Feeling so guilty calling off sick

bsyrn, ASN, RN · Jan 23, 2014

Don't panic, people are probably upset with the situation of working shorthanded, not at you for being sick. Take care of yourself and when you feel better, go back to work. Nurses really do make the worst patients don't we :)

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Jan 23, 2014

You are sick! You *need* to stay home and rest up. I hope you feel better soon!

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Jan 23, 2014

because we care and it is more than a paycheck no matter what we say other wise.

Biffbradford · Jan 23, 2014

If you don't have your health, what do you have? It's not your fault staffing is ridiculous.

OCNRN63, RN · Jan 23, 2014

I have had a good old fashioned flu the last two days, with fever, chest congestion, cough & body aches. I'm pretty miserable. I called off yesterday and had to force myself to call again today. I had enough energy to wobble to the shower this morning but I'm back in bed, shivering and coughing.
My unit is super short staffed! I work in case management and and we are up a creek lately, no clerical support and we recently lost a supervisor, so my supervisor is covering until a new one is hired. Everyone's patient load is 100+. Ridiculous. It's the same old formula of hospitals squeezing as much as they can out of as few staff as possible.....they won't spend the money on more staff.
I feel HORRIBLE calling off! I worked sick Tuesday until my voice ran out. Being gone for 2 days really screws my co-workers and we are not set up to work from home (yet). I HATE this. It's generally a good place to work and I love my boss. So I feel extra guilty. Why do we nurses struggle with this, taking care of ourselves? Why am I feeling a minor state of panic, that everyone will hate me when I get back or I'll be disciplined in some way? I rarely call off or am late, and a good employee, but for some reason I feel doom.
I dunno. Just want to commiserate with anyone who can relate.

I'm not sure I'm qualified to respond to this post since I am a mere diploma grad who has yet to complete her BSN. It seems to this dumb nurse, however, that if you are so ill you can barely make it to the shower, you have good reason to stay home and you shouldn't feel guilty. Your coworkers may feel frustrated at working short, but they would definitely not appreciate you sharing your creeping crud with them should you decide to force yourself to go to work.

You are not responsible for the staffing issues in your department. While dedication to your employer is admirable, it should not come at the expense of your health.

Just the opinion of an inferior nurse. I really do hope you feel better soon.

allnurses Guide · Jan 23, 2014

I would be more upset with you for showing up and exposing me to that! You deserve time to get better and keeping your contagious self quarantined is the kindest thing you can do, for all of then AND for you.

mclennan, BSN, RN · Jan 23, 2014

Thanks so much for the supportive comments everyone!!! Earlier this week and last week, nurses were working sick, wearing face masks! Like they were HEROES. I'm sorry but I think that is crazy. I feel really crappy about co-workers having to cover for me but I'm not gonna run around the office in a face mask. Despite the face mask they obviously spread it anyway!

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jan 23, 2014

+ 2 6:33 pm by Esme12 Asst. Admin

"because we care"

That is the mind set that prevents us from being viewed as professionals.

Do you REALLY think doctors,lawyers, or ANY other credentialed professionals feel guilty for being sick?

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jan 23, 2014

I have had a good old fashioned flu the last two days, with fever, chest congestion, cough & body aches. I'm pretty miserable. I called off yesterday and had to force myself to call again today. I had enough energy to wobble to the shower this morning but I'm back in bed, shivering and coughing.
My unit is super short staffed! I work in case management and and we are up a creek lately, no clerical support and we recently lost a supervisor, so my supervisor is covering until a new one is hired. Everyone's patient load is 100+. Ridiculous. It's the same old formula of hospitals squeezing as much as they can out of as few staff as possible.....they won't spend the money on more staff.
I feel HORRIBLE calling off! I worked sick Tuesday until my voice ran out. Being gone for 2 days really screws my co-workers and we are not set up to work from home (yet). I HATE this. It's generally a good place to work and I love my boss. So I feel extra guilty. Why do we nurses struggle with this, taking care of ourselves? Why am I feeling a minor state of panic, that everyone will hate me when I get back or I'll be disciplined in some way? I rarely call off or am late, and a good employee, but for some reason I feel doom.
I dunno. Just want to commiserate with anyone who can relate.

So sorry you are not feeling well. Why on God's green earth would you worry about anything else than yourself? Oh yeah, because we care.

boogalina, ADN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN · Jan 23, 2014

Nurses may work when sick because of the fear of being disciplined for calling out sick. Some facilities only allow 2 call outs per rolling 90 days - a third in this period can result in a write up.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jan 23, 2014

Nurses may work when sick because of the fear of being disciplined for calling out sick. Some facilities only allow 2 call outs per rolling 90 days - a third in this period can result in a write up.

Write up ..schmite up . It's a moot point .

If the CAREGIVER is to ill to give CARE ... they need to take CARE of themselves .. and prevent cross contamination. to the patients in their CARE.