Shoul I fire my nanny?

[Anonymous]

My nanny texted me 10 minutes before she was supposed to be here at 7 a.m. to tell me she couldn't make it in because she was too ill. I had to cancel my very important meeting at work and it made me look bad with my employer. She informed me two days earlier that she was sick and I gave her two days off without pay, but expected her on Monday since she had the whole week end to get better.

I feel that I can't count on her, this just can't happen again because my job is too important.

I appreciate that she gets up very early to be here and is often here even earlier on a moment's notice. She has been flexible for me in the past. I pay her by the hour to the penny and do not offer her any type of guaranteed wage, however, I don't think there is any excuse for her giving me 10 minutes notice for being sick.

Should I let her go, or am I being unreasonable?

Please be brutally honest, I can take it. Thanks so much.

Bernadette

[Anonymous]

You're being unreasonable.

[Anonymous]

My boss is very appreciative of me because in
all the years I have not been sick. I still show
up for work because she is depending on.

I am sorry! I wish you could forgive her this time.

[Anonymous]

OP, I don't think you should fire her, but I do think this warrants a formal warning.

Schedule a time to sit down with her and say that you realize the two of you hadn't sorted out your policies surrounding sick days and proper notification, so you'd like to do that now. Let her know that if she is sick, you need to know by 6am (or whatever time) and that if you haven't heard from her by then you will assume she is coming in. Tell her if she is unable to provide that notification, you will unfortunately need to terminate her employment. Give her this in writing, or amend your contract if you have one, and ask her if she has any questions or needs any clarification (for instance, I let my employers know two hours before I'm scheduled to be in if I'm sick, but I do so by text so as not to disturb anyone who might be sleeping - would you rather she call or text? would you prefer a heads up the night before if she's beginning to feel under the weather? etc.) and then move on.

Your nanny absolutely should be reliable and I agree that with only 10 minutes notice she probably overslept, but since it hasn't been clarified before I don't think it would be right to fire her on her first offense. Set some firm expectations for future sick days and hopefully that will be all it takes.

[Anonymous]

didn't you post the same thing yesterday?

[Anonymous]

Thank you everyone for all your input. It was very helpful. I talked to my nanny and told her specifically what to do when she is sick and let her know it was ok to be sick once in awhile. she will be getting a 2nd chance. I'm sure it will work out.

Happy Holidays to all

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:didn't you post the same thing yesterday?

No, I think they get posted on two different threads, I noticed some duplicates, but it wasn't me. New at using the board so could have been some posting error.

take care

[Anonymous]

Beware, she is probably looking for another job. When someone shows such blatant disregard for their job/job security. She is looking. Sick means job interview 2 days last week, 1 day this week. Prepare yourself.

[Anonymous]

troll. *yawn*

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:troll. *yawn*

Beware of the bitter nanny also

[Anonymous]

You pay her to the penny - are you the 25 cents mb?

[Anonymous]

update?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

My boss is very appreciative of me because in
all the years I have not been sick. I still show
up for work because she is depending on.

I am sorry! I wish you could forgive her this time.

Um, I would be very upset if my nanny showed up sick. Please keep your germs away from my kids!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

My boss is very appreciative of me because in
all the years I have not been sick. I still show
up for work because she is depending on.

I am sorry! I wish you could forgive her this time.

Um, I would be very upset if my nanny showed up sick. Please keep your germs away from my kids!

Odds are the germs came from you're kids in the first place.

[Anonymous]

Explain that being sick is understandable (sometimes the flu lasts for a week!), but that she needs to determine if she can make it at least two hours before she is due to be at your house (or the night before, whatever works for you). Offer a certain amount of sick days (one per month?) and make sure you have back-up care. Treat her like a professional would be treated, and maybe she will act like one.