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.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

You need to speak with management or HR if you are off for 4 consecutive days. You are not required to divulge the nature of your illness. A doctor's note does not cover you after 3 days, you will need to start the short term disability process on day four.

Good luck, wish you a speedy recovery.

[Ladybug993]

You do not and I repeat have to tell her why .. Give all information to HR...

[MunoRN, RN]

You're free to tell them it's none of their business, but they're also free to fire you if you refuse to answer job-related inquiries. For instance, if you broke your leg, you can refuse to answer how you broke it if it occurred off the job, but you could be terminated if you refuse to answer or falsely answer if you will be taking opiate pain medications when returning to work.

[nynursey_]

#1 If it's an FMLA issue, your employee handbook should state as such, and your supervisor should be notifying you to get into contact with HR. They should not be questioning you directly regarding the nature of your illness.

#2 If you are in a "at will" employment state, understand that your perceived "uncooperative nature" can result in your employer terminating you, and they will likely find a loophole to do so.

#3 Your health information is absolutely protected from your employer so long as you are cleared to return and it doesn't interfere with your job responsibilities.

Your employer is being nosy and treating you like a child. The previous posters are spot on: it's the holiday season, many call out, and your employer is attempting to ensure you are not one of them. Don't be bullied into disclosing your PRIVATE health information to your manager. The only person who need be notified is your HR representative. Call them on the very next business day.

[dream'n, BSN, RN]

Many employers require a release from Occupational Health if you have been off over a certain amount of days. It's not that their being nosy, they just need to make sure you're fit to return to work or if you will need some accommodations. I doubt they are wanting all of your personal health information, just a basic explanation so they can figure out the schedule, etc.

[nurseactivist]

I find it totally offensive that employers terminate a nurse for violating HIPAA and then have no qualms about seeking out a nurse's personal medical information. If unionized, get them involved. The union can work with HR to get them off your back. Every time I called in sick my reasoning was, "I am ill today." Period, the end. None of their business.

If on a prolonged leave with injury (back injury) employee health has the right to determine if you are fit to return to duty. That is different from your boss being curious.

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

In my pre-nursing job, all I had to say was "I won't be in". No reason, no questions. Honestly they just didn't care. I acquired points for missed days, and as long as I stayed within the limits it made no difference to my employer.

Since I've been a nurse, when I call in I get the third degree. Whatever I tell them is then relayed to all my co-workers.

I've never felt like I could not answer their questions, even though I don't want to.

If I truly don't want anybody to know reasons, I just lie. I hate it.

[kskarzin91]

I just get a guilt trip if I call in. Last time I called in I was in a wreck that totaled my truck and before my manager asked if I was ok she goes, " you know we only have 4 nurses tonight right" then she proceed to ask if she could pick me up. Don't bother I'll be in the ER Since I'm calling from the back of an ambulance [emoji19]

[martymoose, BSN, RN]

This "profession" disgusts me.

That is all.

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

This "profession" disgusts me.

That is all.

I'm not quite there yet, but closing in fast.

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

I never get asked why I am calling in when I do call in. I will state that I am ill. I just recently broke my wrist in 2 places while rollerskating at a fundraiser for my son's school. I just called my boss and let her know I fell and broke my wrist and that I most likely would need surgery. At first I was told no surgery needed, but at a follow up appointment there was some movement of the bone and was determined I needed an ORIF. I called my boss both times just to let her know what was going on. No further questions were asked. She just wished me well.

If I were the OP I would call and speak with HR and inquire about how to get the FMLA process started.

[No Stars In My Eyes]

If we call in (or out!) and even SOUND like we are going to offer an excuse why, the office person we call in to immediately interrupts us to say that we do not need to tell her "why" ANYTHING!