Why do we feel guilty about calling out?

[PizzaNurse2023, LPN]

Hi, been sick from Thursday to today. Had RSV last week. Felt somewhat human for 12 hrs then developed sinus infection and just started antibiotics today. Probably should of started a day earlier. Out of all the days today  I felt the worse. Work next 3 days. Plan to work 2 of those days. Torn on calling out and just do 2. Feel guilty about this. I have 4 points already (9 or more to be fired/2 are from August.) Takes 6 months for points to drop off. My Wife works for the same hospital called out for 4 shifts goes back next week. Last day I worked was Tuesday if I call out tomorrow be day 2 of calling out. I feel guilty and not sure what to use as an excuse to call out.

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

It's a sick day, call out sick. Bring a doctor note in if you have one. 

We feel guilty because our culture is very screwed up. 

[Tenebrae, BSN, RN]

I don't feel guilty in the slightest. 

I've really struggled with mental health over the last year. (had a 15 course of ECT) and there were occasional days were OMG I could not cope with the idea of going into work. I have always made myself a personal deal if I couldnt be at work without feeling like I am putting my patients at risk I would call out. 

 

[delrionurse]

If you work 12 hours shifts (and on your feet) and not the standard 8 hours like everyone else, you shouldn't feel guilty. Management after years of knowing nurses call out, sick or for other reasons (and I want to say mental health is included), they should have a better plan to cover call offs.

[mtmkjr, BSN]

As a supervisor I expect people get sick. I don't fault them for calling out. If they are within the allowed number of call-outs, and no pattern of abuse, I don't hold anything against them... Of course it's stressful getting coverage but life happens.

In our hospital consecutive days count as one occurrence so if you are sick 2-3 days in a row, it's no different than being sick one day. More than that just requires a provider return to work authorization.

When I have to council people I do point out that the hospital allows and even expects that people will be sick a certain number of days, so to plan accordingly, don't use your days up unless absolutely necessary. If there are good reasons why someone is frequently calling out (family issues or health concerns) I suggest intermittent leave etc. for job protection. I work in a very accommodating environment.

[toomuchbaloney]

mtmkjr said:

As a supervisor I expect people get sick. I don't fault them for calling out. If they are within the allowed number of call-outs, and no pattern of abuse, I don't hold anything against them... Of course it's stressful getting coverage but life happens.

In our hospital consecutive days count as one occurrence so if you are sick 2-3 days in a row, it's no different than being sick one day. More than that just requires a provider return to work authorization.

When I have to council people I do point out that the hospital allows and even expects that people will be sick a certain number of days, so to plan accordingly, don't use your days up unless absolutely necessary. If there are good reasons why someone is frequently calling out (family issues or health concerns) I suggest intermittent leave etc. for job protection. I work in a very accommodating environment.

As a supervisor I also understood this.  As well, I had to fight for a nurse in our PICU who suffered the traumatic injury and death of her oldest child.  Her ability to work after that was hampered by the emotional and physical needs of the other 2 school aged children whip missed quite a bit of school in the following year.  The hospital wasn't very patient while they talked about supporting staff.  

As one might imagine, she struggled to continue working with critically ill and injured children and transferred to an outpatient hospital clinic working the year.  I was glad to give her stability until she could get herself what she needed.