What Are The Most Creative Call-off Excuses You Have Heard?

[bluegeegoo2]

Ok. Maybe that isn't a fair title. Perhaps some of the excuses are true. But I would like to see what others have been told as far as why someone called off. Here's a few of my favorites:

1. My babysitter is in jail so I can't come in.

2. I burned my hand on some food so I can't work today.

3. I forgot I had to work today, so I stayed up too late and am too tired to come in.

4. My child got stung by a bee (several hours ago) so I don't want to come in.

5. I'm mad at (supervisor) so I'm not working today.

I have used "I'm stressed to death and am taking a "mental health" day today." Yes, I was wrote for an absence, lol. But I was being honest. Anyway, what have you heard?

[BrandonLPN, LPN]

To all the previous posters that don't give excuses:

Does your boss not inquire as to why you are calling out? Every time, without exception, I've called out my supervisor has asked me why? If they do ask, what do you guys say? I doubt most of you say "none of your business." I'm just curious, thanks.

I don't believe I've ever been asked to provide an explanation.

If I were, I'd just say I don't feel well, and leave it at that.

[Bouncyball]

[Yes, I have been asked to give reasons. At one job I explained I had food poisoning and was throwing up, so the manager suggested I still come in and could just carry a bucket or garbage can with me everywhere to throw up in. At the same job I lost my voice and could not talk at all. The manager told me to come in and carry an erasable white board with me to communicate with the patients. I refused to come in both times.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

How about "I got arrested for drunk driving and I'm in jail!"?

"I'm so embarrassed I can't come in. I slept with (insert Charge Nurse's name) husband last night!"

"It's snowing and my car doesn't do well in snow."

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

I don't say why I'm calling in. Its none of their business in most cases. Once I was literally trapped in an alley by two foot deep snow. I called plowers and even the street department to plow my alley to no avail. I couldn't get out of tge allwy to get on the cleared roads to get to work. The person taking my call basically accused me of lying. I was shocked and hurt by that. From then on I don't give a reason.

The alleys never get plowed where I live so I have to leave my car out on the street and hope the side road gets plowed by the time I have to work. Have gotten stuck in the road on the way to work and some good samaritans came to my rescue and got me out so I could make it in. Got stuck in my alley the first year I lived here and a neighbor came to my assistance I learned the lesson to park on the street and hope for the best. One time I got plowed in by the street plowers. Thanks alot, but luckily a couple neighbors came and helped me dig out my car or who knows how long it would take to do by myself. I'm fortunate to have friendly neighbors.

[MessyMomma]

I used to live in a very bad area. I had to call in one day because someone found a body in front of my driveway and the coroner was blocking me in with the van/crime scene investigation. My boss told me I didn't have lie I could just say I was taking a day off. But it was sadly true. I ended up taking a picture of the van blocking me in to prove it .[/quote']

Wow! That's one hell of an excuse!

[CannondaleRN]

PTO is either scheduled or unscheduled so an excuse is not needed or required.

[elprup, BSN, RN]

I could not function without my up to date glasses. Sounds like your vision is probably not as poor as a lot of people's vision can be without aides.

Same with me. My vision is 20/500.

I carry a spare old pair with me at all times, but they are so old it is scary. One more thing that is on my list to do when I get a job and insurance again. :)

[That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B]

I used the "I left my apartment on fire" one once. The charge nurse was speechless and didnt ask questions.

[DidiRN]

"I won't be in today because I'm going to the county fair." Yes, she was terminated.

[twins4paiges]

Heard this one once "My house was broken into, so I have to move tomorrow and can't come in to work.". I have no idea if it was true or not.

[TrixieRN1]

I called to say I'd be late because my two horses escaped from my fence. I tore through the neighborhood trying to catch them before they reached the main road and became roadkill. Years after the fact I can laugh about it, but it was adrenaline-pumping at the time. Thankfully I caught the horses without incident. My supervisor (non-nursing job) loved the story.

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

How about "I got arrested for drunk driving and I'm in jail!"?

"I'm so embarrassed I can't come in. I slept with (insert Charge Nurse's name) husband last night!"

"It's snowing and my car doesn't do well in snow."

OMG! I can't imagine the second one.