just made to feel guilty....

Shamrock, BSN, RN · May 21, 2004

Didn't they teach you in school that there is NEVER to be any illness that causes missed work in your life?? :rotfl: I hope your son is better very soon and try not to feel guilty!!

Energizer Bunny · May 21, 2004

I hope your son feels better! My kids come above all else, so I completely understand!

MelissaRN · May 21, 2004

You're not the first nurse to call in when their child is ill and you won't be the last. I had to call in when my son had surgery because I had been working all night and then sitting in the OR waiting room all day and it would have been impossible for me to work with no sleep. They got over it and besides, I come in early all the time when they are short staffed and have worked extra shifts so it makes up for it.

Truly_Blessed · May 21, 2004

There is no way you should feel guilty. Family comes first period.

watersnake · May 21, 2004

My son is sick so i rang in work to say not coming in and was i shocked at response i got. Well was told we are very short staffed we need you here.Sorry but my son is ill. Cant you swap with someone. Sorry but i havent time to ring round MY SON IS ILL. He is 6 yrs old! I know i will get a lecture when i return to work but my children come first. They think us nurses have no life out side hospital, but hey we all do!

UK...

My wife switched jobs, completely severed a near 20 year association with a hospital, for less pay, to spend more time with me when we had some suspicions about my health. (I was in a great deal of denial) She married me knowing I might be sick. She is the greatest friend on earth that I have ever had, and the best example except for Mom, 85 and going strong, who I know will be in heaven before she dies.

Still convelescing on workers comp, but post-neurotomy, no evidence of M/S, hoping to get back real soon. But this is not about me, it's about the love of someone who takes care of their own.

No one is indispensible. The hospital will function, and those who get mad, get glad eventually. Someone else will be the 'red-haired stepchild' within the week. Your son will remember your care long after others forget your absence.

"We all are partners in this cosmic dance"...Ambrosia

Be cool-----Snake

BabyRN2Be · May 22, 2004

It's really amazing that this is almost universal. Employers should understand that you have responsibilities outside of work. How about striking up a deal with them? "Hey, I'll come in. You find someone who will watch my sick child, pay childcare costs, and allow me a few more phone calls per shift and I'll gladly come in to work."

Wonder if that's ever worked before? Hmmm...

oramar · May 22, 2004

Since most employers do not allow for employee dependants illnesses, most of us lie and say we are the ones that are sick. However, I realize there are people in this world that do not feel comfortable telling a lie, I salute them for it.

DOCS RN · May 22, 2004

They will be even shorter if they fire you.........Let them think about it.

Tony35NYC · May 22, 2004

Your kid always come first. If your hospital has a problem with that, too bad.

IamRN · May 22, 2004

Since most employers do not allow for employee dependants illnesses, most of us lie and say we are the ones that are sick. However, I realize there are people in this world that do not feel comfortable telling a lie, I salute them for it.

I think this is where the Family Leave Act would come in. I had never heard that employee dependants are not part of the equation. It is my paid time off and if I need to use it emergently to stay home with my kid/spouse/so then it is my judgement to make. There is no one job that is that most important than being there for my family.

IamRN · May 22, 2004

How about striking up a deal with them? "Hey, I'll come in. You find someone who will watch my sick child, pay childcare costs, and allow me a few more phone calls per shift and I'll gladly come in to work."
Wonder if that's ever worked before? Hmmm...

No deal here! Sorry, my kids need me there, not a sitter.