Calling in sick (question)

TigerGalLE, BSN, RN · Oct 14, 2008

If you are sick then you shouldn't work. Esp if you have think you have the flu. Your coworkers and patients will appreciate it if you stay at home to prevent them from getting sick! Trust me.

I hope you feel better soon!

pielęgniarka, RN · Oct 14, 2008

Of course you don't want to give your co-workers or patients the flu... but if your symptoms are not that bad I would go in. High fever? Stay at home. People are going to trash talk you if you call in, not on your deathbed, especially being new. If you do call in, be prepared to present a doctor's note, some places do require that if you call in when you are still on a new hire probationary period. If I were you, I'd take some tylenol, drink lots of water, wash your hands like mad at work and don't cough or sneeze on anyone. And tough out the shift. Get well soon!

mondkmondk · Oct 14, 2008

Of course you don't want to give your co-workers or patients the flu... but if your symptoms are not that bad I would go in. High fever? Stay at home. People are going to trash talk you if you call in, not on your deathbed, especially being new. If you do call in, be prepared to present a doctor's note, some places do require that if you call in when you are still on a new hire probationary period. If I were you, I'd take some tylenol, drink lots of water, wash your hands like mad at work and don't cough or sneeze on anyone. And tough out the shift. Get well soon!

I agree with this poster...hope you feel better quick!

Blessings, Michelle

Sunflowerinsc, ADN, RN · Oct 14, 2008

Hi everyone, quick question. I've only been off orientation for a few weeks and today I feel like crap. I think it's a moderate case of influenza. I'm scheduled to work tonight, but I'm really thinking about calling off sick. Does this look bad? During orientation I was expected to not call in sick, and I didn't. But since I've only been working where I am for about 4 months, is it still too soon to call in sick?

If you are sick,you are sick. Don't go passing germs around! But just wondering ,are you scheduled to work tonight, 7pm. Our hospital policy is for night shift to call in by noon if at all possible . Our CM would come unglued if she had to start looking for someone to replace you this late in the afternoon. But it happens.....

uscstu4lfe · Oct 14, 2008

I have muscle aches, some diarrhea, that weird feeling of wanting to pass out whenever I stand up, no appetite, bland taste, chills (I'm cold but hot, then hot but cold). I don't know what my temperature is. Should I try toughing it out?

Peri · Oct 14, 2008

Hi everyone, quick question. I've only been off orientation for a few weeks and today I feel like crap. I think it's a moderate case of influenza. I'm scheduled to work tonight, but I'm really thinking about calling off sick. Does this look bad? During orientation I was expected to not call in sick, and I didn't. But since I've only been working where I am for about 4 months, is it still too soon to call in sick?

I'm always saying if you feel awful then you shouldn't work, but I know that it is difficult when it comes to yourself.

Let us know - did you go in and how did you manage if you did?

mondkmondk · Oct 14, 2008

I have muscle aches, some diarrhea, that weird feeling of wanting to pass out whenever I stand up, no appetite, bland taste, chills (I'm cold but hot, then hot but cold). I don't know what my temperature is. Should I try toughing it out?

Another thing I just thought of is if you could trade with someone to get tonight off, or even change shifts and work a different shift? I used to have to schedule people and people who just started and started calling in sick used to really **** me off. If all else fails, maybe someone from the shift after you would consider coming in early if you go in and feel you can't make it the whole shift...then at least, they would see you were sick but still making the effort to try to come in. Good luck!

Blessings, Michelle

pielęgniarka, RN · Oct 14, 2008

Good luck with whatever you decide to do. I have also found my own replacement for work to spare the scheduler or charge nurse's hassle.

Also "influenza" is not the same as the stomach virus that causes diarrhea and or vomiting. What you have sounds like food poisoning or something.

Another thing I just thought of is if you could trade with someone to get tonight off, or even change shifts and work a different shift? I used to have to schedule people and people who just started and started calling in sick used to really p*ss me off. If you don't have a temp, I suggest Imodium and Motrin or the like and try drinking some broth or hot tea. If all else fails, maybe someone from the shift after you would consider coming in early if you go in and feel you can't make it the whole shift...then at least, they would see you were sick but still making the effort to try to come in. Good luck!
Blessings, Michelle

uscstu4lfe · Oct 14, 2008

I've decided I'm going to call off sick. I'm feeling like absolute crap, and to me, it's not worth it. A 12.5 hour shift feels like a 7 day shift when you're feeling sick.

weirdRN, RN · Oct 14, 2008

I've decided I'm going to call off sick. I'm feeling like absolute crap, and to me, it's not worth it. A 12.5 hour shift feels like a 7 day shift when you're feeling sick.

Good For You! Be prepared to get crap from other people about calling in, but in the long run you are being Good to YOURSELF, and protecting your license. Who would they blame if you made an error because you weren't feeling well and were distracted? Been there done that and gotten canned for it.

Hope you feel better.

uscstu4lfe · Oct 14, 2008

I think I get along with everyone I work with. I don't see why anyone would give me crap. If I am sick, I am sick. I'd rather wallow in my misery at home in bed than to accidentally mess my pants at work.