Members are discussing the frequency of calling out sick at work, with opinions varying on what is considered too much. Some users suggest following facility policies and providing doctor's notes, while others emphasize the importance of not abusing sick days. The conversation also touches on the challenges of finding replacements for sick staff and the impact of social media posts on coworkers' perceptions.
Ever since my previous career and my strong work ethic, it would usually take a lot for me to call out sick. I worked at times I should have been home many times, I think to justify when I did call out, it was really serious/legit.
I also have worked in places that feel they have a right to probe and maybe bc I had/have weak boundaries when it comes to that sort of thing I would answer in detail when they'd ask "how sick?...what are the symptoms?" etc...Maybe they have no right to ask that and they "test" in that way.
I've never felt comfortable calling out and saying "I won't be in I'm not feeling well" or even "sick" esp if you don't sound that sick! That's why when I do, I do usually sound horrible.
Even personal days, I feel like I needed to say why I needed a personal day but that defies the definition doesn't it?! But when the supposed caring I.e. nosy coworkers ask if everything is okay when I come back, then I feel (and have actually been told by one) that I'm snubbing them if I say "everything's fine" even if I add "thanks for asking"
You can probably tell I'm that way from my length of posts and need to be clear.
This is sharpeimom. I will need coverage for the 7pm-7am shift today. I plan to work tomorrow. (or I'll call in tomorrow.)
I usually accumulated enough pto that I saved 2 or 3 shifts worth and donated the balance to fellow employees with either ill family members or who had ? Illness/condition themselves and had or would use all their pto.
I rarely call in unless I really have to. But they announced at a staff meeting at work that when people do call in be prepared for the Nurse Manager to ask and record on paper your responses to why you are sick, what Sx you are having, etc. We get fired for 3 call-ins in a year.
Unless there is a risk to your colleagues or patients health then there is no need to disclose what is wrong with you. mind you as one of my staff is ESRD and on HDX waiting on a transplant everytime she calls in sick part of my heart leaps waiting for her to say "I have a match I am getting my transplant". Still waiting for that.
The nursing office at my job used to push us for what was wrong. Then they would tell us to take a tylenol and see how we feel. Wasn't a fan of that one.
I usually call out when I am sick, and I usually sound quite sick, so I usually don't get asked.
Just don't be the jackwagon who calls out sick and then posts a picture of herself on FB at a restaurant. Happened somewhere I worked. They now have a social networking policy and she was fired.
"Hi, this is Blondy, I'm an RN on Oncology Crazy Central Unit. I will be unable to make it to work today because I am ill."
I have never been questioned. I don't try and sound ill on the phone, though sometimes I'm sure I do. I don't have any qualms about using the word ill. If you use weaker words like, "Not feeling well" you may run into people saying that you may feel better later, why not call back then?
If you are sick you are sick I really dont want you round me
but
If you are calling off because you dont want to work I dont want to know, just say you are sick, why dont I want to know because if we do not find cover you are sticking it to your co-worker and I do not think it is fair.
Instead why don't you ask for a PLB day off so plans can be made to cover you.
I guess I will get grief for saying this but if everybody thought they would just take the day off because they cant be bothered to go into work then it would be a huge mess.
sharpeimom
2,452 Posts
This is sharpeimom. I will need coverage for the 7pm-7am shift today. I plan to work tomorrow. (or I'll call in tomorrow.)
I usually accumulated enough pto that I saved 2 or 3 shifts worth and donated the balance to fellow employees with either ill family members or who had ? Illness/condition themselves and had or would use all their pto.