What to say?

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Specializes in Nursing Education, Psych, Med-surg.

Hi. I will be returning to work shortly after spending time in treatment for alcohol. How do I handle questions from coworkers? I feel it's none of anybody's business, but I don't want to be rude. To make matters worse, in the blackout, I did call the nurses station to say I wasn't coming into work that fateful day, and it was apparent that I was drunk. I hope everyone is kind and professional. You know how nurses eat our young and kick our wounded. Thank you for your suggestions.

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Tell them to mind their business. Nothing good will come out of you explaining when you don't owe and explanation it will only feed the blood-sucking drama queens who live to talk about other people's issues. Go to work. Do your job. Go home

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If you feel that way just tell them you had a personal matter. Personally I feel like it doesn't do people any good to keep quiet on these issues but I respect people's wishes to remain private. It is a personal choice. Typically when you say something to the effect of it being a personal matter people won't probe but be aware that likely people have already been talking and making assumptions.

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Specializes in Med/surg/ortho.

You just hold your head high they will think what they want about you some of them will have compassion and welcome you back with open arms and some won't.

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I would just say I was sick and now I feel so much better. Thanks for being concerned! Lol.

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Specializes in Nursing Education, Psych, Med-surg.

Thank you all for your comments! I know pretty much what I will and will not say. Your opinions have been helpful.

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Specializes in Clinical Leadership, Staff Development, Education.

I found the opportunity will present itself for you to go into additional details other than "I was under medical care" ect.

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If they already figured out that you are an alcoholic or that you were drunk, you'll know because they probably won't ask you anything about what happened. I used to work with a nurse who had known mental health issues and when she would be gone for weeks after having a manic episode at work no one asked her anything when she came back. I asked her if she was feeling better, that's all, but I didn't ask details and I didn't see or hear of anyone else asking her details. If they come up to you and ask you what happened, then they probably really don't know.

If you want to lie, low blood sugar or even a bad reaction to a medication are some ideas. Well alcohol is a drug and you had a bad reaction to it lol so it wouldn't even be lying. Good luck!

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Yeah I'm still at tell em to mind their business. I think if more nurses didn't put up with other "concerned" nurses probing for info to gossip about the world would be a better place.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Unfortunately, the rumor mill is going to run whether you're completely silent on the topic or offer your coworkers a 45 minute Powerpoint presentation with every gory detail included. So do what YOU feel is best. You can't control what others think or do. You can only control what you think or do.

If you feel it's no one's business, then don't tell them. A vague-yet-honest "I had some personal/medical issues to take care of" is more than enough. Then go about your business as usual. Let your high quality of work speak for you. And pretty soon some other issue will come up that will absorb everyone's interests and take the focus off of you.

Best of luck.

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Tell them to mind their business. Nothing good will come out of you explaining when you don't owe and explanation it will only feed the blood-sucking drama queens who live to talk about other people's issues. Go to work. Do your job. Go home

Tell them to mind their business if they ask. Otherwise, say nothing. Don't bring anything up and don't contribute to that topic for conversation.

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