Scheduled to work called out due to snow--can I be fired?

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I was scheduled to go to work today. I live about 40 miles away from work got in my car and found visibility to be very bad and did not feel safe driving--train not an option. I called out and was told that my patients needed me and that administration was not happy and that I would be dealt with later? Intimidation or is this ground for termination?

I feel that I give so much of myself at work. But it's still not enough. Can I be let go or this?

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What is your facility policy on inclement weather? Obviously the patients need somebody--they aren't "yours"...my hospital did this to me one time, but it was supposed to snow, and all we got was rain--I was actually calling in sick. They gave me a speech on how I needed to bring in a doctors note or I would be suspended. I ended up coming back to work 2 days later for my scheduled shift and nobody said a word to me. I brought it up to my manager like 2 weeks later and she laughed at what the staffing office had said to me, stating that it was her decision to request an MD note, etc. Anyhow--I don't think that they can fire you, suspension possibly--but I would check the policy on inclement weather and go from there. Call HR and ask about the policy in a matter of fact manner.

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Specializes in peds-onc.

Well hospitals have rules. My shift starts at 0700 so you must call in sick by 0400. A personal or family emergency may be excused if you call after that because you cannot predict emergency. This weather isnt really an emergency. You live in a place that gets snow, obviously, so you need to be keeping up-to-date on the weather. Its about professionalism and responsibility. You should have looked up weather the night before or woken up early enough before shift to see how the snow fall was. If you called before YOUR works sick call time then I doubt you will be fired. Maybe a written notice or verbal? Not sure what your work follows. Mine is most often verbal then written then probation/termination.

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Specializes in Peds/Neo CCT,Flight, ER, Hem/Onc.

If you work in an "at will" state they can pretty much fire you for anything. It might be worthwhile for you to check out the numerous thread regarding inclement weather and calling off. There are many good suggestions on how to avoid having to do it.

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Getting stuck happened to me once after a freak snowstorm dumped a couple of feet of snow. I physically was unable to get out of my neighborhood.

That was many years ago and I have learned my lesson, even though I was not fired.

A few weeks ago when big snow was predicted, I arranged to stay the night before in the hospital.

Were you the only one to call out, and just how severe was the snow? If large numbers of people didn't make it in, you will probably be fine.

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Specializes in MDS/Office.

Did "Administration" offer to send out a 4X4 or a snowmobile to pick you up?

Does the facility have an emergency snow plan?

I think they were trying to intimidate you.

You would be of no help to anyone if you were injured or killed attempting to get to work!!! Safety comes first!!!

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Tell them you will go in if someone will come get you. Many places will send transportation for an essential worker. They have done that for my mother a few times in terrible weather. They won't however bring you home so bring a change of clothes, blanket, snacks, a book. etc. to hold you over until you can get home again.

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Specializes in Mostly geri :).

It depends on facility policy, attendance, etc.. I realize I am just a student and my opinion doesn't matter much, but if you felt it ws dangerous to drive to work your options would be, in my opinion, get a room at a hotel near your place of emplioyment BEFORE the bad weather hits or simply call in. Even if you get in trouble, you are safe, in one piece, so is your vehicle. I think this is one of those gray areas of nursing my teachers keep mentioning................

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Specializes in Rehab, Med Surg, Home Care.

So, what would happen if your car broke down, or you had a wreck on the way in. The point being, you couldn't physicall (safely) get there?

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Specializes in Mostly geri :).
So, what would happen if your car broke down, or you had a wreck on the way in. The point being, you couldn't physicall (safely) get there?

She's right.........I'm sure you have a kind heart and nurturing spirit to be in nursing in the first place, it really wouldn't benefit your patients to have you get hurt on your way in. Please be safe............spring will be here before you know it.............

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Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

several years ago, i worked about 23 miles from home and was scheduled to work during a blizzard.

i had a jeep and calling off never crossed my mind. i was speeding down the interstate at about 15 mph when i hit some black ice and slid under a huge truck. the jeep stopped part way under or i would have been been killed as well as squashed in the process. when the state trooper arrived, he took lots of pictures and questioned us. he asked where i had been going on such a bad day and i answered

that i was on my way to work and told him where. he gave each of us a summary of the accident that all three of us signed, and he told me that the only way the accident was my fault was "not having the good sense or the judgement that came only with experience, to stay home on a day like this." wise words.

i've used those words and the weather that day as my guide since then.

kathy

shar pei mom:paw::paw:

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Specializes in Mostly geri :).
several years ago, i worked about 23 miles from home and was scheduled to work during a blizzard.

i had a jeep and calling off never crossed my mind. i was speeding down the interstate at about 15 mph when i hit some black ice and slid under a huge truck. the jeep stopped part way under or i would have been been killed as well as squashed in the process. when the state trooper arrived, he took lots of pictures and questioned us. he asked where i had been going on such a bad day and i answered

that i was on my way to work and told him where. he gave each of us a summary of the accident that all three of us signed, and he told me that the only way the accident was my fault was "not having the good sense or the judgement that came only with experience, to stay home on a day like this." wise words.

i've used those words and the weather that day as my guide since then.

kathy

shar pei mom:paw::paw:

that sounds terrifying, i'm so glad you're ok! i would have had a heart attack in your shoes.........

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