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Let me specify that I NEVER go into work when I haven’t slept. I know many nurses that come into work on zero sleep. My number one priority is always my patients. I posted this for support and questions regarding FMLA. It came to my attention that apparently this post should be anonymous which is saddening. We should be able to openly discuss anxiety and nursing without fear. ?

I won’t go into detail about that but like I said I am in active treatment. My concern is calling out when I have not slept enough. I was hoping others had experience with FMLA. I know nurses who come in on 3 hours of sleep and they have no problems but I prefer to be safe.

Way ahead of you. That is not my real name. But man, that would be terrible for healthcare professionals to use someone’s struggles against them. I’m in active treatment for OCD and my employer is well aware. Thank you for the advice!

Thank you ??

I wish that I was. Unfortunately my insomnia is related to work anxiety. I sleep really well on days that I don’t have to work. When I know that I have to work the next day, I’m very anxious. I work bedside in a hospital where it is very fast paced. I’m always scared of what is going to happen. I’m currently working on my NP so I can get out of bedside nursing. Unfortunately I signed a 2 year contract. I’ve tried night shift and it made my circadian rhythm even worse.

Thank you so much for your reply. I will definitely do that.

Thank you so much for responding. There is a clear policy but they have never come to me with a verbal warning. I have reached the verbal warning point so that’s my concern. I worry that they may ignore the policy entirely and fire me. I suppose it’s unnecessary to worry about that. They would have to follow their own policies I would hope.

I hope you all are having a good day. I was looking for some friendly advice. I was diagnosed with OCD and severe insomnia 6 years ago. I became an RN a year and a half ago. I find myself laying in bed wide awake until 4:30-5am. My physician is aware and we have tried just about everything. I practice good sleep hygiene. I turn my lights off at 9pm, stay off of my phone, keep the room as dark and quiet as possible but I still cannot fall asleep some nights. I find myself calling in a lot sometimes once a month. I’m worried that if I go into work with no sleep I will put my patients at risk. My managers are aware that I have insomnia but I do not qualify for FMLA until February. To top off my anxiety I fear greatly that I will lose my job over this. I have never been warned about my attendance but I know it has to be an issue. I would give anything to be able to fix it. Does anyone have similar experiences or advice? I could really use it. Thank you so much for your time. Sincerely