Water shutdown ... how will I cope?!

[Sassybottom]

My hospital is going through some renovations - bleh.

They have decided to shut down the water for four hours during my shift. I don't know how I will cope.

How do I wash my hands?! It is inevitable that patients will have to use the washroom ... they won't be able to flush - gross!

I almost just want to call in sick that day.

This really really sucks.

[jojotoo, RN]

We've had water shut downs before (usually related to construction), and were supplied with bottled water to wash our hands.

Can't remember what we did about the toilets. Sorry.

[tvccrn, ASN, RN]

Unless they are visibly dirty, you can use the waterless sanitizers for your hands. I still prefer old fashioned water and soap, but these are supposedly just as good.

As for the toliets, facilities management should provide water for flushing.

[XB9S, BSN, MSN, EdD, RN, APN]

4 hours should be manageable with alcohol gel and bottled water.

[nursemary9, BSN, RN]

We've had water shutdowns several times--always due to construction.

We had PLENTY of bottled water provided for drinking; even some for hand washing; we have dispencers in each room plus the halls for waterless sanitizers; they brought in little bottles of sanitizers for the pt. bathrooms also.

We really had no problem.

[bigsyis]

1. Hand Sanitizing gel

2. Wet wipes

3. Lots of paper towels and TP

Been there, done that, survived it.

[P_RN, ADN, RN]

The fire department ran a hose for non potable water for lavs and loos when that happened to us. Bottled water for drinking. It was no problem at all that is except all the poo pouring down our wall from the burst drain line in the floor upstairs' hopper.

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

4 hours whoopee, the place should be smelling good by the end of that