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I also live in upstate NY and I say do it. You get used to the snow. You leave earlier in the morning so you get to work on time. Once or twice a year you get stuck at work late as the next shift trickles in cuz it snowed so bad. Every couple years you get mandated because of snow emergencies, but very rare.
I grew up in the mountains of NY. Attended college in a different area of the state. I spent 20 years in Alaska, and I do not like to be cold. One does not have to be cold when living in a cold area.
It gets cold. Dress for the weather. It snows, 4 wheel drive, leave earlier, plan ahead. Snow becomes ice on roadway. Get studded tires.
Accept the weather and you will find great rewards. Never let those fears make decisions for you. There are many legit reasons to do or not do something. NY State weather does not need to be one.
Accept that rarely will you be either unable to get to work, or unable to leave. Enjoy the moment either way.
I also am from Buffalo and I keep a snow shovel in my car year round lol. Keep blankets, extra food, and water in your trunk. My father has been caught twice now in highways that have turned into parking lots due to really bad blizzards. Leave yourself plenty of time to get to work. Learn to drive in the snow by doing donuts in a parking lot. I'm serious. That's how you learn how to brake and accelerate and deal with sliding on icy conditions.
Generally, if you are a hospital nurse anywhere in the US, you are expected to work your shift no matter what the weather. If the weather is bad, then it is on the nurse to ensure they are there for their assigned shift, whether that means leaving extra early to make it there in time and/or staying over.
As they told me in nursing school, "nurses do not get days off for bad weather."
Thank you every one for replying and the advice, I grew in Philly, and we shut down for the snow. My employers usually let us stay in advance, when we knew snow was coming. I was always in the group who nstayed or always made it into work. I am going to go up to Plattsburgh and then make my decision.
Studded snow tires, leave early, a sleeping bag and bag of salt in the car, flares, front or four wheel drive only, jumper cables, anti-gas-freeze in the tank.
I did fine. Lived in the Adirondacks for years. And Plattsburgh doesn't get hit with snow the way the western part of the state or the mountains do.
:)
Erikadawn RN
504 Posts
Hi all,
I am considering a move to upstate NY (Plattsburgh) for a job. My question is how do nurses cope with the severe weather and snow? I know these areas get a substancial snow fall, how does that work when you are a nurse and have to be at work? Any answers or comments will be appreciated, I don't know if I will take this job as yet.
Thanks again