Sick Leave

[NurseAries]

Hello, I've just started my first Nursing job in a large Hospital on a busy ward. Im 6 weeks in to the role. I had to take 3 days off last week due to being sick with a bad cold and losing my voice. My voice has now returned but I have a dry cough that hasn't resolved. My question is, does it look bad for a new nurse to take time off due to illness or does it look even worse to attend work while still sick with a cough? Thanks.

[missmollie, ADN, BSN, RN]

If you do not have a temperature and are no longer infectious, you need to go to work. Try cough drops, hot tea with honey, or go to your doctor and see if they can prescribe something for your cough, and to ensure its not something more serious.

[klone, MSN, RN]

Go to work and wear a mask.

[Sour Lemon]

I get that secondary cough almost every time I get sick. For me, talking is very aggravating and makes it last even longer ...like a month or more. I'd call in, rest, and do whatever it took to suppress the cough and get rid of it. Patients and coworkers typically don't want nurses on the unit to have an uncontrollable, hacking cough.

If it's something less dramatic that a cough drop will take care of, that's a different story.

[Leader25, ASN, BSN, RN]

Always go to the doc or urgent care and get a note especially if it bad enough to be out 3 days or miss work during the weekend.

Do not go to work feverish and contagious.You are still 100% responsible for your patients.This would also be inconsiderate of those around you,although doctors do it all the time,but no one says anything to them.

I Also use Doctor on Demand ,just download the app,they will write a note , also which you can fax.

Always keep supplies for cough,I used a tiny bottle for some cough syrup ,the dry blowing air and dust always brought back the sinus drip cough. A Friend showed me to put a ricola cough drop in a cup of hot water and drink that,very soothing,but you have to find what works for you.Your body is probably still adjusting to the new germs in your current institution.

You want to establish a reputation for not calling in unless you are really sick. Feel better.

[MikeyT-c-IV]

My advice is to go to your doctor if you are unable to work due to illness and get a note. At least you will have a paper trail.

I haven't called in sick for over 15 years! But finally this year I had to "call" in sick... well, I was in the ICU on the vent at my place of work... So I guess they knew I wasn't faking. :)