While this doesn't relate to Nursing, this does relate to the field of Medicine.
The place I work for (which is a MAJOR consumer electronics store) is enforcing a new call-off policy, which states:
"THERE ARE TO BE NO CALL-OFFS. YOU CANNOT CALL-OFF SICK. IF YOU ARE SICK, YOU ARE TO COME IN, AND THEN IF YOU ARE TOO SICK, A MANAGER CAN DECIDE TO SEND YOU HOME".
There is nothing stating one must have a Dr's note in order to be excused.
I'm in school to be an MA, and we covered medical law and ethics last semester.
By forcing us to come into work sick (if we don't want to get terminated, that is), and then having a MANAGER (who is NOT a medical doctor) determine whether or not we are too sick to work--Wouldn't that technically be practicing medicine without a liscence?
If not, then let me know...Perhaps I am wrong, but I've always thought that the only person who can make a diagnosis of health status would be a liscensed MD.
This new policy just doesn't seem "right" to me...
Call in sick if you are sick anyways. If they fire you then screw em, it sounds like a crap job with crappy policies. As far as practicing medicine, I don't think I'd go that far.
Even better than puking on a manager, puke on a customer's shoes...ahaha...
My facility requires the flu shot of all employees, and has a point system for absences of any kind, accumulate too many and you're done. They really think that requiring the dang flu shot is gonna keep everyone from getting sick? Never works! I've missed work for things ranging from an unresponsive daughter to a son in ARF to migraine-like headaches that make it hard to work to feeling so depressed I couldn't think straight. If my kid is acutely ill, I WILL not come to work come heck or high water I will be at their side even if it means losing a job or being on probation.
I do believe that they cannot FORCE you to get a flu shot if you desire not too...that invades your rights. I know my hospital sent email stating that everyone was required to receive a flu vaccine but then at the bottom of the email there was small print that said if you did not want the vaccine then you must sign a waiver. They initally made it sound required but in reality we all had the right to opt out of it. I didnt see what the waiver aid because I got the vaccine so I didnt sign it however if they insisted and forced it then I think I'd be checking into whether or not they could do that.
EmmaG, RN
2,999 Posts
I love it!