Chronic absentee-ism

[RN4ustat]

How do you handle the employees that call in all the time? I have changed the attendance policy and enforce it. Every unexcused absence is a write up and 3 write ups is a termination. A no call, no show is immediate termination. We offer incentive bonuses to show up and not be late or leave early but that doesn't help. I bought pizza for days when we went all week with no call-in's. I've started taking away their days off if they call in or deny requests off but just not sure what to do to fix this problem. Any suggestions??

[fiestynurse]

You need to count occurrences, not days. Also, if you are out for 3 weeks with the flu, your employer should provide you with FMLA paperwork. You can't fire someone for a legitimate lengthy illness like this, if it falls under FMLA. Taking care of a sick child could fall under FMLA, too. That's why any sick leave policy that you create should be reviewed by HR or your legal department.

[donmomofnine]

A lot of our aides are single moms and so we do make a provision for callouts. If they get someone to cover or trade with them, we don't count the callout against them. It has helped.