Was having yet another discussion with a colleague about people

who come to work sick. I'm sure we've all done it at some point.

Many of the patients that I work with have very poor hygiene and

are prone to picking up even the most insignificant "bug".

I was just reading in a professional journal the same sort of question and the article stated that going to work sick had ethical, legal and professional implications. Would like to hear

others opinions on the issue.

I agree, but, unfortunately most employer (hospital) do not find unsceduled absences acceptable. My last employer still counted a day I called in against me regardless of the Dr. note that I had.

Coming to work ill is unprofessional and dangerous. I have no patience for people who bring disease in to spread to me, other staff and most importantly THE PATIENTS!!! I know some people think they are being stoic by coming into work sick, but I would rather work short than work with sick nurses.

I agree but my employer does not.

renerian

Originally posted by renerian

I agree but my employer does not.

Same here. Absences=occurences.

Originally posted by babynurselsa

I agree,

With which part?

By the way: :rotfl: :rotfl: I subscribe to the hand theory of nursing......... If the butt is bigger than my hand I do not wanna change its diaper.

Originally posted by fergus51

Coming to work ill is unprofessional and dangerous. I have no patience for people who bring disease in to spread to me, other staff and most importantly THE PATIENTS!!! I know some people think they are being stoic by coming into work sick, but I would rather work short than work with sick nurses.

This is my stance also. BUT, I can also understand renerian's and tele's prediciment.

Originally posted by renerian

I agree but my employer does not.

renerian

im in the same boat.

What I find most ironic is that we take care of sick pt.'s all the time yet we are expected to never become ill.

The problem is not that we become sick but that it is abused by folks who do not want to be pulled to other units, have a party to go to, or would just rather not work that day for whatever reason.

Billy

Very ironic indeed! I called in to a hospital that I worked at for the 1st time in two years and the House Supv. told me I had to find someone else to cover the shift. I informed her that it was her job to find coverage, I was SICK! She was not very civil to me the next time I saw her. :)

You were perfectly right Shamrock. What is up with her attitude?

I HATE nurses who come to work sick.

In our unit, we can watch the bug make its' rounds....

every 3-5 days, another nurse or two has "it."

And, am I ever ticked when I feel totally miserable for 3-4 days, and a little miserable for 2-3 more days because:

1.) a nurse didn't want to go to the doctor....

"It's going to last a week either way...................................."

2.) "I hate to use up my sick leave, etc. ....yak, yak, yak,

for when I'm ACTUALLY sick !" ha ha ha ha (nurse laughing)

(the ninnies)

3.) "I'm saving my comp time to use on my vacation......"

There oughta be a law against it.

for the record, I don't care which manager gets ticked, I never-

never- never go to work the 1st couple of days I am coming down with a bug. (prodromal period) when youre most contagious....

And, I go to the doc.....

and I return with lotsa tissues,

and lotsa handwashing,

and isolate myself as much as possible from staff.....

actually wipe down phones......etc.

I can't believe the sheer #'s of healthcare workers I observe

sneezing and coughing all over the rest of us,

without even an

attempt to cover their mouths............AND,

IF THEY DO, ........... do you ever see anyone go wash their hands? YUK !!

Sneeze in your hand & keep going !! YUK !

Co-workers deserve respect and consideration.

Originally posted by passing thru

I can't believe the sheer #'s of healthcare workers I observe

sneezing and coughing all over the rest of us,

without even an

attempt to cover their mouths............AND,

IF THEY DO, ........... do you ever see anyone go wash their hands? YUK !!

Sneeze in your hand & keep going !! YUK !

Co-workers deserve respect and consideration. [/b]

Yup, it's pretty gross - I'm trying to teach patients (not hosp. setting), to cough/sneeze into their elbows. Is a self-protecting

lesson, at least the door knobs can't be opened with elbows!! :)