Called off too many times?

[MS0298]

All the times that I've called off have been related to health problems and physical. Wrist pain, chest pain, now both knee pain. When bending at the knees, it hurts a lot and when walking for a long time I feel the same. I've even visited my doctor and they gonna have me tested for arthritis(runs in the family)

I've been thinking off calling off the following weekend. It is Thursday and I have work Saturday and Sunday.

The only thing thats stopping me from calling off is the consequences. I do not know the attendance policy since I'm hella new (6months)

[rnhopeful82, ASN, RN]

On Thursday you already know you'll be feeling to bad to work Saturday AND Sunday. As a manager - I wouldn't buy that for a minute.

This. How on earth can you know you already don't feel well 3 days from now? Nope. Also, 2 call outs might not seem like a lot, but I would definitely look into how long the probationary period is. At my job, I could call out, but couldn't use any vacation time for 6 months. Calling out twice would be a problem. Looking to call out days ahead would be an absolute no.

[caliotter3]

If your health issues are such that you have to call out this often, they are likely such that your current work position is incompatible with your physical ability. There are basic parameters in place for floor nursing and are normally stated up front, including the ability to bend, stoop, squat, spend long times standing, lift 50 lbs, etc. If you cannot meet these basic parameters on a regular, routine basis you lack the basic qualifications for this particular job and you may need to find one that doesn't stress your body to the point that you are unable to show up for work. Your employer can and will hold you accountable for this.

The fact that your call outs are health related don't make them more excusable, even though they may be more sympathetic. Rather, they point out in blaring spotlight that you lack the basic physical requirements needed to perform this particular job role. You don't have a disability that guarantees your right to a job no matter what. You have health issues incompatible with this particular job role. Two call offs in six months is borderline. Continuing to add to it is going to cost you your job eventually and, prior to that, your work relationships. I would suggest you find a job that you can work without having to call off so often. It sounds like this one is simply too hard on you.

I'm in such a position myself. Due to a decline in health, I sometimes face problems with being able to do my job and to get to and from my job, safely. However, I have made my employers aware and everyone concerned is aware that it is my responsibility to do something about improving my health. Calling off here and there, too often, or on a regular basis, is not a long term option. When one does not take personal responsibility seriously, then the third party, in this case the employer, will be forced to do something that the employee may not like.

[Ddestiny, BSN, RN]

I've even visited my doctor and they gonna have me tested for arthritis(runs in the family)

A bit of a segue here, but what exactly is an "arthritis test"? I've seen arthritis diagnosed with Xrays, or maybe even labs for suspected RA, but none of that is going to require that can't go to work days later....or even immediately after.

[Have Nurse, ADN, RN]

If your doctor determines that you have a genuine disability and writes a note, your employer may accommodate that, but they may also dismiss you. It's a tough call. You might consider a nursing job that doesn't require so much physical work, where you can sit a bit more and not do heavy lifting. An office job for instance? Just a thought.

[Alex_RN, BSN]

You are at the start of a very physically demanding career. Bedside nursing does not sound like something you are capable of doing.

[beekee]

Reasonable accommodations, disability rights, etc sound nice and all, but be assured that your employer will find a "legal" way to get rid of you if they get wind of a disability. Healthcare employers routine push out the older, injured or disabled workers. They are too expensive. Nurses are seen as disposable widgets that can, and are, easily replaced.

[KrysyRN, BSN]

Has your physician recommended or prescribed pain medication for you?

Is it helping?

[Neo Soldier, BSN, RN]

Is it possible that you find an area in nursing that isn't physically demanding. In direct patient care, you will most likely have to do strenuous work.

[DowntheRiver]

Reasonable accommodations, disability rights, etc sound nice and all, but be assured that your employer will find a "legal" way to get rid of you if they get wind of a disability. Healthcare employers routine push out the older, injured or disabled workers. They are too expensive. Nurses are seen as disposable widgets that can, and are, easily replaced.

This is not always true. I was diagnosed with a moderately severe and somewhat debilitating autoimmune disorder in the last two months. My employer has been very understanding and supportive, allowing me to go down to 3 days a week and still remain full time (I was 4 days a week). I also secured intermittent FMLA to cover my absences in the future. By disclosing my illness, I also discovered that my assistant manager also has an autoimmune disorder, so she is understanding. But, overall, my hospital system is pretty disability friendly.

I also am becoming aware of my own limits, so I will transfer to a position off the floor if it becomes too much so it opens up a full time position on the unit.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Then you're likely not near the number on which the disciplinary process begins. But, you really should review your facility's attendance policy, and you might consider discussing this with your manager before it does become a problem.

Again, best wishes.

Not necessarily. I'm pretty sure more than 3 call outs in any rolling 4 month period was deemed "excessive" at my hospital job so if OP is planning call outs 3 and 4, she could be getting close.

I would be concerned about an employee this new calling out repeatedly. I think I was at my hospital job for over a year before I called out and, in the 5 years I was there, I can count on one hand the number of times total I called out.

Since leaving the hospital, the only unplanned days off I have ever had at any of my jobs were times when I got stranded somewhere because of snowstorms at home.

"My wrist hurts" or "my knee hurts" are not valid reasons to call out, IMO.

[Ben_Dover]

I wonder if all the findings/results of the ailments you mentioned were positive or negative.

If they were all negative, has your doctor suggested a psych consult?

As we all know, stress can play a major factor on physical ailments.

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

You had better carry your hind end to work on the weekend. and every time after that when scheduled. Forget calling off unless you are near death. And even then, get to work. Let them send you home if you fall out once you're there. And don't do that until at least half the shift is over.

And make your doctor appointments on your days off or after your day shift is over or before your evening shift starts.

No car excuses, no child care excuses, no excuses at all. Just make up your mind that you are going to work and plan everything else around that. Including your loved ones dying.

I am serious.