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.

[iShaybie, ADN]

It's only four days.. I don't know why they're harassing you. it's not like you just didn't show up for a week.

You even gave them a doctors note. I've never needed a note take off from work. Even for vacations!

I'd talk to them when your 4 days off is over. And don't let them bully information out of you that you don't feel comfortable sharing.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I would review your employee handbook. It could be that you need to start the fun FMLA process. Typically you can contact HR about this directly. I hope you have a quick recovery.

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

It's only four days.. I don't know why they're harassing you. it's not like you just didn't show up for a week.

You even gave them a doctors note. I've never needed a note take off from work. Even for vacations!

I'd talk to them when your 4 days off is over. And don't let them bully information out of you that you don't feel comfortable sharing.

Why would anyone need a note for vacation? ...and who would write the note?

[Elle23]

Why would anyone need a note for vacation?

...and who would write the note?

Mickey Mouse?

[FurBabyMom, MSN, RN]

I had no problem telling my previous employer why I was going to be out 3 weeks. I had appendicitis, and wouldn't be "cleared" to return for at least three weeks. I called, told the nights charge I was in the ED where I lived at the time and that it was appendicitis. She wrote it down, emailed out boss, and I spoke to our assistant manager the following day or the day after. I hadn't been there long enough for FMLA, but they had some leniency to approve a leave of absence and did. I used my PTO and then was unpaid the remainder of the time.

I had no problem telling my current employer when my father was diagnosed with cancer. My boss and her boss suggested I apply for FMLA to cover cancer-related absences, and the paperwork was incredibly easy. I called out twice using FMLA during the whole period my dad had cancer/was in treatment. I told my boss, her boss and several coworkers. I didn't tell everyone or the physicians I work with because work was a welcome distraction, and I didn't want anyone to blame my deficiencies on that situation instead of the fact I was still learning. I called out the day of a clinic visit (post op, I'd gotten a coworker to swap days off for the pre-op visit) and the day my dad had surgery. He had surgery at the facility I work at... So on both the clinic days and the day of surgery I had to dodge those who didn't know. Then again, I wanted the best for my family member, and they had something INCREDIBLY rare, so I needed help finding the answers we needed.

When I called out once, my boss did call me to see if I was keeping my call that day (I was supposed to be on call). I had to try not to laugh... I explained it and my boss left me alone after that, except to ask if I needed anything. I don't know though - we're abnormally close for coworkers. More like family. I think if I didn't have the coworkers I have or the environment I have, I wouldn't be the way I am about it.

That being said, I felt comfortable disclosing that stuff to my boss/employer. If I was uncomfortable, it'd probably be the bare minimum I had to do in order to preserve my job.

[SororAKS, ADN, RN]

I'd tell as little as possible, and then talk to HR. Review your facility policy and stick to it. Don't let anybody bully or guilt you into telling more than you are comfortable with. You were treated by a physician for a medical condition requiring surgery. End of story.