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?

[Howej1]

I agree it is important to keep looking for a job if one is this emotionally draining. I find, however, that saying I would"never" do something usually ends up

Biting me in the butt as it then soon happens. For example, if I were a single mom and that job was paying for my kids food, I may tolerate it for a while but continue seeking other employment. Some areas are saturated with nurses and finding and equal paying job or similar hours may take time. Also, I find when I say I would never do something it comes off as if I am judging the person doing this thing I would "never" do. But you are correct life is short and if the job is that draining the nurse should either seek new employment, get help dealing with what is stressing him/her or both.

[NurseSpeedy, ADN, LPN, RN]

I have never called off for a mental health day but I'm also one tough cookie (so I've been told). It also takes a lot to make me cry though and work isn't going to get me there.

I have cut hours back, gone PRN, agency, etc while looking for a better fit when I know I've had it with an employer. It makes the idea of going to hell for the day more bearable because I know at the end of the day I can go home and not be back for a while. It's worth a try.

[Crush]

You don't have to give a reason for calling out. I never do anyways but since I am not one to call out often..........................

We have one nurse who calls out alot and says she feels like she gets the third degree when she comes back from the manager. Well, gee wonder why? All her reasons are legit though but still that is why she gets asked.

As for if you are asked for a reason, just say you are sick, don't feel well or however you choose the rephrase that.

[SisterofMary]

The other night I was working overflow and was literally the only nurse on a whole unit. I got 5 admits within a few hours.

How is that even legal?

[humerusRN, BSN]

Mental health days are important. :)

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

How is that even legal?

Because, outside of California, there are no legally mandated nursing ratios.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Maybe I'm a bit old fashioned and uptight, I don't believe in calling sick unless I'm really sick. I had a non-nursing job for 17 years and in that time I called in twice- both with stomach viruses. Since becoming a nurse about six years ago I've never missed a shift. I've never worked anywhere that someone calling in doesn't shift the burden to someone else or leave them short staffed. Obviously, if I'm going to potentially make coworkers or patients sick, or I can't physically do my job, that's one thing. But I have a job and a responsibility. I'm a professional so I get up and go to work.

[AdobeRN]

When I worked in the hospital it was rare for me to call in sick - my PTO time was precious and didn't want to use it because I was always trying to save it for my summer vacations. Just like a previous poster - I feel I am a professional, if I am scheduled to work I get up and go. If I was truely unhappy at my job where I would cry or want to call in sick so avoid work I would find another job.

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

We don't get paid sick time until we are out the THIRD day. The first and second consecutive days you are off, you do not get paid for. That makes it really hard on people who do get sick; you feel almost obligated to call out the 3rd day, too, just so you will get paid for one day at least.

[SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN]

We don't get paid sick time until we are out the THIRD day. The first and second consecutive days you are off, you do not get paid for. That makes it really hard on people who do get sick; you feel almost obligated to call out the 3rd day, too, just so you will get paid for one day at least.[/QUOT

Why in Gods name would you work in such a place? Get a new job where they treat you like the valued professional you are

[Farawyn]

We don't get paid sick time until we are out the THIRD day. The first and second consecutive days you are off, you do not get paid for. That makes it really hard on people who do get sick; you feel almost obligated to call out the 3rd day, too, just so you will get paid for one day at least.[/QUOT

Why in Gods name would you work in such a place? Get a new job where they treat you like the valued professional you are

Well, hi there.

[SpankedInPittsburgh, DNP, RN]

Howdy