I rarely call in sick. But last night I had to call in very last minute (about 45 minutes before my shift) and I feel so guilty. I work nights so I work up with what felt like heartburn and took a tums. I was getting ready to leave when I had an episode of diarrhea but didn't think it was a big deal because I felt better after. Then I got in my car and was driving to work. As I was driving the cramping in my stomach got worse and worse and I felt so nauseated. I knew I wasn't going to be able to care for patients that way....
SO I called my charge and let her know and I apologized PROFUSELY cause I felt so bad because it was so last minute!! I turned my car around and on my way home I had to pull over because of the pain and dry heaving. I spent my night on and off the toilet and in misery...but I still feel overwhelmingly guilty...I feel like everyone is so mad at me. Especially since the call in was so last minute and my fellow nurses had to work one man down...I feel terrible.
I should also mention that I am a new grad, I've been working for about 7 months on a postpartum/pediatrics unit. Also, since I have started working nights I have never been more sick, Ive had to call in one other time thanks to a fever and a bad cold. I hate having to call in, I always feel so guilty.
Should I feel this way? Is this normal to feel like that? Has anyone else experienced more sicknesses as they are working nights?
I don't think I was sick more often while working nights, but it took a long time for my body to transition to a night schedule. Hopefully you will adjust.
Specializes in Med-surg, telemetry, critical care..
If you're that sick, you don't need to be around other people, ESPECIALLY patients. You tried to get there. If you are not someone who calls in sick frequently, I don't think you should feel guilty. I would have called in when the symptoms began. It is rarely over after the first bout.
Upon hearing a coworker called out sick for a stomach virus not one of us working were upset. We all said good, stay away- don't bring it in to the unit, and we hope they are feeling better soon because stomach viruses are the worst. Don't feel bad- you did the right thing and I'm sure your coworkers were thanking you for not risking getting them or your patients sick.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
I would feel guilty and considered a no-call/no-show if I called in that late. When I call in with more notice, I don't feel guilty, at all.
Calling in that late is considered a no call/no show. I have had episodes like this pop up a time (or two, if I'm honest). It is better to come in to work and have them send you home. Then they feel all sorry for you because you vomited all over the charge nurse's shoes rather than feeling angry at you for stiffing them and leaving them short. Once you get a reputation for calling in sick -- especially for calling in at the last minute -- it is difficult to overcome.
When I call in with the appropriate notice AND am legitimately ill, I don't feel guilty at all.
I was suck Monday. I work nights and Tuesday,woke up feeling queasy,stomach was rolling,and had that hot feeling of heart saliva in my mouth and throat. I was getting ready for work when Monday's dinner came up all over the floor and down the front of my uniform.I changed my clothes and another wave hit and I vomited again. I called and spoke to the supervisor and vomited yet again while on the phone with her,which I know she heard. I was informed that there was no coverage and "we have toilets here".I had to pull over and vomit 3 more times on the side of the road on the way to work. When I got there,my CNA's said I looked a mess and I smelled like throw up. I vomited again in the staff toilet during report and the day nurse informed the supervisor I shouldn't be at work since I couldn't stop throwing up. I was finally allowed to leave,which was a good thing because all day Wednesday I couldn't keep anything down. I'm a little better now but still can't eat. I went back to work yesterday even though I threw up twice,because they were so short.
I was suck Monday. I work nights and Tuesday,woke up feeling queasy,stomach was rolling,and had that hot feeling of heart saliva in my mouth and throat. I was getting ready for work when Monday's dinner came up all over the floor and down the front of my uniform.I changed my clothes and another wave hit and I vomited again. I called and spoke to the supervisor and vomited yet again while on the phone with her,which I know she heard. I was informed that there was no coverage and "we have toilets here".I had to pull over and vomit 3 more times on the side of the road on the way to work. When I got there,my CNA's said I looked a mess and I smelled like throw up. I vomited again in the staff toilet during report and the day nurse informed the supervisor I shouldn't be at work since I couldn't stop throwing up. I was finally allowed to leave,which was a good thing because all day Wednesday I couldn't keep anything down. I'm a little better now but still can't eat. I went back to work yesterday even though I threw up twice,because they were so short.
I cannot believe they would insist you come in. If my family member was a patient of a nurse who was continually vomiting, I would be LIVID that management had put my loved one at risk. I would personally give that supervisor a piece of my mind.
Unfortunately it is all too common for nurses to b put on a guilt trip for being sick. I bet we have all felt forced to work sick at one time or another.
Specializes in Case manager, float pool, and more.
That is why there is a float pool at our facility. Just in case of short staffing, etc. Don't feel guilty. If you are sick, you are sick. Our policy for calling out is also 2 hours as well. I am sure even with that policy there are exceptions.
NoctuRNal_UnicoRN, ASN, BSN
43 Posts
I don't think I was sick more often while working nights, but it took a long time for my body to transition to a night schedule. Hopefully you will adjust.