NUR222 Supplementary Assessment Task – Essay
Format: Essay
Length: 2000 words
Weighting: Pass/Fail
Essay Task: Presenteeism is a term used to describe those who present to work (as an employee) while unwell. As a registered nurse/midwife this has the potential to impact not only on your colleagues but also your patients/clients. It can also worsen/prolong your illness. Often nurses/midwives feel pressured to attend work due to a sense of duty to our workplace and not wanting to let anyone down, despite Australia having sick leave built into our employment awards. Cases have been reported where staff have presented to work unwell due to difficulties in meeting requirements to access appropriate sick leave such as obtaining medical certificates.
In this essay you are to discuss the legal and ethical aspects of presenteeism including barriers and enablers to accessing sick leave.