I called in tonight. I didn't want to, but I just simply did not feel like I could handle it tonight. I was worn out and had not been able to nap, plus I've got crap going on here at the house that is really weighing on me. It's the second time I've called in in almost eight months of working there. Both times I have called in for mental health reasons, not because I was physically sick.
The nursing supervisor just kinda laughed at me. She asked me "Well what's wrong with you?" (I HATE that), and I didn't want to say "Well I haven't slept and I feel like I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown here" so I just simply said that I didn't feel good. She laughed and then said "Okay, well I'll tell (my manager) then." Ugh. That made me feel like I was probably going to be in trouble.
We have a PCT on our floor who has regular severe anxiety attacks while she is at work. She often walks off the elevator at the beginning of the shift, practically already in the midst of an anxiety attack. Often we wish that on nights when she feels like she just can't handle it, she would just call in. We often spend our shifts taking care of her AND the patients.
I feel like, if you seriously don't feel like you can handle work mentally that day, you should call in, just as if you were physically sick. But I know a lot of people, supervisors don't feel that way. And I'm not going to tell the supervisor that I'm having an anxiety attack and I haven't slept any and I just can't handle it tonight.
The MN highway patrol just put out a commercial claiming that driving after being up for 16 hours puts your cognitive and physical skills at a level equal to intoxication. (Basically saying don't drive while tired.)
I was talking to a coworker last night and he took a couple days off for the "blahs." We are supposed to report whether sick leave is for infectious/non infectious. I reminded him that C. Difficile is a perfect reason for sick leave.
It is illegal in my state to be asked why you are calling off, although it doesn't stop them from asking. I always tell them I have diarrhea. I'm sure they think I have intestinal issues (not that I call off a lot)!
I hope you enjoy your mental health day :redpinkhe. I,too, called out. I work agency and I have been doing twelve hour shifts. I was in a very bad car accident on Friday, did over $6000 worth of damage to my NEW truck and I still went into work. I have four children under 7 and I am home with the younger two and normally go to work without sleep. My allergies are HORRIBLE, and I have this recurrent headache r/t the accident or stress. I have been trying to endure all the discomfort and stress, working my 4 shifts since the accident but I just can't take it anymore. I am exhausted and miserable. Anyhow, I just today called out for tonight's shift. My agency was PEEVED. I may get written up because I canceled a shift last month too d/t unreliable child care. Oh well. I can not care for 10 vent-dependent patients in this state of affairs and it shouldn't be expected of me. Likewise, it shouldn't be expected of you. Again, enjoy your day off. I'm sure you need it and deserve it.
Oh Kiyasmom , you are having one Rotten time of it! Hope you are ok after the accident, but the headaches and allergies are worrying. Is there anyone who can take a bit of the load off you, stupid question, I know that you will have thought of this already, with your kiddos being so wee, but sometimes support comes from unexpected places. You need a wee breather, dont be afraid to ask for help hon. I really hope things ease off, I know the pressures of small children, and I only had three of the darlings under seven!
Exhaustion is horrible, have been there, can I just very tentatively say, in a while, when your wee ones are teens, the pressures ease off a bit re childcare etc. My experience anyway, I'm sure it will be yours, and if it' s any comfort at all, it seems like yesterday that I had all these worries on my head, but for the past few years its gotten easier!
You mind your own health after being in such a bad accident!!!!!
Specializes in Jack of all trades, and still learning.
'Halogen'? How do they determine who has gone 'above and beyond'? Do you lose out if you can't? What right have they to ask that of you anyway? Does this mean that if someone is seriously ill that they can lose out?
I called in last noc as well, my father-in-law had surgery yesterday. He is on dialysis, a diabetic,and had to have a broken arm repair. He has been on dialysis for 6 yrs. No hope of kidney transplant d/t heart and lung condition as well. Primary Physician told wife it would be best if all family was there b/c of 35 percent chance of survival from surgery. My assistant NM wanted to know who was going to work for me. I had explained all this to her 3 days in advance and she told me I would have to find my own replacement. Well I called in 4 and 1/2 hrs prior to my shift and she was still giving me crap.
The nursing profession needs to catch up with the rest of the professional world. I hope you enjoyed your much needed rest and rejuvenation! I applaud you for being able to self identify your need for it, that's what I call preventative, holistic living!
The nursing supervisor just kinda laughed at me. She asked me "Well what's wrong with you?" (I HATE that), and I didn't want to say "Well I haven't slept and I feel like I'm on the verge of a nervous breakdown here" so I just simply said that I didn't feel good. She laughed and then said "Okay, well I'll tell (my manager) then." Ugh. That made me feel like I was probably going to be in trouble.
Although I do have some sympathy with mgmt. (:chair: but believe me, it's only about || this much) because unless someone is desparate for money, finding masochists who want to willingly torture themeslves is a very difficult task based on how much upper mgmt. is willing to use agency. Nonetheless, it's moments like these that reinforce my belief that mgmt. should receive regular floggings.
(not that I call off a lot)!
He has been on dialysis for 6 yrs. No hope of kidney transplant d/t heart and lung condition as well. Primary Physician told wife it would be best if all family was there b/c of 35 percent chance of survival from surgery. My assistant NM wanted to know who was going to work for me. I had explained all this to her 3 days in advance and she told me I would have to find my own replacement. Well I called in 4 and 1/2 hrs prior to my shift and she was still giving me crap.
Elvish, BSN, DNP, RN, NP
4 Articles; 5,259 Posts
I absolutely agree with everyone who says DON'T FEEL BAD!
You need a mental health day, you take it. There is only so much a human mind and body can take.
I'd much rather have a nurse that is 100% than one that's not.