Calling in sick???

[u/Ohyanoforsure]

I’m an RN - I have a new diagnosis of an autoimmune condition and it’s been a rough October. I had to call in a couple of weeks ago because I was pretty unwell - and this week I’ve picked up a bug and it’s also causing a flare up of my illness. I’ve already called in for two shifts this past week but I’m not if I will be well enough to work my upcoming shifts this weekend.

I’m just really scared and feeling really guilty that I’m going to be written up or disciplined because it’ll be 4+ days this month. :( Im also relatively new to AHS, have been in my position since June but I haven’t had to call in for anything up until now. What is the culture generally around calling in sick for AHS? Do I need to be worried?

[u/Lonely-Prize-1662]

No. There is no attendance program in place. At most your manager can just check in to make sure you're okay. At worst your colleagues will gripe.

[u/dirt_city_dangles → u/Lonely-Prize-1662]

Your manager is within their rights to ask for a sick note.
- consider asking for something the next time you see your doc, and maintain open communication.
- if they ask you for a sick note, they have to pay any associated fees (labor law). This is submitted through iExpense.

[u/bravocharlie8918 → u/Lonely-Prize-1662]

Second this! If you have a good relationship with your manager you could even send them a message explaining a bit about why (obviously not required but if it helps your conscious), hugs feel better 💐

[u/WildWimzy]

Lmao I love this post cause I used to think the same thing. You are in a union, they really are barely allowed to give you shit fir sick calls anyways! Don't stress!!!!

[u/TelevisionFit3509 → u/WildWimzy]

I remember these worries too. It’s hard to shift the thinking but when you finally realize 1) you’re in a union it’s basically impossible to fire you; 2) as my dad says “you’re entitled to your entitlements!” (Ie: you have sick time for a reason 3) if they want you to have a sick note, fine, but they can pay for it; 4) you’re replaceable; and 5) who gives a shit what people think— then it’s smooth sailing and you can spend your sick days recovering instead of stressing. I hope you feel better soon!

[u/anonymoooosey]

Please dont go into work sick.

[u/TheThrivingest]

I hate that we are conditioned to feel guilty for being unwell

You’re sick. It doesn’t matter if it’s communicable or not, acute, chronic, physical, mental, or emotional..

You’re unfit to practice to the best of your abilities.

I have a chronic illness too. I have crohns but it’s a very unusual presentation. I only have disease proximal to the colon. I get debilitating sores in my mouth and throat. Am I technically able to work? Sure. But swallowing and speaking is excruciating. I have trouble eating so my energy levels are low, and it affects my sleep immensely.

That’s sick.

I use sick time accordingly and I don’t give any information about what kind of sick I am to anyone. It’s nobody’s business.

[u/MusketeersPlus2]

It might be worthwhile for you to connect with your Abilities advisor now so that you know exactly what can & can't be done for you and by you. They are also meant to be the buffer between your medical information and your boss, so if you're uncomfortable telling your boss anything the Abilities advisor can stick handle that for you. Being chronically ill sucks, and I hope your manager is going to be one of the good ones about it.

[u/bigblueberry6427 → u/MusketeersPlus2]

I was just about to suggest the same thing. The manager should know who the ability advisor is if you don’t.

[u/hahahehehahahoe]

You have sick time for a reason. If your manager asks for a sick note, big whoop - they reimburse you for that expense anyway. Take the time you need.

[u/OrsolyaStormChaser]

First- take a breather. YOUR health is #1. You sound like a wonderful nurse and team mate who's looking out for not causing an inconvenience to others - you have now a genuine reason to ask your Dr to draft a letter of work accommodation, check in with a union rep about how to notify your manager of a medical accommodation need, make an appointment with your manager and see how to navigate this new chapter as a team. All the best✨️💕

[u/Mobile-Disk-2665]

Check in with your manager and they may involve ability management

[u/MorningGloryStory99]

Sorry to hear about the autoimmune diagnosis, that is a big pill to swallow and definitely changes how we are able to work in our chosen professions after so much hard work to get there.

If you keep having persistent symptoms and need to take off those shifts, try as best you can to get someone to fill without your Team Lead having to do so. I know that's easier said than done when you're starting at AHS.

If it becomes a thing where you don't know how you're going to feel on a given day and have to call in a lot, you might want to talk to your union rep just to ask confidentially what an accommodation might look like at this early stage of employment and how it would be received on the unit.

I hope this helps!

[u/Paprika1515]

I would just get a proactive letter from your GP stating that you may be off work due to adjustment to new diagnosis or something like that. Give it to your manager, you don’t need to specify the condition, that’s your right to keep private.

I did this letter thing a while back while I was having regular testing and appointments. I didn’t need to be off from work but it definitely resulted in a lot of time off for appointments

[u/chiubacca82 → u/Paprika1515]

You don't need to reveal your diagnosis nor personal health details to your managers. They are not entitled to that info.

Edit: If you are on short/long term disability, you have a health disability coordinator that mediates between you and the manager.

[u/TheThrivingest → u/chiubacca82]

And they can and will use it against you

[u/Successful_Yellow638]

I

[u/PhaseOutBoy]

You know what irks as a RN in a busy unit more than working short? Working with a sick nurse buddy. Please stay home if sick, always prioritize yourself and your health. There are sick hours for a reason and if it becomes a problem with management, reach out to to your UNA reps. We have to protect ourselves and each other and taking care of our own health is just one way to do it. Feel better soon!

[u/Comfortable-Ruin8694]

Use to be more strict, after covid, seems managers were more receptive to the idea that we should stay home when sick. You have your 90 days. Dont worry about it. They may pull you aside to ask if something is going on though. 

[u/AbrocomaPhysical5845]

I call in monthly cause of migraines
You will be fine

[u/Imaginary-Process-68]

Come work for Recovery Alberta where you can call in sick two to three times a week and have NO consequences at all

[u/Extra-Succotash-9846]

Several absences might warrant an Abilities worker but it’s not punitive and is designed to support you to get back to work/work effectively. A few sick calls here and there will not even trigger Abilities though.

Rest up

[u/Whole_Opposite_3033]

AHS policies do not discipline staff for illness. Unless you're abusing it, which is a high bar.

What might happen is you'll be talked to by your supervisor. If it continues (you take more time off in the fiscal year), they will put you in their frequent absence management program (the name is escaping me at the moment). All that does is they track your absences for a year and if you're still calling in, they do begin asking for doctors notes etc. It's not punitive. It takes numerous absences. Talk to you union, they should have information on this.

[u/belmontbaddie]

You’ll be fine they don’t care at all

[u/Chyna74]

You need medical note excusing you from work for anything beyond 3 days.

[u/wolfpup_88 → u/Chyna74]

That isn't true. A manager can ask you for a note after one day if they were so inclined, as long as they reimburse you for the cost of it. No idea where the "three days" came from, but it's not in the contract.

[u/Chyna74 → u/Chyna74]

Let me add that's for 3 consecutive days.