Would you call in sick?

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

Hi all,

Just want your opinion on whether or not you would call out for this.

I took a new job, which I sincerely regret because I hate almost everything about it, except for the kids I care for. The job itself, the hours, some of the team members etc. I love caring for the population, but all that stuff coupled with a 2 plus hour commute each way is making the job insufferable! I am of course in the process of looking for a new one...

I have been schedule on nights this week after being on days for a few weeks and today is night number two and I have slept a whopping three hours in about 36 hours. I tried sleeping today and woke up after about 2 hours and I could not go back to sleep, so I ended up just getting up.. Because my commute is so long and the shifts are 12 hours there isn't more time for me to try again, thus I am truly beyond exhausted, to exhausted to safely drive or care for patients. If this were you would you call out? I am on orientation and I don't want to get fired for calling out, but at the same time it means I don't count as a body on the shift.

Annie

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
Just want your opinion on whether or not you would call out for this.

If this were you would you call out?

Yes...

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Yes, I would call out ... but if you want to keep that job, I would definitely place a high priority on solving your sleep problem so that it doesn't happen repeatedly. If you make a habit of calling out when working nights, you will get fired.

Another option -- resign or move. Very few people (if anybody) can safely work 12-hour shifts two days in a row with 4 hours of commuting in between the shifts. That leaves you only about 7 hours to be at home ... shower ... eat ... sleep ... get up and dressed ... hit the road again. That's not a reasonable expectation.

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Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

Unfortunately I have a mortgage ans other Bill's so I cannot resign until I have another job offer in writing! I do have an interview next week, so hopefully that will pan out.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Definitely call in. You aren't safe to practice and that is wise self assessment. Good luck at your interview!

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Specializes in PMHNP.

While you are looking for the new job is it possible for you to Cluster your nights together and get a cheap hotel room near work? The gas and possible tolls alone would probably pay for a hotel room right?

1
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Specializes in Adult Primary Care.

I would definitely call out. I'm worried you may fall asleep while driving.

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Specializes in CMSRN, hospice.

Call out for sure. If you are concerned for your safety on the road and ability to care for patients, that is plenty of reason. Good luck on your interview next week! I hope you find something that worked better for you soon.

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Yes. Call in. Not safe. Especially with that commute.

Can I get an honest answer why a one way 2+ hour commute seemed like a good idea? I am trying to understand why this is acceptable to some and how they rationalize that type of commute.

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One of the radiology techs at my previous hospital died in a car crash having fallen asleep at the wheel. I myself have almost ended up in the median. Of course, it'll look bad but better than dead.

Good luck on your interview!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatrics, Wound Care.

Falling asleep at the wheel can happen. I think I've nodded off a few times, no serious injuries or real accidents, but a few close calls. I've learned to pull over (side of road or drive to a parking lot) and close my eyes for a few minutes (5-15 minutes with alarm clock on my phone). But, not really something you can do when you're on your way into work.. Hard to work with little sleep between shifts.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
I have slept a whopping three hours in about 36 hours.

Just want your opinion on whether or not you would call out for this.

Yes...

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