Snow- at what point do you call out?

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I am a new grad, and my first day off of orientation is tomorrow... and we are set to get 2+ feet of snow in an area that only sees that much snow once every 15 or so years. While I've been in the healthcare setting for quite some time, I've never experienced a snow quite like this during my career. I understand my responsibility to work, but I also want to keep in mind my safety out on the roads (I have a 35 mile drive to the hospital). At what point do you decide that you just can't make it into work? Do you always attempt to make it in, or do you look out the window and make that decision?

Disclaimer: I am a team player, and understand that if I call out, that means our unit runs short. I'm interested in hearing when to draw the line.

PS. SamyRN, I'm glad I don't work with you.

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Dear Nurseinlimbo;

Thanks! I'm glad too!:yeah:

samy

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I have no idea how to deal with snow, but I have made it to work durring a hurricane. You just have to be prepared and leave early (hours) in order to make your shift. It is hard when all of your friends and family are at home, but lets face it, that is our job.

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Specializes in Med/surg, ER/ED,rehab ,nursing home.

I have driven in snow and ice. My first job in this town was in a hilly part of town. The regular staff started making trips to move their car to the top of the hill out of the parking lot. I followed their advice and did the same. When we left the next morning everything was a sheet of ice. We had tied ropes to the trees to assist us to get to the top of that hill. I never called out for snow. Usually it was the morning relief people who did not get up to check on the weather....and it had iced or snowed all night. Parking lot, or driveway, one can always park on the side of the road and hope not to get their car hit.

My trip usually takes all of 15 min. but the worst was in good weather but several car wrecks no matter what road I took. I was late 15 min. but usually get to work 30 min early...to relax, have coffee, and to just be sure I got there on time. Unless roads are closed by the state....you are considered a necessary person for your job....you should get there. Just figure on it taking an hour to go a 15 min trip. You'll get the hang of it. Usually the interstates are kept pretty clear, it is just the side roads that are snow covered. Good Luck

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I have been a nurse for 35 years and have never called in due to weather - what if everyone did it?

I have however called the county road crew and requested they clear my road twice during one night of night call for Emergency Recovery call and "Cellsaver" response. They were glad to accomodate my needs as a nurse.

I agree that a call to your nursing staffing area to see if they have contingencies but don't wait until the last minute for the sake of the other nurses. In case you are wondering I have lived and worked in heavy snow areas - 4 foot drifts on the roads.

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Get a hotel room near the hospital. You may work for free that day, but it saves your reputation as being dependible when others call off.

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Specializes in LTC.
a couple of people called out today -- one looked out the window and then called out because "my parking lot isn't plowed and i don't have four wheel drive." i can tell you that after our manager drove to work 25 miles in her mustang she had very little sympathy for that person and i suspect it will be reflected in her evaluation. i made it to work 21 miles in my prius.

i have a 4wd because i live out of state (a 50 mile drive one way) and need it when it snows. i also work with someone who lives a few miles away from our facility and never comes in when she is scheduled to work during a snow storm. reason? doesn't want to get stuck working another shift. hmm, i wonder if that's reflected in her evaluation or mine for that matter.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.
Good questions & answers. How about students and clinicals? I'm getting nervous for this coming semester - clinicals an hour away in Cleveland (lake effect!) and I'm absolutely terrified of driving in unsalted, unplowed snow. If it was coming down like crazy and I knew it was worse an hour north in Cleveland, i'd definitely call off, but then again this is clinicals so it wouldn't make the unit short staffed. I'm going to ask my instructor what she thinks when I meet her in a few weeks. Any thoughts re:students?

Definately ask your instructor what she thinks!! While some instructors may say that students should stay home because it's different and they are nonessential personnel, there are others who think you should be displaying the same work habits you would if you were actually on the job!

This nurse actually was trapped at work recently- it's an interesting story-

https://allnurses.com/lpn-lvn-corner/work-36-hrs-445754.html

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Nursinger;

It should be noted in your evaluation! If you worked for me it would be! I suggest you drop a note or a subtle hint to your supervisor regarding the issue. Falls under the topic of "a consciencious person you can count on!"

Kudos to all who nurses out there who take their jobs and responsibilities seriously. You are the ones who give nurses a positive reputation! We don't do what we do for the recognition ; but because it is the "right thing to do."

Happy New Year to you, Nursinger!

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Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.

You all, bring back so many memories for me back when I worked in Minnesota. Often I would also arrive at work before a predicted storm would hit. I do recall the one unexpected storm which hit our area hard and fast. Before my day shift ended, it was announced over the P.A. system that we were officially on lock down no one could leave.

The good news we would not be charged for the empty beds we slept in when our rearranged shifts were over,:eek: Evidently they must have actually thought of charging and then thought better of it.. Imagine...

Actually, it was not so bad, 3 days of working 16 hours shifts, making beau coup bucks. When not busy we were running to look out the windows to see if the roads had improved.

We often laughed later on about it. Thankfully when they allowed us to leave, we were taken off the next two days if we were scheduled to work. Thank God, I could not have lasted one more shift.

I wonder why they do not arrange teams as we do here in the south for our hurricanes. Team A works during the storm. Team B comes in as soon as the roads are clear. We choose which team we want to be on. Perhaps it would also work for inclement storms up north. Those with 4 wheel vehicles within so many miles of hosp, come to work at first sign of storm, the other come in when roads are cleared to relive the first team..

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Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.
Good questions & answers. How about students and clinicals? I'm getting nervous for this coming semester - clinicals an hour away in Cleveland (lake effect!) and I'm absolutely terrified of driving in unsalted, unplowed snow. If it was coming down like crazy and I knew it was worse an hour north in Cleveland, i'd definitely call off, but then again this is clinicals so it wouldn't make the unit short staffed. I'm going to ask my instructor what she thinks when I meet her in a few weeks. Any thoughts re:students?

When a student, we would listen to the radio. On two occasions our school was closed due to snow storms. If not closed we were expected to be there.

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Specializes in LTC.
Nursinger;

It should be noted in your evaluation! If you worked for me it would be! I suggest you drop a note or a subtle hint to your supervisor regarding the issue. Falls under the topic of "a consciencious person you can count on!"

Kudos to all who nurses out there who take their jobs and responsibilities seriously. You are the ones who give nurses a positive reputation! We don't do what we do for the recognition ; but because it is the "right thing to do."

Happy New Year to you, Nursinger!

Thank you Samy, Happy New Year to you too!

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