Snow- at what point do you call out?

cbreuklander · Dec 31, 2009

I have to say that I have called off work because of snow more than once. I live in a rural area on a gravel road that is just not a high priority. I do not like to call off because it makes me feel guilty, but sometimes it simply can't be helped. My employer knew my address when I was hired and I do not feel that it is fair to expect me to move into town after they hired me.

That all being said, I work three different part-time jobs in two different towns. They all handle weather situations differently. One of them calls it an unexcused absence. After three in a year I get a warning. After six it is probation. So be it.

One of them expects me to find my own replacement. The other nurses there are really good about it and I haven't had any issues there.

The last one actually calls me to see if there is any chance of getting through my road. They have a policy that the maintenance crew goes out in 4 wheel drive vehicles to pick up nurses in rural areas. The last time we had more than a foot of snow, I got a call that they weren't going to make an attempt to get to my house so I should plan to have the night off.

The only way to know for sure what happens where you work is to wait and wee if it happens. I have known some very good nurses who died in car accidents on icy roads trying to get to work. Probably not worth that. Be safe.

nurseinlimbo · Dec 31, 2009

I think it really depends on the area you live in and how truly bad the weather is. If it is dangerous to travel the highway and police are warning that they will not patrol, I think it is reasonable to expect that a nurse who does not venture out is within her rights. We are no good to anyone dead, or stuck in a drift. If I were to put my vehicle in the ditch and it were stuck there for a week, I would have no way to get to work on subsequent days.

When it happened here, those who were at work stayed, some casual staff chose to stay overnight in town and called to let us know they were available. Those who were stuck in another town, worked at their job in that town to relieve someone else who couldn't make it due to the weather. This time, I didn't miss any shifts, and made myself available for what was needed, they didn't end up needing to ask. It's not like we haven't all be stuck working a double for various other reasons, such as a truly ill co worker, or a family emergency or death. Those nurses who can't understand the bad roads, are usually the ones who live in town and don't have to deal with them. Also, I always notice that in bad weather, management meetings are usually cancelled or rescheduled if they require driving from rural areas.

The problem comes in because we have to be replaced, in any other job, it would not be an issue and no one would judge you for being 'less conscientious'. It is those who fake illness or take vacation while the rest work overtime that really tick me off.

QueenNasus · Dec 31, 2009

This is my third year as a Home Health Nurse I live in upstate NY ... where it snows all the time it seems. I happen to have a county where (yes the whole county is mine to cover) that ranges from small city to small mountian rual farm country. As the agency is new to this county i am the RN in the area and work with an LPN, On any given day I travel usually 50 - 150 miles. I have only once let snow stop me from getting to my patient and that was a call the md the day before the bad snow was to hit and schedule the labs for the next IV time (needed Vanco trought and peak) and the medicaiton was scheduled to start at 5 pm and end at 7 pm, expecting 18+ inches at that time, Well I did not go but the next time the dose was due guess what?? Yea The snow came. ... Every day I drive up steep hills, down icy roads just to make sure my patient get their daily or BID dressing changed. I do not drive a 4 wheel drive in fact I have a little Elantra, I do not feel that I risk my life but a very few days and then it is just for a very short time may be one or two hours. I think of those patients and how much I am needed. If they did not need the care then I would not be there, but they do, so I go.

NurseJeanne · Dec 31, 2009

In my 30+ years of nursing, I've called in twice due to ice/snow. One time I got half way down my street, which is a snow emergency route, due to going off the road twice because of very bad ice. Four wheel drive doesn't do ice any better than any other wheel drive.I figured if this road was so treacherous, what would the secondary roads I had to travel be like? Not worth risking my life.

I've also been stuck at work for a few days 3 times over the years. That's the way it goes. I will not risk my life to get to work. The unit will be covered. If it's that bad that I and others call in, everyone just has to stay. There may be hardships for some having to stay, but me having a crash would also be a hardship for me and my family.

I carefully weigh my decision and make no apologies for looking out for me first.

highlandlass1592, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2009

Only time I've called off due to snow was when the freeway was closed. I live far enough away there are no back roads to take, it's freeway or nothing. But if the freeway is open, I've left sometimes 3 hours early to make it on time. What frosts me (no pun intended) are the people who refuse to plan to leave early, call and say they will be late then stroll in like no big deal. Means I'm stuck covering their shift till they get here and the one person I'm thinking of lives like 20 minutes from the hospital and I live over an hour away. Excuses: well, had to dig out,stopped for coffee, etc. REALLY????? You've lived in Michigan all your life and these are your garbage excuses??? Doesn't make me a happy camper

Bugaloo · Dec 31, 2009

Reading some of these comments made me feel as if I had to say something. I have worked as a nurse for 17 years. Not once, when I made it in from 45 minutes away from my home, in snow and ice, have I been thanked by management or patients for making it in on a "snow day". Not only that, but it also was not remembered when my evaluation came due. AND I got to sleep in the facility, missing my family for two or three days. I also got to spend my own money buying snacks out of the gift shop. Meals were not provided for those who made it in.

That being said, NO ONE cares if you risk your life for your job. That is a judgement call you must make yourself. If the roads are too bad to be out on, don't risk it. I have had several friends wreck on the way home or to work in dangerous snow and ice conditions.

Personally, I put myself and my family first. If your employer cannot understand that, then you probably do not want to work there.

Go ahead and flame me now, lol!

allnurses Guide · Dec 31, 2009

I fnd this discussion so interesting because-- it goes directly to the question of whether there is an expectation of the heroic in nursing as it is in such professions as police, fire, airline pilot, ship captain, and even mail carriers (neither rain, nor sleet and snow, etc etc). I remember during the Katrina aftermath there was so much discussion as to whether or not police officers first obligation was to their families or to the city as a whole. Lots and lots of people sided with those police who did not come to work. If we were talking about our job at the Macy's cosmetic counter there would be no discussion at all. Should nurses be placed in a special category?

I'm glad that (so far. . .) the personal attacks are almost non-existent. I'm glad we can disagree without insinuating that those on either side are bad people. I've been lucky due to geography not having to face this yet-- but honestly- what would I do if I had young children, for instance and thought maybe I couldn't leave work if I went in? It would be extremely hard to choose. I just want to thank everybody for their honest and thought provoking viewpoints.

CopperEmerald · Dec 31, 2009

Go ahead and flame me now, lol!

I would actually give you kudos 5 times if I could! :yeah: :up:

nursinger · Dec 31, 2009

Reading some of these comments made me feel as if I had to say something. I have worked as a nurse for 17 years. Not once, when I made it in from 45 minutes away from my home, in snow and ice, have I been thanked by management or patients for making it in on a "snow day". Not only that, but it also was not remembered when my evaluation came due.

That's a shame. Someone should at least thank you. I remember one time I received $100 bonus in my paycheck for staying something like two and a half days. They gave us food, some kind of slop but we ate it because there was nothing else and when the supervisor made rounds she did thank each and everyone of us for making it in. I guess I'm just lucky to have had management who did give a darn at that time. Whether or not it was remembered for my evaluation I don't remember it was so long ago, but it doesn't really matter. All in all someone always thanks us at some point for making it in for the residents.

QueenNasus · Dec 31, 2009

When i was in the NH I always thanked the girls who made it in no matter what. If it was a 5 min drive or longer. My DON always walked the halls and thanked every one for comming in and helped where she could with the feedings bed makings answering lights We offered our Maintinace man who had 4WD to go and pick people up and bring them back home after thieir shift and many refused My DON drove 15 trecherous miles (which was about the farthest staffer in the NH that i worked) and the one gal that lived 20 miles away always made it in. PA (a particualr nurse) drove a crazy 40 miles to work and as management did not have to be there BUT SHE WAS!!! she may have been a little late or early ( some times she drove home that night and drove back to spen the night in the hotel across the street we paid for) but made it. If people started and turned back atleast we know they started and understood. It was those that looked at the driveway and just said no. (unless of course we knew they had a mile long drive or it was very steep). We let a few bring their kids in for short time until the baby sitter could come, or husband. may girls volenteered to come if if we were short but that put extra strain on them.

The other point is if the snow is horrible at the drive time What are you doing after 2 hours later when the snow cleared and the roads were plowed ??? WHY DID THOSE PEOPLE NOT COME IN TO RELIEVE THE PEOPLE THAT HAD BEEN THERE ALL NIGHT TO LET THEM SLEEP??? Where did they go, Sitting down having coffee when the night staff who has issues with sleep deprivation as it is are trying to pass pills and care for people when they can bearly keep their eyes open. My feelings are stong NO I DO NOT WANT YOU TO RISK YOUR LIFE. But unless it is a blizzard or a prolonged snow the road crew is out there wait an hour or two and then go that will be much more appreciated. I have NOT been the night staff that got stuck but have been there seeing them struggle may having kids to care for at home, or aging parents who need care and medications. may of the night staff especially in the NH chose nights as they get older as they can not keep up with the day routine those are the ones that are left doing a double??? We as management would do the best to relive them and let them go home. but we were just a few and could not do it all. Those that were scheduled had already arrangement for child care, and plans to be at work. I feel as a profession we do get paid many times much better than may of our friends in a non nursing jobs, and the reasn we do is in part because of our responsibilities. NOT to kill our selves but to make every reasonable effort to be there. especcialy as it was our shift to be working, and if the snow had not come we would have been at work.

I say wait an hour or two and if the driving is still real bad then stay home.

That being said I am out of the NH at this time but in Home care and are on the roads all weather for 8-10+ hours no matter. YES I see the drive may people have in bad weather ... I do it every day. with a 2wheel drive. snow belt upstate NY iwth many steep hills, drives, curves. this is my 3rd year, averaging 50-150 miles daily

cop2bnurse41 · Dec 31, 2009

As a former cop I put nurses in the same category as Police, Fire, and EMS. (Hero jobs) That means you bring you butt to work regardless of the weather and relive your co-workers! Just my humble opinion.

:nuke:

lee1 · Dec 31, 2009

I have been a critical care nurse over 40 years. Many times I have had the police drive me in, BUT, of course, they will not take you home so you are stuck there. HOWEVER, if you have children who are dependent on you to be home with them, things become another whole ball game. One can only do so much. Your life is more important than anyone else. If you miss a day of pay so be it, but you are safe.

I now work in a outpt area so those days for the most part are behind me. I also live in a culdesac home so the township does not plow it first, but last. I used to have to call them to tell them I was a necessary worker so they would plow me sooner. No more.

I believe in my hospital if you can get to work within about 3 hours of the start of your shift they will pay you for the whole shift. Also, if you feel unsafe driving you can try and call them to see if they will pick you up. I have also spent night sleeping somewhere in the hospital as I could not leave--------but, that was when I knew I had coverage for my children at home.