How to tell my clinical manger i need time off for a lumpectomy

KarmaWiseRaven · Jan 10, 2011

How about the truth and being honest and show your clinical manager a letter or note of the appointment and how long you are going to be out Your Dr can and will write you a sick note. These are my thoughts use them as you wish...

meandragonbrett · Jan 10, 2011

No reason to tell her what kind of surgery you need. Just tell her you've got to have surgery and that you need to know what the policy/procedure is at your facility since you are still in a new position and then go from there.

PetiteOpRN · Jan 10, 2011

Ask your doctor how long you will need to take off.

Many jobs do not allow you to take many (or any) sick days during your probationary period. You may have to resign or be fired for absenteeism.

Your life and health is far more important than this (or any) job.

Good luck.

Staragate, ADN, ASN, RN · Jan 10, 2011

Agreed on both these counts. Plus she would look like a jerk if she punished you for it.

Batman25 · Jan 10, 2011

I agree not to share what the surgery is for. It's not their business. Simply let them know that you need x days off for surgery and can provide a note upon return. I really don't think they will let you go. Put yourself first. Sending prayers and hugs.

Guest717236 · Jan 10, 2011

Many jobs do not allow you to take many (or any) sick days during your probationary period. You may have to resign or be fired for absenteeism.
Your life and health is far more important than this (or any) job.
.

Hopefully, this will not be the case for the OP if she needs her own health insurance through the hospital.

Wishing you good luck and please update us.

CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2011

Depending on how much info you want to give out. You just need to ask for time off for medical resons. Ask your doc how much time you will need first. Approach your manager and let them know. Check your handbook for the P and P about this. You will need to put it in writing and prob need a doc note too.

Since you don't have sick or vacation time it will be unpaid.

We can't plan for illness.

cecilsgirl · Jan 10, 2011

OP, good luck to you, remember this, one can't loose their job, ( or they are not suppose to) due to cancer treatment, ( if that is what you are going through) No matter what, your life is more important than ANY JOB!! I had mastectomies (14 months apart) then chemo ect.. everyone was always understanding, and I was up front with everyone, I mean it is a little hard not to be. ..in my case--- wishing you the best.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2011

OP, your second statement is that you MAY need a lumpectomy. Then you say that you need this surgery ASAP. What did your doc tell you exactly?

I would take the honest route with your nurse manager and tell her exactly what the doc advised you to do. While I agree with some who state that your medical issues are none of the NM's business, you are in an extenuating circumstance. From my experiences, I have found that management will work with you and be understanding in these situations. I also had a lumpectomy, and I took a week off. Your NM is more apt to be flexible in your scheduling (like giving you half days for a week and then returning you to full duty if it is within MD orders) if she knows what you are going through.

That is just my two cents.

nursing assit. 2010 · Jan 10, 2011

sorry i just found my typo. I went to the doctor a month ago and he said if the lump gets bigger he wants to take it out. The lump has gotten bigger so thats means i need surgery. Going to the doctor hopefully this week. Thank you guys so much for the advice. It really means alot. Things are just really confussing right now. I just hope that I can get this all done and over with. :heartbeat

Kooky Korky, BSN, RN · Jan 10, 2011

First, do you need the surgery or not? If not, problem solved.

If you do, here's my advice. Tell your surgeon you need a letter/note to give to your boss. It needs to state that you need surgery and will need _____ (approximate length of recovery time off). Tell your surgeon that you want him to not say the type of procedure if you don't want your boss to know. It really is not her business at all and it has been my experience that you should keep private matters private.

I have also seen that people who are open about their problems are often well liked at work. Maybe they are seen as human and likeable or something.

Personally, I don't like to tell anyone my health issues, but that's just me.

I can't predict your boss' reaction, but I hope she will be kind and helpful.

After your surgery, you will need a "Fit To Return to Duty" type of letter from your doctor. Someone suggested that you might work part-time for a while. And/or, you might need light duty for a while. Have your doctor state the exact conditions under which you should go back to work. That is, can you return to unrestricted duty? Can you lift and turn pateints? Or do you need desk work, like answering the phone, for a week or 2 or 4.

I wish you well and hope you don't need the surgery, period. Maybe get a 2nd opinion?