sick, worried...

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in tele, CCU.

So these last few months have been a little rough for me, I'm just worried that I'm gonna get myself into trouble at work. So, last month, I had my gall bladder taken out, had to miss a week of work, and the two days before my surgery because I was so nauseated and couldn't keep outta the bathroom. But, I felt bad, knew they were short staffed, and ended up working the night before my surgery. Hadn't slept all day long d/t dr's appt and such, went to work feeling like crap, had to orient someone, and then the next morning went straight from work, downstairs 2 floors and checked myself in for surgery.

Surgery's over, I feel great! I vow to not miss any work because I had missed work for my surgery. Now...have this crazy head cold, URI type of thing going on, giving me killer headache the past two days. Supposed to work tonight, haven't slept, feel like complete crap, don't know what I have, but afraid to not go to work. We get 5 sick days/year, but I really don't wanna push it since i've already had a few in the last few months. But, on the other hand, I would feel horrible if I were to get one of my patients sick or something....so, torn.

So, I guess my question is, would you or would you not go to work? (Supposed to work tonight) I don't wanna seem like I call in too much, because I feel like I have, and get in trouble. But, it's not like I'm just out playing hooky or something, it's legit! I've never used this many sick days ever!! And they were nice enough to really work w/me about my surgery, and now I'm sick again?! :mad: But on the other hand, I don't feel good at all, and I don't wanna pass it to anyone else if it's something contagious. hmm. stressing myself out, lol.

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Specializes in chemical dependency detox/psych.

If it was me, I would go in.

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This happened to me once: where I worked we did 12hr shifts, but for holidays we each worked an 8 hr shift, like for Christmas it would either be christmas eve, day or evening. I was scheduled to work Christmas night, which was fine, since we did all our stuff on Christmas eve. Some of us were joking around and I said I thought I was going to be 'sick' Christmas night. Well, bite my tongue, because sure enough I was down with a horrible case of bronchitis, had to go to ED, and called in sick. Well, I felt so bad, the next night, a Saturday night, 12 hrs, I was determined to not call in sick. Well, I went to work and spent the worst 12 hours I've ever felt at work. Then, the next night had to call in again, so counted as 2 episodes, instead of one, had I just stayed home and gotten well. If you are sick, you are sick, and you need to take care of yourself to be well. And, you are right, it is not fair to expose pts to whatever you have.

But, I know. They tell you 'stay home when sick, don't expose everyone', but then give us a hard time if we do call in....

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Specializes in PACU, OR.

If you are on treatment for this infection, you probably won't be infectious any more, and if it's a viral cold, you already infected dozens of people during the incubation period anyway. I would go in, but speak to the supervisor when you get there, and find out if the department can spare you until you've done something about that headache.

If the department cannot be covered and you have to work, try to schedule a couple of extra days off, tomorrow and the day after, to rest up and kick the bug.

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Specializes in med/surg, tele, OB.

I would probably go in and hope they sent me home... Hope you feel better soon.

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I would stay home...If a hacking, sick nurse who looked miserable was taking care of my parent, I would not be too happy. I feel bad for you, and hope you feel better. You have had some legitimate issues for being out, so it is not like you are flaking for the fun of it.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Living as I do with an immuno-compromised husband, I really hate it when healthcare workers (or any public-service workers, for that matter) come to work when they're ill. Particularly the runny nose, coughing, sneezing types of illness. I do understand your reservations about calling in too much, but you have truly had exceptional circumstances.

Your co-workers won't thank you if you bring them (or their patients) a new illness.

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I will work unless I have knowledge that I need to be within 5 feet of the bathroom :D.

In my area, you go into work with a cold. You wear a mask. You take whatever meds help your symptoms. Hope they send you home. I have learned that EVERYBODY gets fussy if you call in sick, as if it's assumed you are faking to get a day off. Sure I don't want it to be this way, but it is, and I don't even give it more thought anymore.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

"I don't even give it more thought anymore"

Alot of other healthcare workers don't either. That's what bothers me. My husband (or any patient) shouldn't have to worry about picking up yet one more infection in the hospital or doctor's office.

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Specializes in Trauma Surgery, Nursing Management.

We are told not to come in if we are febrile. HOWEVER, if we miss more than 3 days, we get written up. It does not matter WHY. I never have understood this catch-22 that we as nurses are put into. I called in sick (I hardly ever do this) one day, had 2 sick days in the previous calendar year already, and when I called in, I spoke directly with my manager. She said, "If you are sick then you are sick. Feel better." When I returned the following day, she wrote me up.

It is a confusing message that they are sending to us. I personally do not want to give anything to anyone, but I also don't want to get written up.

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We are told not to come in if we are febrile. HOWEVER, if we miss more than 3 days, we get written up. It does not matter WHY. I never have understood this catch-22 that we as nurses are put into. I called in sick (I hardly ever do this) one day, had 2 sick days in the previous calendar year already, and when I called in, I spoke directly with my manager. She said, "If you are sick then you are sick. Feel better." When I returned the following day, she wrote me up.

It is a confusing message that they are sending to us. I personally do not want to give anything to anyone, but I also don't want to get written up.

Roser, this is how it is where I live. Everybody wants to be able to be at home and away from patients when sick!! But, you are told "that's what PPE is for". It does suck.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
I would stay home...If a hacking, sick nurse who looked miserable was taking care of my parent, I would not be too happy. I feel bad for you, and hope you feel better. You have had some legitimate issues for being out, so it is not like you are flaking for the fun of it.

I agree. No one is going to give you a medal of honor for coming in to work sick. You'll be expected to work up to capacity. If you're sick, you're sick. Stay home and keep your germs to yourself. I got really sick a few years ago thanks to someone who dragged herself into work sick as a dog. I wound up in the hospital thanks to her. :down:

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