Should good health be a requirement for certain positions?

[SilverBells, BSN]

As nurses, our coworkers and patients depend on us to regularly show up for work.  While all of us are entitled to sick days every once in awhile, the general consensus is that when we are scheduled to work, we should be there.  Other people depend on our presence. 

However, lately I've found frustration at my own position because I co-supervise 3 units with a colleague who does not appear to be in good health.  She constantly arrives late, leaves early or takes 1+ hour long breaks.   Our floor nurses are frustrated with her because she's almost never around when they need her.  Providers are frustrated because she doesn't have her discharge paperwork ready for them on time.  She's often absent for family care conferences she should be attending.   She's late to clinical meetings, doesn't regularly answer her emails and lets her voicemails exceed 10+ new messages at a time. She doesn't complete her weekly wound round notes. 

This week, she's been absent every day except for 4 hours on Monday, and with 15+ discharges, over 10 admissions,  state surveyors and COVID in the building, I've taken on the brunt of the increased workload.   This is turning into a weekly occurrence.  She's either not healthy enough to work a steady manager job that requires regular attendance or for some reason, less is simply expected out of her.  My body is worn out from constantly covering from a "sick" colleague.  Is it unreasonable to expect that my co-manager be in good health and be held to the same expectations as myself? I'm tired of always being under stress because of her work habits.  

[RNperdiem, RN]

Trouble is, if you live in the USA and you are sick, your job probably provides your health insurance. Having poor health is expensive.

My husband worked worked all through his cancer treatment, on a reduced schedule. Luckily he had a non-physical job that could be done from home, and he enjoyed the distraction work provided. Some people are not as lucky in the type of work they do.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

A large part of being qualified for a job is the ability to show up for said job. The job (usually) exists to provide a service or product, not to pay someone to stay home.

[HiddenAngels]

9 hours ago, SilverBells said:

However, lately I've found frustration at my own position because I co-supervise 3 units with a colleague who does not appear to be in good health. 

Is she coughing? Vomiting? What's going on?

[HiddenAngels]

She constantly arrives late, leaves early or takes 1+ hour long breaks.   Our floor nurses are frustrated with her because she's almost never around when they need her.  Providers are frustrated because she doesn't have her discharge paperwork ready for them on time.  She's often absent for family care conferences she should be attending.   She's late to clinical meetings, doesn't regularly answer her emails and lets her voicemails exceed 10+ new messages at a time. She doesn't complete her weekly wound round notes. 

This week, she's been absent every day except for 4 hours on Monday, and with 15+ discharges, over 10 admissions,  state surveyors and COVID in the building,

How is this even allowed???

[SilverBells, BSN]

43 minutes ago, HiddenAngels said:

Is she coughing? Vomiting? What's going on?

It seems to constantly be changing.  She always seems to have a reason for why she's not feeling well enough for the job, from tooth pain to dizziness to nausea.  She's gone, leaves early or comes in late at least 3-4 times a week.  I have no idea what's actually going on, but if she's that sick that she can't regularly work Monday through Friday consistently, without taking excessively long breaks, then maybe she shouldn't be in a position that requires her to do so.  

[SilverBells, BSN]

45 minutes ago, HiddenAngels said:

She constantly arrives late, leaves early or takes 1+ hour long breaks.   Our floor nurses are frustrated with her because she's almost never around when they need her.  Providers are frustrated because she doesn't have her discharge paperwork ready for them on time.  She's often absent for family care conferences she should be attending.   She's late to clinical meetings, doesn't regularly answer her emails and lets her voicemails exceed 10+ new messages at a time. She doesn't complete her weekly wound round notes. 

This week, she's been absent every day except for 4 hours on Monday, and with 15+ discharges, over 10 admissions,  state surveyors and COVID in the building,

How is this even allowed???

Unfortunately, her supervisor allows it.  She and the DON seem to be good friends, so nothing is done.  Other coworkers have noted that she seems to be the DON's "pet nurse" so it's not just me seeing it. 

[Davey Do]

"Should good health be a requirement for certain positions?"

The inability to perform assigned tasks can be a cause for dismissal. However, documented guidance, counselling, opportunity, and time are a must before a warranted dismissal can take place.

I have several cases in point if anybody's interested.

[nursej22, MSN, RN]

@SilverBells, you work for an organization that allows you to work ungodly hours with a ridiculous amount of duties. They allow your coworker to be absent and remain employed because they know you will do her job, plus yours. They have no reason to change. 

[HiddenAngels]

7 hours ago, SilverBells said:

It seems to constantly be changing.  She always seems to have a reason for why she's not feeling well enough for the job, from tooth pain to dizziness to nausea.  She's gone, leaves early or comes in late at least 3-4 times a week.  I have no idea what's actually going on, but if she's that sick that she can't regularly work Monday through Friday consistently, without taking excessively long breaks, then maybe she shouldn't be in a position that requires her to do so.  

Agree.  Is there any way that you can not cover for her?  This seems so unfair.

6 hours ago, SilverBells said:

Unfortunately, her supervisor allows it.  She and the DON seem to be good friends, so nothing is done.  Other coworkers have noted that she seems to be the DON's "pet nurse" so it's not just me seeing it. 

Ohhhh, this is crazy, one of these situations.. Dang, I don't know...

[HiddenAngels]

37 minutes ago, nursej22 said:

@SilverBells, you work for an organization that allows you to work ungodly hours with a ridiculous amount of duties. They allow your coworker to be absent and remain employed because they know you will do her job, plus yours. They have no reason to change. 

So true.  However, I feel like since this nurse may have an outside relationship or favoritism with the people in charge, so if SilverBells were to slack off they would immediately write her up or something.  @Silverbells, is there anyone else in a position of leadership that you can make aware of this and please start documenting everything that is happening if you aren't already?

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Her health is not your issue. The fact that she is not doing her job is. Report her absences per protocol.

"Providers are frustrated because she doesn't have her discharge paperwork ready for them on time." There is your answer. If the providers are unhappy with her.. she has one foot out of the door.