Pleasantly surprised

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in Telemetry.

So yesterday am my rt eye started feeling irritated. I took my contacts out and through out the day it just got worse and worse, red, painful, watery, gooey. Was thinking I have pink eye. Called in to work because I was supposed to work tonight to find out whether or not they would still want me to come, and they said no! I've always heard the stories about management not caring about things like that and it was a nice surprise to hear that they really do the right thing. I wouldn't want to be spreading it to my pts anyway.

Luckily I'm starting to think I must have just scratched it or something because its gotten better- still very painful, and red and swollen, but less tearing and "gooing", and the redness is starting to improve some.

Is it standard to not be allowed to work when sick with something contagious, or are you typically expected to come in regardless? Looking for others' experiences......

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Please, stay home. None of your patients, all immuno-compromised by their illnesses or surgeries have the ability to fight what you have. Your co-workers don't want it, and certainly trying to fill shifts is hard enough without having an entire crew out at one time.

Some management people will ask what is wrong, but you do not have to give any details. "I am ill and unable to work" is all that needs to be said and is probably a good idea. Some "smart" person may want proof you are no longer contagious, if you offer "possible pink eye" or sore throat.

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I didn't see anywhere where you said you were having it checked out. You need to do that. Any eye doctor would tell you it needs checked.

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Specializes in Peds Critical Care, Dialysis, General.

Our hospital policy is very specific about pink eye (and chicken pox). If you think you have pink eye, you are forbidden to come into the facility. Go to an opthalmologist and have it checked out. If the the MD determines no pink eye, you get a note and can go back to work. If you have pink eye, you may not return to work until Employee Health clears you - absolutely clear eyes, no s/s photophobia (don't wear your sunglasses in) and absolutely no drainage of any type. Since this absence from work in mandated by Employee Health, in our facility this is excused and not counted against you in you attendance.

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Specializes in Telemetry.

I am having it checked out, have an appointment at 145 today.

Hoping its not pink eye!

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