Getting Sick as a Nurse

Published

I recently starting working at a hospital after working in a small GP office for five years, and it seems like a lot of my new coworkers call in sick on a regular basis. I'm just wondering if getting sick is a more common thing and something I should be prepared for. How often do you or others generally call-in sick on a given day?

Thanks

EE

Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

[ATTACH=CONFIG]27671[/ATTACH]

Up Vote Up Vote ×
A lot of call outs are for sick children too. It depends on the demographics of your unit.

Also, there is no room to take it easy for a physically active 12 hour shift requiring a high level of vigilance.

My engineer husband can "coast" or work from home on a day he doesn't feel all that well with plans to catch up later, but nurses don't have that option.

My hospital also has a well-staffed flex team to cover any absences.

A well-staffed flex team? Wow (like, seriously - WOW). Please go do some site visits (don't worry, flex staff will cover ;) heh) and explain to the other 99% of hospitals how this is properly done!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

My engineer husband can "coast" or work from home on a day he doesn't feel all that well with plans to catch up later, but nurses don't have that option.

My hospital also has a well-staffed flex team to cover any absences.

My Geologist husband has this same option but :no: me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.
A well-staffed flex team? Wow (like, seriously - WOW). Please go do some site visits (don't worry, flex staff will cover ;) heh) and explain to the other 99% of hospitals how this is properly done!!

We have a well-staffed flex team as well, specifically a unit just for our outpatient building. It is nice. We probably use them 3 times a week due to high census recently. All the Snowbirds have migrated to Florida...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I've called out twice this week. I have only called in 3 times since I started in March 2015. I have also never been this sick before. I drug myself in to work yesterday but was only functioning at 50% at best. Whatever demon has invaded my body needs to leave. If you're a threat to your patients...call in.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER.

I average calling out 2-3 times a year.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion