The every year Snow thread

Jensmom7, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2016

Back in the early 80s, we had lots of snow and then temperatures around -25 to -30 (without the wind chill).

Cars wouldn't start, people were snowed in. Unfortunately, since I lived a block and a half from work, I had no excuse *sigh*.

No Stars In My Eyes · Jan 20, 2016

Seems like I may have to be driven in to work this w/e; because "it" starts Friday night and ends Sunday morning. I can spend the night Saturday. But it may be that my patient's dgt is there this w/e, though they will not be able to do as they planned, because of the weather. Oh well, we'll see what we see!

I've decided if it is dicey, I ain't-a gonna drive the blimp! (van)

Hubby's 1993 Toyota pickup has manual transmission, for an edge on the control factor, AND *de-de-de-deeee!* 4 wheel drive. :woot: It'd be okay, too, if he just let me take the truck, but I dunno...

We'll see!

CaringGerinurse525 · Jan 20, 2016

I know every year someone posts a thread about the trials and tribulations of going to work in a snow storm. After 10 years in nursing I still dread the snow. Usually my hubby takes me to work and picks me up in snow storms. Now that we have a little one who is 1 year old those days are long gone. So now I have to decide on what I'm going to do this weekend when we are expected to get 8 to 10 inches Friday into Saturday. Do I book a hotel now close to work? Do I make arrangements the night before the storm to spend the night at work for my day shift the next day? Or do I just try my luck in the AM getting to work in one piece? Gah. My dream is to eventually convince hubby to move to an location where snow is rare or minimum. A girl can dream .

This sounds just like my situation! I usually have my husband drive me when it snows but we now have an almost two year old. We are expecting a lot of snow starting mid Friday to late Saturday. I work 3p-3a Friday into Saturday. I will have to leave work (if everyone shows and I'm not mandated to stay) and dig out my car and then attempt to travel the 20 miles back to my house.

I live in a very hilly area. My house is at the bottom of two of the larger hills. I'm so nervous but will be leaving early to get to work, packing a kit for my car with food and drinks, extra clothes and bath items in case I need to stay, and a shovel. Good luck to you!

Elle23 · Jan 20, 2016

The high on Sunday where I live is going to be 69. In January. ðŸ˜¡

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Jan 20, 2016

Assistant nurse manager emailed us a reminder to make arrangements to get to work if working Friday-Sunday. Thanks boss! (Expecting a foot of snow over the weekend and working Sunday afternoon. Hopefully things will be semi cleared by then.)

bell1962 · Jan 20, 2016

One of the best things about School Nursing.. Snow days! Be careful out there

SummitRN, BSN, RN · Jan 20, 2016

Any colleagues with a couch or an extra room? Nuts to a hotel!

Learn how to drive in the snow:

1. Slow down and leave space between you and other cars.

2. Gentle steering and acceleration.

3. Brake BEFORE the curves, not in them.

4. Don't stop on the uphill.

5. Wheel placement! (Don't text or screw with the radio and let your wheels wander into the deep stuff.)

6. Front wheel drive sedans with 4 snow tires will out-drive the trucks and SUVs without snow tires every single storm!

7. Rear wheel drive? Sand bags in the back for traction!

8. GOT TIRE TREAD??? 2/32" is the bare legal minimum, but it is like having a bald tire in the snow. 4/32 is your bare minimum tread depth to survive snow driving.

9. Extra clothes (including glove, hat, and waterproof jacket), food, water, reflective vest, flashlight, tool kit, and even sleeping bag. You should have these anyway!

10. Go find an empty road or parking lot and PRACTICE!

It always shocks me when I meet people who have lived in snowy climates for years and still haven't learned how to drive in snow. Then again, a lot of people suck at driving in general... look at all the people cruising in the passing lane.

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jan 20, 2016

The high on Sunday where I live is going to be 69. In January. ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½ï¿½

Where do you live?!!!

AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P · Jan 20, 2016

Back in the early 80s, we had lots of snow and then temperatures around -25 to -30 (without the wind chill).
Cars wouldn't start, people were snowed in. Unfortunately, since I lived a block and a half from work, I had no excuse *sigh*.

You are old! :woot:

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jan 20, 2016

Not the cops, but hospital security in the truck, me too.

No.. COPS! Picked me up at my door, switched cars as I was being transported through two counties. Of course that was way back in the day.

The point I am trying to make is...if a nurse ( who has spot on judgement skills) has decided they cannot safely get into work, it is now up to the corporate masters to get them there.

RobotNurse · Jan 20, 2016

Learn how to drive in the snow:

your tips are fine, but even if I drive like a pro the problem is *other cars* sliding and slamming into me. Just because I know how to drive in snow doesn't mean everyone else on the road with me does.

sop832 · Jan 20, 2016

I worry a lot less about driving in to work than walking from the parking lot into the hospital. The sidewalk and street is usually very slushy/icy, and I am very nervous about walking on them. The maintanence workers usually do a path, not the whole sidewalk, and they can't do anything about the street [it is city owned, and the city won't allow them to do anything to it]. I just know that I'm going to break my a** coming in one of these snowy days!