Atheos

Yes, it is legal.
Technically, this is legal. Now, if they give you 'sick hours' you should be able to take them without punishment.
Other than that they can punish you for missing work.
Employees basically have a contract with employers. That contract states you will work a certain amount of time and they will pay you a certain amoutn and give you certain benefits. You doing anyhting beyond that is like a breach of contract.
You agreed to be at work. Now, of course we all get sick, it just seems that in nursing people get a lot more latitude than in other industries.
I understand a parent has to be off to care for their child. It's a hard thing I imagine. But the child is the parent's responsibility. Not the jobs.