While the majority of Butler County residents were stuck at home Sunday night after more than a foot of snow covered streets and made some impassable, the weather prompted several Butler Memorial Hospital employees to stay at work.

Some staff at Butler Memorial Hospital chose to stay and care for patients who needed them and for potential emergencies caused by the storm. If they left, they said they might not have been able to get back.

“I stayed at the hospital not only for my safety, but for the patients,” said Barbara Barnett, a registered nurse at the hospital. “They need staff there even during a snowstorm to take care of them.”

Barnett said she sleeping in the warm hospital with backup generators amid the uncertainty of the storm allowed her to get more rest than she would have at home.

Two patient hostesses Jody Walborn and Barbara Williams stayed at the hospital for two nights. The two, who are sisters, shared a room to leave space for other staff.

More staff members stayed than initially intended when the snow started falling Sunday night, Jodi Walborn said.

“We stayed because of the weather conditions and to cover the dietary department — and it just made more sense to stay here,” Jodi Walborn said.

Jodi Walborn and Williams both returned to their homes Saturday to gather clothes and essential supplies before going back to the hospital.

“We had a warm room, a bed and a hot shower — everything we needed,” Williams said. “I also did this years ago in an ice storm, and I am thankful that it was an option again.”

Jodi Walborn added that the sisters went on to work extra hours, covering staff members who were snowed in.

“Overall, it worked out really well,” she said.

Lisa Walborn, a registered nurse, said she wished she had stayed at the hospital with her mother and aunt when she attempted her commute the next day. She said her mom and aunt avoid driving in such conditions. She thought she had a better shot, but found herself fearful when navigating the roads.

“It felt like it took years off my life driving there,” Lisa Walborn said. “I went down College (Street) Hill sideways — the whole way. If I didn’t need to get home to take care of my girls, I definitely would have stayed.

“I think it’s awesome that employees have a place to stay and be safe during severe weather,” she added.