Is it okay to call in sick for your mental health?

[Convoy2022_TrumpSupporter]

I've only called in sick twice this year yesterday I called in telling them I had an ear ache and cannot make it for my 3pm shift I told them that at 9:30 am. They had all the time, but then the staffing manager was yelling and complaining to me asking me why I did that and that I am putting Residents at risk and over working staff.

I've been working so much throughout this year and the pandemic, I have such good attendance. I want to take a "mental health" day enjoy the weather keep my mind in place and to refresh it. 

I did not think it was a big deal since 1. I gave them enough time. 2. There are so many staff there with absolutely poor attendance.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Yes, it’s fine, assuming that you don’t do it often. You do not need to give them a reason, either. “I will be out sick for my shift today” is all you need to say. I’m sorry the staffing person was so unprofessional. 

[OUxPhys, BSN, RN]

Absolutely.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Once or twice a year when you can't face work is okay; you are allowed to maintain your mental health. Just don't post pictures of yourself hanging out at the pool or partying on social media on that day; guaranteed someone at work will find it and cause trouble.

If the need for mental health days becomes chronic, that may be a sign of it being time to re-evaluate your workplace. Maybe if the job is becoming toxic, look around at other jobs that are better for you.

[speedynurse, ADN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I echo the above suggestions. Also - calling in sick is your business - you don’t owe them a reason of why you are sick. 

[DesiDani]

The celebrities do it all the time. Why not and we get paid way less too.

You can be sick of them

[Emergent, RN]

No, you are only there to cater to others with mental health problems. If you have a mental stress day of your own, do not expect your fellow employees to give a rip. There is a special rule for nurses that your mental health problems are not worthy of any compassion, get your mask on and get to work. Numb yourself with psychotropic meds, big Pharma will appreciate that.

[Davey Do]

Our bodies are organisms made up of systems, and if one system goes awry, other systems are affected. If all systems are in synch, we move in greased grooves.

The prophylactic approach is always better than treating the condition after the fact.

We need to be as mindful of our mental health as we are of our physical health.

[summertx]

16 hours ago, DK123 said:

I've only called in sick twice this year yesterday I called in telling them I had an ear ache and cannot make it for my 3pm shift I told them that at 9:30 am. They had all the time, but then the staffing manager was yelling and complaining to me asking me why I did that and that I am putting Residents at risk and over working staff.

At this point, you call in 'I'm sorry I can't make it today.' make it short, don't give them opportunity to respond in that manner, as long as you hear them answer,  say 'sorry' and hang up the phone. 

[NightNerd, MSN, RN]

Go for it! And never offer a reason; just say, "I'm calling out sick." The way I see it, your sick time is a benefit that you are allowed to use when *you* find it necessary, even if someone at work tries to make you feel guilty.

Plus, most places don't seem to pay out your sick leave when you resign, so why leave it on the table? Especially considering that some of us find our PTO requests being denied on repeat...but that's another story for another day.

I like what another poster said about recognizing if you're needing to do this more frequently. It's not problematic if it's only every now and then, but if you're finding yourself calling out significantly more often, it's time to re-evaluate where you work.

[RN1987]

Heck yes! We have to put ourselves first, God knows our employers don't care. They'll work you till you fall over and kick you when you can't get up. No guilt here for mental health days.

[chevyv, BSN, RN]

Yes, nurses care for the whole person. We need to care for ourselves as well.  I actually tell people I work with that I will use a sick day to take care of my mental health. I do this only when I need to just the same as I do when I physically need to take care of myself. If you don't take care of your mental health, you will eventually need to physically, because our mental health affects your physical well being.