Lack of Paid Sick Days Let H1N1 Spread

[indigo girl]

http://www.healthleadersmedia.com/content/PHY-246556/Lack-of-Paid-Sick-Days-Let-H1N1-Spread-Group-Says.html

Of the 26 million Americans age 18 or older who were infected by the H1N1 flu in 2009, more than a quarter of them may have contracted it from their coworkers, according to a new briefing paper from the Washington, DC-based Institute for Women's Policy Research.

Looking at the period between September through November 2009, the researchers--using data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Bureau of Labor Statistics--estimated that more than 7 million workers may have infected their fellow employees. This pattern was particularly prevalent among those in industries or companies with traditionally lower paying sick-day coverage.

Approximately 8,330 to 17,160,2009 people have died from the virus, with much of the hospitalizations and deaths occurring among those individuals ages 18 to 64.

(hat tip crofsblog)

[oramar]

Compound that with the fact that health care workers are exhorted to come to work while sick by management. Not to mention the fact that they are harassed and punished if they don't and you have a bad situation.

[indigo girl]

Compound that with the fact that health care workers are exhorted to come to work while sick by management. Not to mention the fact that they are harassed and punished if they don't and you have a bad situation.

You are so right about the harassment. It is particularly bad on my unit right now. People who call off are being phoned by management and given an interrogation. They are then put under pressure to come in anyway. It is unbelieveable. I predict that some are going to quit over this type of treatment.

I really would rather work short than work with someone who is sick and could infect the rest of us. But, that's just me. Not to mention that it is just so wrong to expose patients to a sick employee.

Just a week ago, I had to do the staffing when we were short a nurse. I was told to call all nurses that were off that day, and "put the screws to them" to come in. Those were the actual words used, enough said.

[RunnerNurse09, BSN, RN]

You are so right about the harassment. It is particularly bad on my unit right now. People who call off are being phoned by management and given an interrogation. They are then put under pressure to come in anyway. It is unbelieveable. I predict that some are going to quit over this type of treatment.

I really would rather work short than work with someone who is sick and could infect the rest of us. But, that's just me. Not to mention that it is just so wrong to expose patients to a sick employee.

Just a week ago, I had to do the staffing when we were short a nurse. I was told to call all nurses that were off that day, and "put the screws to them" to come in. Those were the actual words used, enough said.

That is insane. I will be soon starting a job at a hopsital where you only get 4 sick days a year. I dont know how anyone sees that a logical, especially for people like me with young kids. I am with you and would definitely rather work short than have someone get me (and patients) sick.