Your employer's policy re: snow and ice?

allnurses Guide · Nov 9, 2005

When they shut down I25 either North or South of us, you get excused, there aren't good alternate routes. Other than that, come to work.

That Dallas thing, I totally agree. A friend and I were going to a trauma conference in the DFW area in March, snow storm, whole bit. We got there, 14 hour drive; some from 40 miles away wouldn't drive in. The instructor said at the beginning, "well, we were supposed to have folks from Santa Fe, but...

we looked up and said "we're here!". Total surprise on their end. :rotfl:

CapeCoralNurse2be · Nov 9, 2005

This is one of the many reasons I chose to live in Florida. I left FL for a couple years and worked in Colorado Springs for a large hospital. We were definitely expected to show up for work no matter what the weather conditions were. I had 2 times were bad snow storms had kept me from going in, but only because for one the snow was waist high and our streets were not plowed and snow drifts had completely covered my car, or I was literally snowed into my home.

One time driving home from the hospital I got on an off ramp off the interstate that was on a steep section of a mountain and lost control of my car as it slid down the ramp. Lucily the car stopped moving as I got close to the intersection and no harm was done, but it sure was scary, and that was with the best snow tires I could get!!

We had a couple of people in my department that had 4WD vehicles that would go out and pick people up, but then you had to find a way home on your own unless they worked the same shift. I never had anyone pick me up, but mainly because I lived 50 miles from the hospital.

Now of course coastal states like here, you have to deal with going into work during hurricanes....but of course this isn't as often as bad snow weather can be in the colder climates.

ccusherry · Nov 9, 2005

I have been reading over the replies to the thread and although I understand and basically agree with the main idea, I want to tell you guys about an incident at the hospital where I work. Approx 5 years ago we had a bad ice and snow storm. One of the nurses had called the floor where she worked to see if anyone knew waht the road conditions were. She lived in a very rural area and was contemplating calling in. The nurse manager happened to be in the station when she called and told the nurse that if she called in for weather reasons, she would be reprimanded. The nurse left for her shift an hour early to leave plenty of time. When she arrived at the hospital it was by ambulance because another car had lost control and t boned her. The er staff worked her code for over an hour beofre calling it. Needless to say, administration is now more understanding about weather situations. Unfortunately, that happened too late for that particular nurse. Yes, our patients are why we are in nursing but what good are we to them if we are dead?? By the way, no, I have never called in for weather. Guess I have been lucky.

catlady, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2005

Wow, this thread is reminding me of why I moved from New England to Arizona this year. It's mid-November and it's going to be in the 80s today.

I spent years worrying and obsessing about snow and driving to work in it, yet in all those years I never had a weather-related accident. I even bought a four-wheel drive just for snow, but never found it all that helpful. I think I did better in my little Nova with front-wheel drive. Maybe because the center of gravity on an SUV is too high.

I agree with everyone else who said to leave early and drive carefully. I even got permission to bring my 7-year-old to work with me for one snowstorm; we put her in an empty ICU bed. I'd never do that again. Another time I called out because I was truly sick, and it was assumed that I skipped out because of the weather. So I dragged myself in the next night so they could see for themselves that I wasn't dogging it due to snow.

But I hate snow now. Used to love it as a kid. I always got mad when I'd turn on the weather report looking for advice on how to get to work and I'd hear, "Oh, everyone just stay home." As if that is ever an option for a hospital nurse.

I'd have to live next door to my employer before I'd ever live in a snow state again.

Daytonite, BSN, RN · Nov 9, 2005

I'm from Canada. . .now that I live in California. 2 inches of rain and they act like it's a new ice age or something.

:yeahthat: But, you know, I've seen a couple of people hydroplaning on the wet roads out here. When the winter rain hits it will be a circus again.

lifsavER67 · Nov 9, 2005

I live in rural Eastern Kentucky and drive 30 miles each way to work. We have a Ramada Inn directly across the street from the hospital. Our hospital graciously lets us stay there when bad weather hits, two employees per room. Snow, ice, floods, whatever. They even provide a meal at the cafeteria for stranded folks.

Any call in r/t weather is unexcused because accomodations are offered. The supervisor is usually calling each department to ask who is staying and I have even had them call when bad weather is predicted to have us come in early.

They are really good about it.

jayne109, RN · Nov 9, 2005

I totally agree with a previous poster about having good tires, only would like to add:
-Ask about WINTER tires and SUMMER tires. Depending on the vehicle, there may be a difference.
-Keep an eye on your tire PRESSURE. Tire pressures will fluctuate during seasonal temperature changes, so you need to ask a professional what is best for your vehicle.
As for chains, they are great if you are allowed to use them. Individual states allow them during certain months, all year long, or not at all. Be sure to check your local laws. (You can usually find this info in any decent road atlas).

Two words: Snow studs! I put snow studded tires on my car (right now, a mustang but 2 years ago I had a ford escape with 4 wheel drive. We had a very bad icy winter and I had no trouble at all) and Do fairly well. Well worth a little extra time and money for them, here in MO. Put sand in your trunk if you have a rear wheel drive car, too.

There are people in our hospital that voluntarily will give rides with their bigger snow equipped vehicles. You have to be ready to go early and stay late at your job. There is a list in security of these people that will do this. You might look into helping start this type of program in your hosptial.

just my thoughts as I am taking a break from cleaning house (something I hate to do)

Melissa:balloons:

Psychaprn · Nov 9, 2005

Hi, I would really appreciate hearing from lots of people about what you do when you have to work but the roads are covered in snow and ice. I get many sarcastic or unrealistic responses from people I've asked. I should explain that snow and ice are still somewhat new to me, AND I have driven in a HORRIBLE ice storm and am still somewhat traumatized!
Once when I wasn't scheduled to work, the roads were treacherous and I was SO grateful to be off! When I asked my coworkers about it the next day, they said "they weren't that bad, I just drove slowly!" I'm happy for them, but I have slipped all over roads, even when I went slowly, and even slid through stop signs.....and it is SCARY!
I asked a paramedic what they do when there is an emergency out on rural roads that haven't been salted, and she said there's not much they can do, and maybe it's just that person's time to die......gee, what a great answer! (NOT!) :angryfire
I applied for a new job and asked the manager about snow and ice, and she said: "I *ALWAYS* make it into work, NO MATTER how bad the roads are, and I live a lot further than you!" The thing is, I am dedicated to my job, but I am *NOT* willing to slip and slide on icy roads and risk my life......
So please tell me......what is your employer's view on this, and what do YOU do when the roads are just terrible?

PLEASE DON'T BE TALKED INTO THE OLD-"TAKE IT ON THE CHIN AND DO IT FOR THE PATIENTS" PHOILOSOPHY SPOUTED BY SOME STAFF OR ADMINISTRATION. YOUR GETTING IN AN ACCIDENT OR ARRIVING AT WORK TERRIFIED IS GOOD FOR NO ONE. I AGREE A WINTER DRIVING COURSE MIGHT HELP-CHECK WITH AAA. IF THE HOSPITAL DOESN'T CARE ENOUGH ABOUT YOU OR THE PATIENTS TO HAVE A SAFE VEHICLE PICK YOU UP AND BRING YOU HOME-CALL IN SICK OR TAKE A PERSONAL DAY-IF ANYONE GIVES YOU ANY GRIEF-TOO BAD. NURSES HAVE ENDANGERED THEMSELVES AND BEEN MARTYRS FOR TOO LONG-RESPECT YOURSELF AND YOUR NEED TO FEEL SAFE!

nervousnurse, ASN · Nov 12, 2005

Wow, thanks to everyone who responded. I had no idea there were classes I could take----I will have to look into that for sure! THANKS! :)

Super_RN, BSN, RN · Nov 14, 2005

If the roads are bad, the sheriffs department will come and pick us up to take us to work. Usually my boyfriend (if he's not at work) or my neighbor will take me to work. Then I can hitch a ride home in the morning. I live on top of a big curvy hill that is usually not cleared.

:) Super

The Y factor · Nov 14, 2005

nursing is a 24/7/365 job, even when the roads are bad. someone has to be there to take care of the patients, and when you're scheduled to work, that someone is you.
make sure you have good tires -- even a subaru will slip and slide if the tires are poor. and a fwd or 4wd vehicle helps in the snow. so do chains. buy a set and learn how to put them on. learn how to drive in the snow -- driving slowly and carefully is only part of it. if you know there's an ice storm coming, go in to work early, or stay there overnight. rent a room nearby or stay with a friend who also has to work.
if you absolutely cannot bring yourself to drive to work in the snow and ice, get a different job, move closer to work or relocate to the deep south, because winter is a fact of life.
ruby

i am fortunate enough not to worry about snow, but i do not see the benefit to risking my life and becoming a potential pt. this would count as an act of god and i think you should try your best but i would not risk my life for any amount of money. if your employer valued you, your life, and your family they would not want you to endanger yourself beyond your comfort levels. ruby it sounds like brainwashing sheeesh

gizelda196 · Nov 14, 2005

It is definitely a judgement call. I know a few nurses who have such anxiety that for them to get behind a wheel would be the biggest mistake. They stay home and we understand. After all we are human not superhuman and nursing is your job not your life.I have made most storms,left early from home,stayed over at work if I had care for my kids(They are my priority not my job) I have learned over the years there are no heros.Idon't try to be one any more.You want to try and go in when 50 foot waves are going over the peninsula be my quest. I will go in for a basic nor'easter but if it is ice and looks like I wont get back in my town forget about it. Most of the storms here in Boston the main roads are clear by afternoon and life returns to normal pretty quickly. but there was those select few that was scary. Nurses that lived real close to the hospital I mean within 1 mile were called and if they could the city picked them up and got them home. Staff that could stay did staff that couldnt went home before the roads got to bad.

I have an AWD suv. It doesnt mean any thing if you dont know how to drive it. I have literally been run off the road by some jerk who thought that 15 miles an hour down an unplowed road was to slow he road my ass scared the crap out of me gave me the finger as he passed and didnt even stop , when i skidded over and hit a pile of snow. There are alot of people out on the road and it has become dangerous to get behind the wheel and try to drive. And most of the time it isnt a little noreaster it is the drivers.People are just plain mean today road rage is huge .

Your employer's policy re: *snow and ice*?

Your employer's policy re: snow and ice?