Calling in sick

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi just looking for advice and wondering what you would do in my situation? Over 3 weeks ago I got the flu and had to call in sick for 2 shifts. I have been feeling drained and was still recovering from the flu (I had a lingering cough, but no aches or fever) when this past weekend I seemed to get a new infection with the common cold, symptoms are runny nose, tickle in throat and worse cough. I went to work on Monday and wore a face mask because of the cough. When my manager saw me she didn't look happy, she said I shouldn't be in work if I am sick. She proceeded to ask me if I have left the country recently... I ended up going home sick that day and called in sick for the next day. I am supposed to work a night tonight and I am still stuffed up and run down, with that lingering cough. I want to go into work and wear a mask, but I don't want to put my patients or coworkers at risk. I know everyone is on edge and hyper alert about covid-19. I live in B.C right next to the border of Washington state where there is a Covid -19 outbreak right now. I really don't know what to do. What would you do, go in and wear a mask or call in sick again??

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

It sounds like your manager made her expectations pretty clear. I would go with her recommendation. If you want to confirm, you could also check with Employee Health. I wouldn't go to work sick.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I would go to your doctor and get a note before trying to return to work; some employers in hot spots are now requiring employees with symptoms like yours to report to employee health prior to returning to work. Yes, its a pain but it also makes sense for the region of the country you are in. Do the right thing.

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Specializes in ICU/community health/school nursing.

What is your policy on return to work after illness?

If you are wanting to go to work: Get a clearance from your doctor that you can. It's true that this year's flu comes with a cough that doesn't go away for weeks.

If you're still ill - for the love of Sweet Baby Moses stay home, please.

I truly hope you feel better.

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Specializes in Critical Care.

The rules where I work are the opposite, no fever - no call out allowed.

If they required that everyone with the sniffles or that "lingering cough" that often follows a viral illness stay at home then we would be dangerously understaffed.

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My employer has put in writing a policy "if you're sick, stay home" but I would follow the advice of others to see my doctor and do what the doctor says in addition to following your employer's policy. Also one more day at home can only be better for your own compromised immune system in lieu of any direction otherwise.

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Specializes in ER, ICU/CCU, Open Heart OR Recovery, Etc.

Stay home.

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just stay home. You are sick, not sure what exactly it is- please don’t share. The mask doesn’t help much anyways and viruses will live on surfaces you touch as well-cannot run around the facility in a full on hazmat suit.

We are running out of masks and now there’s a hand sanitizer shortage. I guess soap will be the next to go on back order.

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