Irreplaceable

NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN · Dec 12, 2017

I don't see how having eczema makes someone a "germ carrier". Hell, I'd be unemployed thanks to Purell. I was my hands and I wear my gloves. No open areas ever touch the patient. Oh, and before having a child I got sick maybe once every two years (even a common cold). Now it's maybe twice a year since I cannot keep my kid from spontaneously sneezing in my face. That has nothing to do with my skin.

As for sick employees at work, that could also be a management issue. Don't make someone feel guilty when they are sick and call in and don't threaten to fire them if they do get sick and stay home as to not spread the infection to others. Someone who has done the responsible thing and gotten a flu shot and takes care of influenza patients and still gets the flu should be able to take a few days off and not be penalized (provide a positive flu test from md if proof needed). Nurses get sick too. Sometimes the employer needs to remember this when they make protocols.

RNNPICU, BSN, RN · Dec 13, 2017

Grrrrr...
What do you think about "irreplaceable employees" ?
They appear on the job with diarrhea, eczema, gripal infect and many more.
Just stupid, if the "irreplaceable" is your supervisor.
Any ideas how to kick the germ carrier out of duty without getting "an enema" (trouble)?

FIrst.. I too do not see how eczema is a germ carrier as it is not. Just because someone may have a cough or mild symptoms does not mean that they can always stay home. Some places have rules regarding how many times one can call out, and if you exceed the number, you can be termintated.

For example let's say in March you had a call-out due to not feeling well, maybe May you had a sick kid one day and had to stay home. Now you are at 2 occurences. Then let's say you have a bad cold, and although you feel better, no one wants to see anyone appear sick at all. What if it takes 3-4 days to become better, you could easily be over your allotment in a 6 month period, and by bye job.

Jennerizer, ASN, RN · Dec 16, 2017

I'm not even sure what you are talking about.

Tenebrae, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2017

I think being in an employment situation where you have no allocated sick leave contributes to the problem.

Choice, work sick, pay the bills.

Stay home sick, earn no money

Depends on who we work for, but the minimum sick leave entitlement is five paid days. I get approx ten days a year. I also get 3 days paid bereavement leave which sadly I suspect I will be using sometime in the next few weeks..... :no:

Kitiger, RN · Dec 17, 2017

I get approx ten days a year. I also get 3 days paid bereavement leave which sadly I suspect I will be using sometime in the next few weeks.....

(Hugs)

RestlessHeart · Dec 25, 2017

I'm not even sure what you are talking about.

I was thinking the same thing

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Dec 30, 2017

When it comes to sick time and vacation time, I mind my own beeswax. I don't have the inside scoop, so really, I can't have an opinion.

bunnylovinggrl · Feb 24, 2018

Grrrrr...
What do you think about "irreplaceable employees" ?
They appear on the job with diarrhea, eczema, gripal infect and many more.
Just stupid, if the "irreplaceable" is your supervisor.
Any ideas how to kick the germ carrier out of duty without getting "an enema" (trouble)?

Eczema isn't contagious... you can work with an eczema flare-up.

Ask them why they don't stay home when they have the flu or diarrhea? Maybe they don't have enough leave. Maybe they really need the money or they might think they are needed too much to take off.