You show up for work and there is no one there. What to do?

[Leonardo Del Toro]

I am dreading the day when I show up to work and find out that I'm the only nurse on the floor. And I think that day is coming soon. The other unit RN, or LVN didn't show up. What are we supposed to do in a case like this? Certainly not sign up for the nurseless unit. But will you be held responsible for that unit? What are your rights? Are there any? 

[GrumpyOldBastard, MSN, RN]

If you work in TEXAS, using the "Safe Harbor" process would DEFINITELY be an appropriate response to this situation.  Safe Harbor protects YOU directly, by protecting you from some employer and board of nursing sanctions.  Safe Harbor protects patients indirectly, as it lights a fire under management to fix the situation.

"Safe harbor is a process that protects a nurse from discipline by the Board and retaliation, suspension, termination, discipline, or discrimination from the employer for invoking safe harbor in good faith. [Board Rule 217.20(a)(6) & (a)(15); NPR Law §303.005(c)]"
https://www.BON.texas.gov/pdfs/safe_harbor_forms_pdfs/GeneralInformationAboutSafeHarbor.pdf