Verbal warning about sick calls.....please advise

dishes, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2015

If they were too sick to work Dec 25th and Dec 29th, it was likely that they hadn't recovered sufficiently, not two separate illnesses.

dishes, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2015

I don't consider staff extending their sick time until they have recovered gaming the system, I do find it irritating when staff cannot make up their mind about whether or not they are healthy enough to work and give short notice of their absence. I'd rather staff have consideration for the impact the absence has on patient care and give advance notice so that they can be replaced.

allnurses Guide · Dec 30, 2015

The requirements of the job are what they are, regardless of health issues, legitimate or otherwise. Unfortunately if the individual needs more time off than can be reasonably accommodated, the job may have to go to someone who doesn't have those kinds of limitations. While it is harsh and unfair in the scheme of "why did this happen to me?", it is very fair in terms of the employers needs and those of coworkers having to compensate by working short.

Health problems are a very sympathetic issue, but nobody is entitled to a job. It just isn't the way the world works. You may need to find a position that has more flexibility.

RobotNurse · Dec 30, 2015

nobody is entitled to a job.

This is a very American/uber-capitalist mindset. I sincerely hope other countries don't start adopting this "profits over people" way of doing business. Individuals certainly do deserve jobs and corporations should be legally required to make more extensive accommodations - expanding the ADA would be a good start.

CountryMomma, ASN, RN · Dec 30, 2015

This is a very American/uber-capitalist mindset. I sincerely hope other countries don't start adopting this "profits over people" way of doing business. Individuals certainly do deserve jobs and corporations should be legally required to make more extensive accommodations - expanding the ADA would be a good start.

I strongly disagree re: this being Uber - capitalism. Also, this isn't profits over employees. How can you rate this employee's right to a job as a higher priority than the coworkers' right a safe and rational assignment/reliable coworkers? If anything, this is socialist - for the greater good (patients and staff).

I'm usually the first to scream damn the corporatocracy, and I'm not really feeling it here.

dishes, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2015

One verbal warning about absenteeism is a long ways from termination in a unionized environment, additional absenteeism followed by written warnings has to occur before termination.

roser13, ASN, RN · Dec 30, 2015

This is a very American/uber-capitalist mindset. I sincerely hope other countries don't start adopting this "profits over people" way of doing business. Individuals certainly do deserve jobs and corporations should be legally required to make more extensive accommodations - expanding the ADA would be a good start.

It's NOT profits over people. It's attempting to maintain a facility, an establishment or a retail operation in decent running order. Individuals are not "owed" any type of employment unless located in a socialist country. I'm all for the ADA, but let's face it: not everyone can or should be encouraged to hold down employment regardless of their physical or mental limitations. Some folks simply do not have the physical or mental abilities to work reliably.

And face this: folks can and do game the system. There are folks gaming the FMLA system every day. Just ask any employer who is obliged to provide it. Those folks take advantage of the system that is in place to protect them. Of course those same folks will game the employer who doesn't have absentee policies in place.

I think I hear China calling your name...

Marijke · Dec 30, 2015

As many have already responded, it isn't nice to be getting a warning about legitimate sick time. However your employer does have a problem, when you don't show up for work, they have to replace you, if that is even possible, it comes at a great cost and has an impact on tight budgets. For example on Christmas day, if you are employed in BC, it could have cost 3 1/2 times regular wages to replace you, and if somebody had to be called during their vacation, they would in addition have to have another vacation day. If they couldn't replace you, your colleagues would have had to work even harder and patient care may be at risk.

In your case, I think you need to talk to somebody about your health issues and how things can be worked out, so you can still work (maybe not full-time) and your employer knows you can be relied upon to be there. Does your employer have a disability management program? If so, please contact them and have them work with you and your physician. If there is no disability management program, maybe talk to Human Resources to see what they have to offer. Good luck!

joanna73, BSN, RN · Dec 31, 2015

Managers are required to discuss absences with all employees, as part of the organization's attendance support program. Sick calls cost the organization millions of dollars each year.

Although you likely have legitimate reasons for being absent, Dr's notes are irrelevant really, because from the employer's perspective, you are not fulfilling the hours you agreed to upon hire.

Consider going on leave or reducing your FTE if you are unable to work the hours, otherwise you will continue to have conversations with management.

I used to dislike talking with employees about attendance, especially those I knew were legitimately ill. However, those conversations were expected in my role.