Calling in sick on 4th shift

allnurses Guide · Oct 25, 2013

If you're not sick, don't call in.

If you are contagious, call in at least 3 hours ahead of time (our company policy, later than that they don't have to pay sick leave).

If you are seriously not able to provide safe care, call in.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Oct 25, 2013

Many times, I went back after a 12 hour shift with my legs still throbbing from the previous shift.

If you need to have more rest between shifts ( understandable).. you need to adjust your schedule

Calling off because your exhausted? 50% of the nursing staff everywhere would have to do.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2013

Do people ever do it? I'd say yes but if your employer gets wind of it, don't expect them to be pleased with your decision. Calling out less than an hour before a shift starts is only not cool but I'd imagine it's against policy.

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Oct 26, 2013

If you cannot provide safe care it's best to call off. It doesn't matter if you are unsafe because you are contagious, exhausted, etc. It's unfair to your coworkers to call off with only an hour until shift change.

greyL · Oct 26, 2013

Well, I went. And I survived somehow.

ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP · Oct 26, 2013

Some hospitals would consider that a no call, no show...which can get you written up.

I'm pretty sure the vast majority of healthcare workers are exhausted. I've called off once for that reason...after working sixty-four hours. But I called off well in advanced.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Oct 26, 2013

I agree with Been There. Sounds like you might need to adjust your schedule. Do you work 12s? Was the last shift a 12 hour scheduled shift? I'm assuming it's not or it would put you into OT, depending on the days that you worked.

It's really hard to get through the week sometimes; we've all felt extreme exhaustion. Calling out an hour prior to your shift means that your colleagues will have to work harder, because there is little time to call in per diem staff. But you know that.

This is a learning experience for you. Talk to your NM about adjusting your schedule so that you can break up the week. Believe me when I tell you that it's worth it!

For the last 3 years, I worked 4 10s in a row, and had every Friday off. Seems like a sweet schedule, eh?

Not really.

I was so exhausted at the end of the day on Thursday that I did nothing but sleep/lounge around on Fridays. I was a total bump on a log. I worried the whole day because I had stuff to do, but simply COULD NOT muster the energy to get anything done. I felt like a complete loser.

When I changed my schedule so that I had Thursdays off, I can't even express to you how delicious it felt to leave my alarm clock in the "off" position Wed night. I was actually productive and got a lot of stuff done on Thursdays, and went to bed early so that I could feel refreshed on Fridays.

Now, I wake up every Friday with a smile on my face, knowing that I just have to work one more shift till the weekend!

A break during the week is refreshing, and will give you more energy. Keep us posted.

Amandalee2010 · Oct 26, 2013

I have called off for being tired, but I give plenty of notice. My previous DON said "Being tired was no excuse" I work 11-7 and get stuck working quite a lot. But I have also worked being exhausted and I don't like it and its not safe. I would much take a call off, and poss write up over lawsuit because I did something have asleep.

meanmaryjean, DNP, RN · Oct 26, 2013

I'm curious as to which shift is '4th' shift?

RunnerRN2015, ASN, RN · Oct 26, 2013

I'm curious as to which shift is '4th' shift?

I think she meant her 4th shift in a week.

Caffeine_IV · Oct 26, 2013

Whenever I want/need to call in, I do it very early so they can find coverage if needed.