Why do I feel so guilt-ridden?

[huggietoes]

I use about 2 sick days per year, this week alone I had to call in 3 times for vomiting and diarrhea. Like on the bathroom floor in a puddle of my own vomit, can't stand up because I am too dizzy from dehydration sickness, yet I feel guilty for calling in. I have had these symptoms for the past week and managed to work 4 days out of seven, but just could not go in for those other 3. I am racked with guilt, maybe because I was told if I showed for work they would hydrate me with IV fluid so that I could work. I have worked in other professions and have never been made to feel so guilty for being ill. What is it with nursing that makes management feel we are expendible, have no lives outside of work, live to serve administration? I am just so depressed and fed up, I feel trapped, like I am in a dead end profession where I get little respect from management and even less from the patients. Thanks for letting me vent.

[MultipurposeRN]

I don't feel as guilty calling in sick as I used to, since I seldom do. And one thing I will never do anymore is call and ask if they really need me cause I'm sick and don't feel like coming in..well, of course they're going to say 'yes, we need you'. If I'm sick, I don't ask them if I can be off. I tell them I'm sick and won't be in. Period. I'm an adult professional and expect to be treated like one.

[lifeisbeautiful]

i had many jobs before nursing that had the same attitude toward sick time. you were penalized if you took too much time and you were the bad guy if you called in even just once. i learned a long time ago that if you don't care about yourself, know one else will either. it's all a big game they play to make you feel that their establishment will fall down if you are not there. guess what?? if you quit tomorrow they will replace you with another nurse. plain and simple. you come first. they will get over it.

This is right on. Always put yourself first. Look out for #1 because when push comes to shove, your employer will put themselves first. I have also learned that it is better to call in sick than go in for a few hours and expect them to let you leave early. No way. Once you are there, be prepared to work your entire shift.

I use to work with a Nurse that thought the place would fall apart without her. I have to admit, it must be a nice feeling to believe that you are irreplaceable.