Calling out Sick on a Holiday

Nurses General Nursing

Published

How tough is your facility on you for calling out on a Holiday? Just wondering. I had a positive Strep test yesterday in Employee Health at our Hospital. The doctor told me that I couldn't work today(Thanksgiving). My 3 year old was positive for strep and spent 4 hours in the ER-after being sent there from her peds office-receiving IV fluids and an IV antibiotic. Before being discharged she also received an IM injection of an additional antibiotic. My 7 year old had a positive strep test and is on antibiotic as well. This all happened yesterday. I have an excellent attendance record here and EVERYWHERE I have worked. I feel awful for not being there today because I feel that our current scheduling of holidays is so FAIR to everyone. I received an IM injection of PCN and as of work time this morning I felt good enough to go in but was not allowed to because of employee health. My kids are feel better this morning but are certainly not 100% yet. Should I feel guilty about this? I want to say "Sorry" but I could not prevent myself from getting strep and I was told "You cannot work until Friday." Thanks all and Happy Thanksgiving..Oh yea-even though I am home we have NO TURKEY..Since I was supposed to work and hubby is working too, I didn't shop for Thanksgiving--the kids were supposed to go to Grandma's to eat!!!!

You're human. Humans get sick. If they didn't, most of us would be out of a job. There is absolutely no reason to feel 'guilty'. If your co-workers are bent about it, that's their problem.

Hope you're soon feeling better :balloons:

Specializes in Cardiology, Oncology, Medsurge.

Don't feel guilty! Plenty of your coworkers are probably happy to come work for you! No kids, if they are single and love to shop...so don't feel guilty. But enjoy the Turkey for me please! I work tonight! So I too will be endulging in tryptophan laden bird too!

Specializes in Peds Cardiology,Peds Neuro,Pedi ER,PICU, IV Jedi.

Are you kidding me?? If I, or anyone in my family were sick on the holiday as your family is...I wouldn't hesitate to call in. You have a doctor's note...that's all that's necessary here. As for your employer, yes, it completely sucks that you can't be there...but as EG said, we're human...we get sick. They'll get over it, and work will go on just fine without you there.

I'm very sorry your family is sick on the holiday. I hope you are all back to 100% really soon.;)

How about we get all the nursing directors to come in and work on the holiday?Seems they always "conveniently" schedule themselves vacation around these times.:trout: Only in a perfect world I guess....

Hope you feel better soon.

vamedic4

Specializes in ER/EHR Trainer.

Sorry you're sick...don't stress over it, like everyone else said you are only human...humans get sick. Rest today....enjoy your family...eat some turkey....get better to work another day!

Maisy;)

Specializes in ED, ICU, Heme/Onc.

I'd rather not catch strep from you - even if you feel better, you are still contagious for 24 hours. Stay home guilt free and take care of your sick kiddos too.

It's not like you are calling out to get a head start on the sales.

Stay in your jammies and snuggle in for a movie marathon or something.

Blee

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I agree with the above. It's honest bad timing and it's too soon to return to work and you need to let go of the guilt.

You can probably expect an attitude from people, but leave it with them and don't own it. With the MD's note, you're covered. Get well.

Specializes in Med-Surg, ED.

it was Employee Health that tested you and told you not to come in...you don't need to feel bad but if you do you can just say "Sorry! Employee Health wouldn't let me come to work today!"

Specializes in SICU, MICU, CICU, NeuroICU.

At the hospital where I work, if you call out sick on a holiday you don't get paid, plain and simple.

Specializes in DOU.

I suppose if you felt okay and WANTED to work, you could have offerred to wear a mask all day. If they didn't like that, then you could have stayed home.

Specializes in CT ,ICU,CCU,Tele,ED,Hospice.

don't feel guilty .you are sick .employee health note covers you .enjoy your family.

No matter what a person can be sick from, there still will be those who feel anyone who calls off on a holiday has done it on purpose. Its a shame, if your sick you need to stay home.

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