your own eyes are telling you otherwise) why shouldn't Mr Employer be required to offer round trip rides to core staff before any threats of disciplinary action are permitted?
If Mr Employer feels that it won't be possible for you to make it in based upon a weather report why shouldn't the nurse be compensated for staying in the hospital and for sleeping on an air mattress while their own families are being neglected? Nurses are not in the military after all.
We are constantly told that health care is a business. So why not recognize such payments and services as a cost of doing that business?

I think that is a reasonable question.

Home Health Columnist / Guide · Jan 31, 2011

Third Blizzard this year in SE PA.... had 16in snow started past Wed into Thurs. When my staff and I left 9:30 PM Wed it was snowing 3 in/hour --as soon as one side of car cleared off other had 1in on it. Drove home 20 mile hour.

Home care office didn't close Thurs just a delayed opening 1-2hrs. My RN's were in by 8AM as they had prepared for it. 5 out 9 clerks didn't make it. Treated staff to lunch as thanks for extra effort.

Processed 84 homecare referrals Thurs and 134 Friday---our normal volume: business went on as usual. Just reminded referral sources and patients it might take 2-3 days to be seen due to some areas in Philly still not plowed, no gurantee next day service.

Motto: be preparred.