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Discussion

Working while slightly ill or waiting until you're completely better

Hi everyone,

I'm a student nurse and I'm scheduled to observe in the OR tomorrow for my clinical. However, I've been sick for the past few days and I'm wondering if I should call in sick to avoid infecting the patient/staff, or if I'm well enough to observe anyway.

I had a sore throat that started this past Tuesday, had a slight fever on Wednesday that disappeared the next day, and I feel like the worst is over. Honestly, I don't know if I'm still contagious or not, but I feel 100x better than I did yesterday. I still have a lingering cough and occasionally stuffy nose.

I spoke to my clinical instructor and she said to wait to see how I feel tomorrow morning and then make a decision. I'm perfectly fine going into the OR and observing; I"m just worried about the patient.

I'm wondering what I should do. Do any of you ever go to work slightly sick? How sick do you have to be before you call in? What if you feel better and are in the recovery phase; do you still go to work or wait until you're completely better?

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    if no fever tomorrow, I'd go in. You'll wear a mask in the OR. Don't touch anything.

    If you have a fever tomorrow, I'd not do your OR clinical... tell them you have a fever. Obviously would impact the patient.

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    Fluid up tonight, eat a good dinner, get up tomorrow more fluids and a good breakfast!!!

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    Agree with both above. Had it been someplace like the ER which is always a germ palace I'd say don't sweat it. Always amazed me when I went to work in the ER with a cold and coworkers would comment about me bringing my germs around. I mean, like, duh! My germs are no worse than the hordes coming in the front door. Besides, germs are small. What's a few germs among friends?

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    • Author

    Thanks for the advice! I'll see if I'm running a fever tomorrow and if not, I'll head to the OR.

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