Working sick

[Shamrock]

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.

[casper1]

I don't feel nurses should go to work sick. However in my facility when someone calls in sick, often times it means someone else will be required to work on their day off or another nurse may be required to work a double shift. The nurses who work the extra time get tired and rundown and stressed they become more susceptible to illness then they call in sick and the cycle continues.

[Shamrock, BSN, RN]

Geez, there are some real horror stories here!!

[nurseeverycare]

I am guilty of going to work sick, as if I do not the remainder of the staff will be pressure. Especially if it is the night shift. Sometimes I try to hold out as much as possible, but when the body have enought the body just have enought. Some Sisters or Nurse-In-charge find ur docket read it then have discussion as to why u had to get sick leave for "such a trivial complain"

[susanmary]

If I'm truly sick enough where I'm running a fever, can't think clearly, etc -- then I stay home. Let them write me up, etc. -- I need to protect my health and my patient's health. As a charge nurse, I know how difficult it is to fill sick calls ... but that's what people should do when they are sick. There should be ENOUGH staff -- whether it's additional staff, float pool -- to absorb sick calls/time. We should have resources we can turn to which can support nurses. Instead, nursing is punitive.