Hey there new nurse for 6 month's. Worked at my unit for 5 1/2 months. I have worked in healthcare awhile prior. Been exposed feel like to almost every germ out there from my time working with adult, pediatrics, in the ED, and in psych. Rarely called out. Think can count 6 times called out with exception of times pulled out of work for injuries.
4 months in as a nurse called out 6 times already. Two to three days due to COVID-19, once for a sinus infection, twice for this respiratory/flu like virus (still dealing with after effects after 3 weeks), and another time forgot was on as they moved me on the schedule I didn't sleep for my shift. Now have the norovirus day 3 torn to call in or not. I'll be at 5 points where anything over 8 is a concern. 5 you get a verbal, then a written, and one final verbal. I am close.
Think be selfish load myself up with messages go to work to avoid getting in trouble. Be best to not be selfish call put for patients health and my co-worker's health?
My hospital's policy is draconian. If you use your sick it doesn't count. But you only have 40 hrs a year (if full time) so if you need multiple days off because of illness than you wipe it out all at once. If don't use sick leave than you can use PTO. It is one occurrence if all sick days are consecutive (so better to do this if know will call out sick for more than day).
At 2 occurrences you get a verbal conversation. There is a year look back.
Personally, as long as I can do my job and I don't have diarrhea or a fever, I go in and wear a mask.
If you are getting sick that frequently, you may have an underlying issue, maybe chronically low IgG levels? I would talk to my doctor and get worked up.
And I agree that in a hospital setting you will be endlessly exposed to a variety of antigens...you may be better off in a position with less exposure.
If you are getting sick that frequently, It's time to get another job. Seems like your immune system can't handle it. I hope you take probiotics.
When I first started in the ER, I got sick several times in the first six months to a year. Flu once, strep once, and more upper respiratory infections and stomach viruses than I could count. However after about a year, it leveled out and I rarely got sick. I think it just took a while to build the stronger immunity needed for ER. But I could discuss with your pcp just to make sure. They may do an immunity work up. However, if you were not getting sick this often beforehand, then hopefully it's just the onslaught of ER germs.
Specializes in ICU/ER/Med-Surg/Case Management/Manageme.
beachynurse said:
I disagree with this thought. When I was a new nurse many years ago, I tended to get almost every illness that walks through the hospitals door. I was very frustrated, as I had always been very healthy. It turned out that after the first 6mos to a year, I stopped getting sick as often, and went back to my normal cold once in a blue moon. I just needed to get exposed to the various illnesses, and build up my immunity. I've had other friends that were nurses have the same experience. I say just be patient and wait it out.
Those were my first thoughts, too, as I did the same. First few months of working I thought I must be dying! LOL However, in her initial post, the OP said, "I have worked in healthcare awhile prior. Been exposed feel like to almost every germ out there from my time working with adult, pediatrics, in the ED, and in psych". I don't think that's the issue.
OP, you don't have to answer here, but think about why you were rarely sick while working in the ER but now, with the additional responsibility of being a nurse, you are. frequently sick. We all know how stress can affect our physical well-being. Also, you mentioned taking a bunch of supplements. Have you seen your PCP for these reported sick incidents? For the current norovirus? Or are you self-diagnosing which we often tend to do? Anyway, I would make it a point to see a physician, obtain an off-work order and I would also encourage you to review the many supplements you are taking with the physician or a pharmacist. Perhaps you need to focus on a healthy diet, exercise, and relaxation (whatever provides you with relaxation).
I think that she needs to check on the attendance policy. As long as an MD note was produced, the absence would be excused and not count. The hospital I had worked at kind of expected new grad nurses to be out a lot the first year because of the exposure to various illnesses.
You are correct. Op needs to check on the attendance policy. I got a month off when I contracted pneumonia. But that was a one time occurence. I don't think a MD note will help for occurences for every 2 weeks.
My hospital doesn't care about sick notes and I am not one to call out. My job knows that if I call out it's because I have a good reason but let's be clear even with this knowledge they don't care. I am currently trying to leave bedside nursing for this reason. I had more compassion given when I wasn't a nurse and it should not be this way. I would think about your health because yes you could go in and let them see how sick you are but is it even worth it? Perhaps you should be lining something else up so you can at least leave on good terms and not have them let you go due to absenteeism.
In Washington State and I'm sure the same is true in others. If you knowingly come to work ill and infectious. You are subject to disciplinary action by the State Board of Nursing.
Appears that nurses cannot win. Cant stay home sick. Or you will enter the call in disciplinary system. If the nurse goes in sick.. the BON will be after you.
In Washington State and I'm sure the same is true in others. If you knowingly come to work ill and infectious. You are subject to disciplinary action by the State Board of Nursing.
I've worked in both North and South Carolina. Although people claimed the board would be on us for this and for that, the only thing I ever saw anybody actually get spanked by the board was for the diversion of narcotics.
Maybe try to get a remote job if you are getting sick that often. I had really bad allergies when I lived in El Paso. I had to be on meds, went to the ER a bunch of times and nothing worked. I called out a lot too. I went to Mexico and had good treatment that actually got my allergies under control for a while.
Specializes in Med/surg,orthopedics,emergency room,.
I don't go to work when I'm sick. That's it. You put yourself and the people around you in jeopardy of being sick as well. If I get written up because I called out sick, so be it. I have always thought it crazy, but hey, whatever you feel is best but know this; if you get seriously ill and cannot work trust and believe they will find a replacement and you will be a five minute topic( IF THAT) in someone's conversation. Don't ever let anyone guilt you into feeling you should come to work when you are sick. That is just crazy.
Mary R
9 Posts
My hospital's policy is draconian. If you use your sick it doesn't count. But you only have 40 hrs a year (if full time) so if you need multiple days off because of illness than you wipe it out all at once. If don't use sick leave than you can use PTO. It is one occurrence if all sick days are consecutive (so better to do this if know will call out sick for more than day).
At 2 occurrences you get a verbal conversation. There is a year look back.
Personally, as long as I can do my job and I don't have diarrhea or a fever, I go in and wear a mask.