Calling in sick, boss harassing me.

[swweetipie]

How much do I need to tell my boss specifically about my illness and calling in sick? On Thursday I called my unit manager to let her know I would be out the next 4 consecutive days which I just so happened to work and I had a Drs note to excuse me from work. She said ok and that was that. I got a call the next day while in recovery from anesthesia demanding a call back when my husband answered and said exactly that I was in recovery. I did call her back and she said the manager above her wanted to know why I was calling in and what was going on. I simply said I had a dr excuse and wouldn't be in. She asked again and I restated that it was my personal health information and she wasn't entitled to know. So here it is Monday and that higher boss called me directly asking for a return call. Mind you, my dr excuse has me off through today so I don't feel I should be bothered at all. I am going to return her call but I know she will be asking why I am out again and I don't feel like I should have to tell her. I am not contagious and have a release for back to work. I had emergency surgery and needed recovery time.

[Rocknurse, MSN, APRN, NP]

I know where I work I have to apply for FMLA if I know I'm going to be out for anything over 3 days. Perhaps they need you to complete paperwork?

[not2bblue]

I am pretty sure that medical issues are protected even from employers. I would call HR and ask that a representative be present for this meeting because they are clearly not going to stop bothering you about it. If you are in a union, ask for them to come too.

Did they have to excuse you for all 4 days or do you do 3 12's?

[llg, PhD, RN]

I think it would be wise to read your Employee Handbook before having any more conversations -- and/or taking a stand. Make sure you are following all of the related policies before ruffling any feathers. Even if you are totally in the right, some fights aren't worth fighting.

Is there anything you can tell them that will answer their basic question without divulging an excessive amount of information. For example, "I needed some minor surgery that my doctor felt I shouldn't put off any longer." or something along those lines. They may be particularly suspicious this week because some people abuse the system to get out of working holidays they don't want to work. Can you ease their mind without exposing too much of your private business?

Also ... at my job ... anything more than 3 days requires the use of FMLA, too -- and a simple doctor's excuse is not sufficient. It might be something like that.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Had a surgical procedure..... that is all I would say.

[SmilingBluEyes]

I am not contagious and have a release for back to work. I had emergency surgery and needed recovery time.

That much would be a good start. While you have the right not to have to divulge personal information, your boss has the right to have SOME CLUE why she is going to have to do without for those few days.

A little courtesy on your part would go a long way.

[ED Nurse, RN]

I would tread lightly here- what is your hospitals policy regarding these situations? They are going to probably pursue this with you bc it is a holiday week and people use fraudulent excuses to get out of working? If it truly was emergency surgery I would help management understand that- you seem very against your management. I'm sure there is more to this situation with your management that makes you feel you can't speak with them and find empathy and understanding.

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

All you had to say was that you had an emergent surgery and will be back on such stated day. You may need to fill out FMLA paperwork since you are out over 3 days. They will be requesting medical info so you know. I am on a leave now for a broken wrist. The day after I broke it I called my boss and told her what happened (fell rollerskating and broke wrist in 2 places and most likely need surgery). No other questions asked. You're not helping yourself. If your short term disability company asks for a release of info and you decline they can deny leave pay.

I just think they want a basic answer not your whole medical chart. Calling back and stating you needed an emergent surgery is all you need to say.

[morte, LPN, LVN]

All you had to say was that you had an emergent surgery and will be back on such stated day. You may need to fill out FMLA paperwork since you are out over 3 days. They will be requesting medical info so you know. I am on a leave now for a broken wrist. The day after I broke it I called my boss and told her what happened (fell rollerskating and broke wrist in 2 places and most likely need surgery). No other questions asked. You're not helping yourself. If your short term disability company asks for a release of info and you decline they can deny leave pay.

I just think they want a basic answer not your whole medical chart. Calling back and stating you needed an emergent surgery is all you need to say.

The husband has already told them she was in recovery...

[caliotter3]

Gosh, even when I was in the military, all we (females) had to write on the sick slip was "female problems" and the supervisor wouldn't give us the third degree. People did not work for elective abortions and work was none the wiser.

[ED Nurse, RN]

The husband has already told them she was in recovery...

Many employers have policy stating the employee must speak with them, not family members. My previous hospital wouldn't even speak to a personal physician that would call on behalf of the employee.

[caliotter3]

Many employers have policy stating the employee must speak with them, not family members. My previous hospital wouldn't even speak to a personal physician that would call on behalf of the employee.

My Dad worked night shift and he always used my poor Mom to call in for him. I was a little kid and even then I used to wonder why Dad didn't have the gumption to tell the boss himself that he wasn't coming to work.