What is your opinion on calling in "sick"

[Goofaroo]

Do you ever call in sick to work just to take a day away from the job because its so stressful and you are on the verge of tears every time you go in?

[klone, MSN, RN]

No, I would instead find a different job. I would never work somewhere that would reduce me to tears before each shift. Life's too short for that ****.

[Everline]

I did that a couple of times when I was a new grad hospital floor nurse. I can say that it was rare and that I usually pushed myself to go in despite my absolute misery. I did not feel guilty those couple of times I called out, though. At my current job, I never feel on the verge of tears and therefore wouldn't call out unless I was truly and very sick.

[Goofaroo]

Where do you work now ? I work as a floor nurse at a hospital and i do not like it. I need to find another type of job

[Jolie, BSN]

If your physical or mental condition prevents you from performing your job duties, then it is appropriate to call out sick. However, just as you would consult a healthcare provider for a physical illness, it is your responsibility to seek appropriate care for your mental health. If you fail to do so, you are just taking time off, which is an abuse of your sick time.

[Sour Lemon]

Where do you work now ? I work as a floor nurse at a hospital and i do not like it. I need to find another type of job

There's a lot of variation within "floor nurse at a hospital". I've had a job from hell and now I have a job from heaven. They were/are both "floor nurse at a hospital".

And yes, if I were too stressed to actually do my job, I would call in sick. I feel like I'd be risking my license by going into work in a less than clear-headed manner. It's something that I'd do rarely, though ...very rarely.

[Orion81RN]

No, I would instead find a different job. I would never work somewhere that would reduce me to tears before each shift. Life's too short for that ****.

But it can take a while to find a new job. Better to call in once when you've just had it instead of quitting with no job yet to go to.

[wondern, ASN]

If you're too stressed it affects your thinking and potential for med errors, etc. increase, so yes I would use my earned sick time for the safety of my patients. Is it the coworkers who are stressing you or the patient load or politics or the combination of all of the above, just wondering?

Hope you feel better soon.

[Truth_be-told]

Any nurse that actually works the floor that tries to deny this is a liar. You bet we do.

[Truth_be-told]

Patient load, patient acuity, co workers, and the sadistic slave drivers in management who rule by threats and intimidation to make you do work that they know full well they are incapable of doing.

[Goofaroo]

Patient load and no help. I like the patients but its just becoming too much for me. I cant get one person to help! And they constantly pile the work on and on! 12 hr shift turns into 14 hr shifts. Plus when i have to stay late it stresses me out i already have to drive nearly an hour home.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

You can use your time off as you see fit. You do not have to be physically ill to call in. However, if you are calling off because of emotional stress, THAT is a problem with your job. It is a signal that you cannot handle the stress of your job.

And that's okay. Deep breaths, search for another job that does not beat you up.

Best wishes.