I started my first nursing job 2nd October. Was sick with a cold/sore throat, went home halfway though one day, plus the following day off. In November, I had ONE day off for vomiting. Collectively 2.5 days. I was then told I was expected not to have any more days off until the following October.

A few weeks ago I had to go home at 2 in the morning from a night shift because I was vomitting, and had to take the following night shift off as well (the whole 48 hours without symptoms deal). I was told a few days later I’ll probably have to go upstairs about it (meaning HR will want to speak to me) and that there will be serious repercussions if I take any more sick days.

In 11 months, 308 days, I’ve taken a collective 4 days off. That’s a less than 2% sickness rate. But apparently that’s unacceptable.