Relapse of ED while an RN..help!

[PediRNCD]

Hi! I am a home care nurse and have been struggling with anorexia for a long time..I have recently made the jump to enter into a program (two weeks from now) and to give my two weeks at my current job to get this help. (I am going to try for a job elsewhere upon return from treatment)..my dilemma is as follows...I am having trouble making it through shift now..I am trying to push through for the family (everyone is aware I've given the two weeks) but I honestly don't know if I'm going to make it physically.i am eating well due to my MD suggestion, but am experiencing faintness and cardiac pain on shift when I'm providing care or even just at rest. So my question I guess is if you all feel I should stick out the two weeks? I am definitely doing my shifts for this week (fri-sun nights) but I don't know if I should try to contact the agency Monday to see if they could find a replacement for my last weekend of shifts..thank you all, I don't want my patient to have a gap in care but also am nervous about my own health...hard to be a nurse when your dealing with mental health...I don't know if I should re evaluate being a nurse all together. Thank you any and all input/advice is so appreciated. And happy nurses week to you all ❤️

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I would call and say that you are too ill to work. You ARE ill and can't work. I hope you get the help you need.

[PediRNCD]

Hey..so I did call out and told the agency I am entering treatment and am too sick to work. They said because they don't have a nurse to cover these two shifts (rest of weekend) I could get in trouble for abandonment. They said mental illness isn't a reason unless I am currently admitted. I don't know what to do at this point...I honestly thought if I was honest they would be understanding...I feel almost threatened like my license is going to be in jeopardy for saying I was too ill ( this is like 12 hours before my shift) but I guess because they have no one to cover it? Anyway thank you for your advice, I did take it I just hope I don't get in trouble now..

[heron, ASN, RN]

Hey..so I did call out and told the agency I am entering treatment and am too sick to work. They said because they don't have a nurse to cover these two shifts (rest of weekend) I could get in trouble for abandonment. They said mental illness isn't a reason unless I am currently admitted. I don't know what to do at this point...I honestly thought if I was honest they would be understanding...I feel almost threatened like my license is going to be in jeopardy for saying I was too ill ( this is like 12 hours before my shift) but I guess because they have no one to cover it? Anyway thank you for your advice, I did take it I just hope I don't get in trouble now..

Let it go - the agency is trying to scare you. Your state's BON defines abandonment and I can guarantee that it doesn't include a sick call twelve hours in advance of the shift. You will not get in trouble.

Take care of yourself.

[luvsltcrn]

Unless I'm mistaken abandonment is only after you have accepted an assignment and leave without a replacement. If you are letting your employer know with appropriate notice it is their responsibility to find coverage. Your health is more important than a job.