calling into work sick and feeling very guilty

[chellemaree88]

Hey everyone

I was hoping to get your opinion on calling into work sick. Im an RN in Australia and today had to call out to work sick as I had a massive uti with haematuria pain and frequency that kept me up all night last night and what not. I was meant to be the charge nurse today on the only full time member of staff on shift. Now I feel guilty very guilty. I guess what I am asking is should I have called off sick and should I feel guilty?

Thanks for your opinions

[monkeybug]

You know, it's not just a job, it's a calling. One that requires a certain amount of sacrifice.

No, not at all. There are very few things out there that are actual callings. Foreign missions, nun, pastor, all qualify. Nursing is a JOB. Yes, it requires dedication and sacrifice. We sacrifice our holidays, weekends, sleep, but NOT our health. Besides, a nurse in pain and sleep deprived is a nurse who's working somewhat impaired. I'd rather a coworker stay home than make a mistake at work that could hurt someone and devestate their own career.

[monkeybug]

Thanks guys for making me feel better. I am totally dedicated to the job and feel really lucky to have one. I just felt like I was letting the already understaffed team down. Feeling only slightly better today I have a night shift tonight and im gonna drag my bottom in for it. Ah nursing hey?

But they are understaffed because of management and administration, NOT because of you! Stay home and feel better. Save the guilt for a situation that deserves it.

[K+MgSO4, BSN]

Are you working rural or remote? Is there no bank? Even if you are take the day and get better.

If you are working. Somewhere with a bank or is big enough for a few wards the charge post would of been filled somehow. It might not of been a perfect shift but I'd say everyone survived.

[wannabecnl]

Had a UTI a few years back that I sort of ignored for a day, which that evening caused nerve spasms down both legs. I have never experienced pain like that and couldn't even walk; it was the only time I ever went to the ER with something that "should have" waited for the doc's office the next morning because the agony was unbearable. There is no way I could have gone to work like that. BTW, are you using pyridium? Works like a charm on the pain.

I think we all know people who call out over every little thing (some of it true!) and others who come to work with dripping noses and runny eyes and you don't want them near YOU, let alone the patients. Sounds like you fit comfortably in the middle between hypochondriac and martyr, and you need to stay home if you aren't well enough to be safe.

[Guest219794]

No, not at all. There are very few things out there that are actual callings. Foreign missions, nun, pastor, all qualify. Nursing is a JOB. Yes, it requires dedication and sacrifice. We sacrifice our holidays, weekends, sleep, but NOT our health. Besides, a nurse in pain and sleep deprived is a nurse who's working somewhat impaired. I'd rather a coworker stay home than make a mistake at work that could hurt someone and devestate their own career.

Clearly you haven't read this.

[Tait, MSN, RN]

I don't think being remorseless when you call out sick means you're an undedicated employee. I think that's a bit harsh.

I feel bad if I have to go to sick call and get quarters - usually because here lately it seems our manning sucks - but I'm not remorseful about it - remorse implies you've done something wrong, something that you need to apologize for, which no one who calls in sick has done.

(If you're lying, that's another ball of wax entirely.)

If you're sick, stay home - you'll do no one any good at work. It happens.

I agree.

[Aurora77]

Clearly you haven't read this.

Where does that state we must go to work sick? Even nuns get sick days, why not nurses?

[CaitlynRNBSN]

It's normal to feel guilty about calling in sick, but you need to take care of yourself. We as nurses put our health at risk more than we need to. We injure our backs for patients, we get peed on, pooped on, vomited on. We don't drink, eat or pee in a 12 hour shift sometimes. We NEED to remember to take care of ourselves. That means, when we are sick we have the right to call in and take a day of rest.

I like my job, but i am not one that is going to risk my health, my life or my families health for my job. If my daughter is sick, i sure as heck am calling in sick. If daycare is having issues with sick kids, i will not send my child to daycare. same with myself and my fiance. If i am sick, i will call in. Do i feel guilty? Of course, thats a normal feeling. My family is my number 1 priority, not my job.

[MJB2010]

Clearly you haven't read this.

Ok, now that I have read it, I can still say I do not agree with it. And whether or not your occupation is a calling or not does not impact the decision on whether or not you are well enough to perform your job duties. Having a calling does not mean making everyone around you sick or giving subpar care because you are not feeling up to snuff.

[CodeteamB]

From other posts I would say hherrn has a highly developed (and often hilarious) sense of sarcasm. Just saying.

[MJB2010]

From other posts I would say hherrn has a highly developed (and often hilarious) sense of sarcasm. Just saying.

That makes a lot more sense than the alternative.

[texasmum]

TheCommuter: Thanks so much for that. I have been working sick for several days and finally gave up this morning and called in. I have no right being around ill patients when I am so sick it lingers for days. I have felt so guilty all morning. I never even considered the several nights I have been cancelled over the past six weeks. I was even hoping to be cancelled today so I wouldn't have to "call in". Over feeling guilty and planning to sleep the rest of the day!