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.
I know this is an old thread, but I don't see a better place for my question. I have never made a habit of calling out, I haven't in two years and I hear what everyone is saying here, if you are sick you are sick just call out. Well in recent weeks our facility has decided that we cannot make any requests for time off, except for vacation time. I am pay in lieu of benefits as are quite a few of the people I work with. When we wanted time off in the past we just had to find coverage for our shift didn't matter if it was a regular employee or a per diem it just couldn't mean overtime hours for them. So now we are told we cannot get per diems to cover shifts!! it's nuts because it makes it impossible to get coverage for a weekend shift. The nurses on our same weekends will happily pick them up to get a double but we can't give them the shift. the nurses scheduled for the other weekend don't want extras at least not on their weekend off. So they have left no choice but for us to call out. I know a 7-3 nurse will stay for the double but isn't that stupid when they could have let me give the shift to a per diem for straight time? I guess I am venting more that anything. But my question is what do you say when you know the person on the other end of the line knows you aren't sick because you already tried to get coverage but were denied, anyone ever been in this situation? I am prepared to take the write up, but wondering if there is something I can say to my supervisor when I call out so I look like less of a jack*ss.
I tell them that I am taking a sick day and will see them tomorrow, and will be bringing doctor's note if applicable. It isnt their business to know symptoms.....
If I am sick, I say something like "Hi, I work in.... and I cannot come in today as I am unwell". Quite frankly, if they probed me I would find it rude and would say something like "diarrhoea, it's everywhere". That would terminate the probing quite promptly I would think!
Around here, we are not obligated to say why we are sick, even if asked (they are not actually allowed to ask) I just say who I am, then, "I'm calling in sick for days tomorrow/nights to night".
How often is too often? I have been at my current job for four months and called out two times. It's looking like I may have to call out again as I am not feeling well. Do you think I will get fired? A warning? Nothing? Other than this I am a great worker and always on time.
Yes, three times in four months is a lot. Whether you get a verbal warning, written warning, or nothing will depend on the policy, but it is certainly enough to get you a reputation. If you're seriously sick (fever, GI bug, etc.), then you should stay home despite what people may think. Maybe you've just had a rough four months and your attendance will improve from now on. On the other hand, you may need to learn to suck it up and go to work even when you're "not feeling well." A cold or a headache, for example, are not legitimate reasons to stay home when you've only been at a job for a few months.
Yes, it is too much. But it does depend on the policy where your work.
I am sorry you don't feel well, it may be better for you to cut back your hours and not end up fired. You can work less hours without calling in sick then after a while increase your hours or offer to be available for extra shifts?
Visit a doctor, a young ? healthy ? adult (I assume that is what your are) shouldn't have so many sick days?
Look through your orientation packet - you should have received a copy of your facility's absenteeism policy. The policy will outline each step of the process: how many occurrences to receive a written warning, how many occurrences equal automatic termination, etc.
I am a strong advocate of not working while ill. However, you can't just call out for a headache, stubbed toe, etc. Sometimes we all have to work under less than ideal circumstances.
Do you have an underlying chronic health issue that your employer needs to be aware of?
Specializes in Orthopedic, LTC, STR, Med-Surg, Tele.
It doesn't matter if you always have a great attitude and are never late, that only goes so far. If I called out every time I woke up and my throat felt scratchy or had a headache or maybe should have skipped the second glass of wine last night, I'd be out of a job and I think a lot of other people would be too.
If you can work then work. You never know what's going to happen in the future and you may burn one of your callouts for a reason you could have worked through. Don't put your job at risk.
Like another poster mentioned, if everyone called out for the simplest reasons then no one would ever work.
Been there,done that, ASN, RN
7,241 Posts
The employer has NO right to question you.
" I am not coming in today, I don't feel well." No other details are required.