staying the night at work due to weather

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Specializes in LTC.

I live in md and we just had a blizzard and another storm on the way tomorrow. I missed work today due to not being able to get out of my complexbecause the roads weren't plowed. I been in the all weekend and have a terrible case of cabin fever. Anyway due to the next storm coming I thought it would be safe if I stay at work over night and I also plan to lend a hand if there are call outs. However I'm so nervous and know I will be extremly uncomfortable sleeping at work with my wandering alzheimers residents. Can't afford the hotel so I'm just going to have to get through.have anyone else had to stay overnight at work due to inclement weather? How did you make it? Were you allowed to sleep at all. And how did they pay you? Thanks

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Specializes in ER, OR, PACU, TELE, CATH LAB, OPEN HEART.

Every facility has it's own "Snow Emergency Plan".

I am lucky been off since Thurs night and don't work again till Wed. Good thing, plow didn't come till 1000 today.

My facility provided sleep areas, toiletries, and meal tickets during the emergency. I've worked places that got you in and home and fed you, while others expected you to get there and home on your own and didn't feed you or provide you with a place to rest.

Good Luck, this is unprecedented for us in Maryland. Our NORMAL snow fall in a season is 15 inches, so far we've has 60.4 inches and counting.

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Specializes in Rehab, Infection, LTC.

i've stayed at work tons of times over the years. you only get paid for the time you are on the clock. but when it snows big, you usually get quite a bit of overtime. ive always found an empty room or therapy gym to sleep in. wherever you pick, put a sign on the door to not enter, lol. dont forget to take sleep clothes, regular clothes and snacks. dont forget the snacks!

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Specializes in LTC.

Thanks for the reply it gave me insight. I offered to come in on my days off to help out but no one was able to provide transportation. I hope the storm isn't as bad as the last one. They are calling for a foot in my area.

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Specializes in Pyschiatry/Behavioral (Inpatient).

I've spent many nights sleeping in my car or in the lounge on the couch because I was either too tired to drive home and had to be back in the morning anyway, or because I was on call. Ya gotta do what you gotta do.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

I keep a bag packed in my locker at work with jammies,book to read, deodorant and a clean uniform. I have had to use it a handful of times. Usually there is an empty room to crash in and there is a staff shower for the morning. I sit in the patient lounge and watch tv and then head to bed. The first time was a little strange but I got used to sleeping there after that. I am only paid for when I am working but sometimes I end up working the next day if there are call ins.

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Specializes in ER, OR, PACU, TELE, CATH LAB, OPEN HEART.

Actually, now on 6pm news 12-20 inches starting tomorrow afternoon to Wed night in Baltimore Metro area. Sorry, I have someone to feed my dog if I get stranded. Just hope I get home BEFORE I work Sat, Sun, and another storm Mon.

Daughter lives in Salt Lake City, this weekend was 40 and raining. We've had MORE snow than they did this winter. I'm going out there next week I HOPE.

Everyone be safe and careful. Remember, can't help anyone if YOU get injured or worse. Don't be the hero. BE SAFE FIRST.

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Specializes in OB/GYN, Peds, School Nurse, DD.

I have stayed at work in the NICU a few times due to ice, snow or hurricane. We were all in it together and sometimes we actually had some fun. At my hospital we were all expected to show up with bag packed for 3 days with clothing & food. We had a sleeping room outfitted with stretchers, beds and cots that we took turns in. We set up alternative shifts so that we could be sure everyone got breaks and rest periods. The hospital kitchen staff were all there so they brought up sandwiches,salads and cokes for everyone each shift. In the morning the CEO made rounds to all the nursing areas to thank us personally for doing a great job in difficult circumstances, then he had the kitchen prepare a really good breakfast for the whole hospital. When the ice melted we all trickled home. :nurse:

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I live in an area where heavy snow is common. Should such a situation present itself I pack an overnight back and sleep in the dining room on a cot. Believe me, they'll be so happy you're there to do a probable double and then pick up another shift they'll accommodate you.

:)

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lol. well in texas we are not used to blizzard conditions which we had christmas eve. I couldn't get back to town because the roads were closed. (people who didn't know how were out driving in it) my job set people up in the guest rooms (private pay faciliity) and if they had to stay they got paid

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Specializes in L&D, QI, Public Health.

Times like this, I'm so happy I'm not a staff or hospital nurse. The thought of staying overnight in a hospital is one thing, but the thought of taking a shower in the hospital is another. ewww.

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Specializes in being a Credible Source.

In my car I keep a gym bag with clean clothes, a towel, a toiletry kit, clean scrubs, two alarm clocks, an eye shade, ear plugs, a sleeping bag, and pillow. I keep another bag that has enough scrubs for the rotation. I also keep a bag stocked with nuts, carrots, and clif bars.

I just made use of them over this last rotation. I slept in an empty room.

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