Hospitals Prepare For Inauguration Hospitals want special access for employees

Comments (9)

• Laura Tuesday, Jan 13 at 11:27 PM FLAG COMMENT American45--we're used to 12 hour shifts and we don't mind sacrifice-- but the prospect of having to add 45 miles to my commute just to get to work is something I don't cherish. This will require me to leave home 2 hours before my shift to hopefully get there on time. Then the 12 hour shift. They are getting cots-- but imagine coming off a nightshift, and looking forward to sleeping during the day in offices, lounges or hallways, with a bunch of other people, and trying to make sure you get enough zzz's to safely take care of patients on the next night. In addition, if there is some type of catastrophe, even those places might not be available. We are all praying that something really bad doesn't happen. I've stayed at the hospital when we've have short-staffing and snowstorms, but this really is quite different, and the difficulty even getting to work for several days preceding the inauguration is quite a burden. Unlike those attending the festivities, we don't have the option to decide to stay home. ... MORE >
• JO Friday, Jan 9 at 5:07 PM FLAG COMMENT Yes I work in healthcare and have done so for over 28 years. I've worked 12 hr night shifts and also 16 hrs evening/nights both in a Level I Trauma Center and in the ICUs all in the Washington DC area. What do hospitals do when there is a major snow storm? Just think, this could be worse if we have a terrorist attack or an assassination attempt, especially since it is said that our President-Elect has received more threats than anyother in history. Just think of your, the President-Elect, and all the millions of people coming into the city for this historic event. And stop thinking of self. SAFETY, SAFETY for all Americans!!! ... MORE >
• Pachacutec Friday, Jan 9 at 1:05 PM FLAG COMMENT I think the uncertainty of what may or may not happen is what's concerning a lot of people. RE those who HAVE to work in DC on the 20th; apparently the bridges will be open to authorized traffic; it might be a weird idea, but I wonder if it would be possible to have buses stationed at one or 2 points in Virginia and periodically shuttle people such as hospital workers, etc. across the bridge? They would, of course, have to show their work ID's before boarding the buses. That way, essential workers could get to their jobs and the bridges and roads leading into DC would still be secure. ... MORE >
• American45 Friday, Jan 9 at 11:47 AM FLAG COMMENT Now, let me see....folks are talking about the inconvenience they might encounter through this inaguation process. Seems to me some of it might be created by the government itself, or those members who stupidly and irresponsibly have decided that bars can stay open later to cause more problems. As for the inconvenience of working 12 hours or being away from families during this short period of time - let's think about our military - they go through much more every day. Surely, this would be NOTHING for them...get over it and just do your job! If you think you might have to stay, then pack some food, take extra clothes. Doesn't seem like such a big deal to me. Our military certainly doesn't stop and analyze their situations in such a manner. I think we are sissies!! ... MORE >
• Claire Friday, Jan 9 at 10:44 AM FLAG COMMENT Jo, do you work? Do you work 12 hour shifts at your job? Do you work 12 hour night shifts? Potentially, hospital employees will need to go to work on Sunday or Monday and stay until Wednesday. If you work outside of your home, would you like to stay at your job for possibly 3 days with no guaranteed place to sleep or shower or even eat? Restaurants in the District will not be allowed to deliver food. Yes, hospitals have beds, but, alas, by nature of the services they provide, PATIENTS are in said beds. And chances are very good that the number of employees needing beds far outweigh beds available. Plus, beds need to be available for new admissions. This is not equivalent to leaving a stroller at home or a backpack. Imagine you have small children at home, no family in the area and limited childcare beyond your shift at work. And, to be told you have to stay at the hospital? And by the way, per the Virginia State Police, Emergency Response cards placed in your car window for hospital employees will NOT get you over a bridge. They told us on the phone this morning. ... MORE >

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