Please help, call in sick for morning or go in?

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I am not sure what to do. I am going in to my third week of orientation on a new and harder unit (lots of learning). I had the weekend off, but today have been sneezing and sniffling/runny nose, and sore throat. It is tolerable for ME, but I do feel a little tired/foggy. Wondering what the policy is regarding this...what I should do. I also don't want to "look bad" by calling in sick so early into my new unit.

Thanks for helping with advise/opinions....

I would go in because with cold symptoms you just should. Now if you have a fever or vomiting/diarrhea, stay home! But as long as its mild, I would go in and if they don't want you there with your symptoms, then you can go home.

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Specializes in NICU, PICU, PACU.

Do you have a fever? That could be the deciding factor...with sniffles and such we just mask up, fever means staying home, or coughing incessently. If they don't want you there, they will let you know.

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We had two call ins today, one from a nurse who rarely calls in, and another from someone who makes it a regular practice.

I'm beyond exhausted and just glad I survived the day. This is always a tough dilemma-you don't want to infect patients, but it can sure put stress on those who must pick up the slack. I've been on both sides of the equation.

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Specializes in Certified Med/Surg tele, and other stuff.
I work in a no call in facility. If u need to call in, u have to find ur own replacement unless u or a family number are literally dying or you gotta be there.

OMG, really? So if you have your head in the toilet, sicker than a dog, you are expected to make phone calls? :devil:

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OMG, really? So if you have your head in the toilet, sicker than a dog, you are expected to make phone calls? :devil:

Kinda what I thought.... images of small children in a third world country slaving away at sewing machines came to mind...:eek:

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Specializes in LTC.

I don't call in with the sniffles or a lilttle cold. If I am throwing up then I call in. If I just can't see myself being able to make it through the night then I call in. My job actually has a rule of 24-48 hours of no symptoms be4 u can come back. I work nights and most weekends so it's really hard to find a replacement. Also the rule at my work is you have to find your own replacement. HOWEVER, I have been known to call people for whoever is sick when I'm working. I've gotten some comments about how it is their responsibility BUT they know I don't mind being a resource person for them.

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