I have a boil or abcess oin my armpit. Its large, painful and draining. We are short staffed and the director said I cannot leave and will not accept a doctor's note. Im literally in tears because of the pain. Im worried about myself and the residents.
You are working with a population that in most cases is immune compromised. Is there any chance that you might inadvertently pass something like MRSA
While the abscess can be covered you can still work but I would think if you have any other symptoms like a fever that you should be excluded from working.
Depending on where you work, (what State) your employer can fire you for no reason. (honestly they probably wouldn't if they are short staffed and they would have to pay unemployment!)
Have you talked to your supervisor about getting assigned to another area where it would be more comfortable until this has resolved.
(And if you haven't you should see your doctor or go to Urgent Care)
Many boils/abscesses are caused by Staphylococcus aureus, including sometimes MRSA. These bacteria can spread through direct contact with the wound or pus, or through contaminated hands, towels, clothing, or surfaces.
Until you get it treated and diagnosed so that you know it isn't a contagious strain, is it possible for you to work in away from people? Trade tasks with another staff member?
Please tell us what state you're in and what type of facility you work in, because employment and sick-leave laws vary by state.
Regardless of state, though, the CDC guidance treats draining wounds as an infection-control issue, particularly when the drainage cannot be completely contained by a clean, dry dressing.
I would notify the director in writing that you have an actively draining wound, are in severe pain, are concerned about exposing vulnerable residents, and need medical evaluation. Ask to speak with whoever is responsible for infection control/employee health or the administrator on call. Document the time, who you notified and what they told you.
Don't simply abandon residents for whom you're personally responsible; make a proper handoff. But staffing is management's responsibility, and I would not allow “we're short staffed” to persuade me to ignore a potentially serious infection and severe pain.
If they are literally telling you that you cannot leave to obtain necessary medical care and that they will refuse a doctor's documentation, I'd ask them to put that in writing. A lot depends on what state you are in...