Cna agency and sick day issues.

[ResilientCNA]

Ive been a cna for 4 months and I hate it.. I start school in may to become an RN and I'm having panic attacks thinking about how im going to be able to deal with my patients and school.. I have 4 patients. Out of 4 of them only 1 is actually nice to me. This week leading into the weekend ive been sick as a dog,puking up everything .. Trying to make it thru my shifts. So I called out on my shift for tomorrow thinking it would give the agency plenty of time to get a replacement.. Well I was told they have no replacement for me and I need to suck it up and just work those 6 hours.. So I called the patient who told me to call herif I need a day off .. So I called her and she told me it was okay to stay in. I called my agency and told them ..well the scheduler who called me back was very rude.. She basically said if the lady needs a replacement I have to go to work even if I'm sick or I'm fired.

[HeySis, BSN, RN]

I'm sorry that you are having this experience. Most employers have rules about sick call and how much advance notice you have to give and who is responsible for covering. It's a good thing to find out at hire (psst, don't ask during the interview).

I'm not sure you really have a question in there?

Are you concerned because you are not liking this job that you won't like nursing? Or are you worried about doing this job and school simultaneously?

Seems like with this job you have two choices, go to work feeling crappy or start looking for something new. Even if you go, you may still want to find something new in a place where you don't dread going to work everyday.

[Paws2people]

If this job is making you physically ill, it's not worth it. I'd look for something else, and maybe in a different setting than home care.

Being a a nurse is very different than being a CNA, so if you are worried you won't like nursing because of this ONE job, you're jumping the gun.

[Missingyou, CNA]

If this is home care, quit and find another home care agency. There are plenty of them that NEED help.

You can also remind the agency that you are SICK and it isn't fair to put the patient at risk by insisting that you go into work sick.

....they probably will not appreciate the reminder since they are only making you go in sick because they are probably desperate for help...which tells me you hold the "advantage here".

You probably shouldn't be working for a place like this anyway. Like I said, look around, there are LOTS of home care agencies that are needing help. I have gone into one and been offered a position on the spot...for $9. an hour, I told them I can't work for less than $10. hr and the going mileage rate between clients. I got the job.

[NiccoleL]

While nursing can be a thankless job, you should not have this type of stress. You will be expected to work during days of in climate weather. There will be times that you do go into work with a cold or something. Let's just be honest, we can't all stay home when the nose starts running.

However, you should never be forced to go into work sick. Sounds like you gave adequate notice, but your agency doesn't have adequate on call staff. Also, at some agencies, desegnated "office staff" have to go in if they can't find staff. Usually, these are former caregivers who were promoted. Unfortunately, some of these "promoted workers" are so comfortable in their positions, they will actually cancel a shift rather go in themselves.

It's your choice if you want to go in sick. If you do go in, your client may end up sending you home.

Also, by going in, you are also putting your client at risk. This is why I'm confused about your agency forcing you to go in. Something isn't quite right here.

Honestly, I would start looking for another job. This is poor treatment to you and your client. Not all agencies behave this way. Actually, many are thankful if you give proper notice. It gives them time to find help.

[OrganizedChaos, LVN]

Why would you want to work for a place that treats you worse than dirt? No one can force you to go to work. Not to mention you can make your patients ill by going to work that sick. I would find another job & leave that one in the dust.

[caliotter3]

You can enlist the aid of the patient by asking if she would be willing to call the agency to tell them she is sending you home because you are too ill to be taking care of her and she does not want your services that day. While this may seem not a fair tactic, the patient has that option to take of their own accord. Any patient willing to do this, would also be willing to say that it is totally her own idea, so that the agency can not retaliate against you. Something to consider while you look for a new employer. Believe me, while agencies do not like it when workers call in sick, not all of them make it mandatory for you to work while sick. Find a better agency.

[caliotter3]

BTW, some agencies have a four hour policy for call offs while others have a two hour policy for call offs. You gave the agency plenty of notice, so they have no legitimate beef with you.