Not want to work whilst shielding

[Kamenakawena]

I am going round in circles deciding what I should do, so thought I would get good old Mumsnetters to help. Apologies for long post

I am a staff nurse in an emergency department in the South. We are in a higher than average area of Covid cases and our hospital is pretty overwhelmed. I have a lung issue. Not asthma but severe lung function deficit. I originally ignored the advice to shield in April and carried on working, but was then sent home and told it was not my choice after a few weeks when they found out. I ignored the suggestion to extend shielding and stay home to end of July (by then it was my choice apparently) and worked through to September. I was further diagnosed with a lung condition that I have had previously which can become chronic and even terminal, but currently is being treated. I have gone in for non-face-to-face training, occasionally since, but I am now shielding until 21st of February. My boss has asked me to take over a role working in an admin office for a short period. I don’t want to but I’m feeling obliged and that I should go in as it is an office with a number of people (possibly three). I feel guilty not being there with my colleagues helping. I know there will be people out there who are on both sides of the opinions of Covid and the dangers so I’m asking for advice. Husband thinks I am crazy to do Boss favours when it clearly isn’t returned. WWYD?

Do you feel well enough to do it? If you do, and are able to maintain distance from the others in the office, then I'd do it. I don't think you can pick and choose unfortunately.
It's a shame that you ignored the shielding advice before, but what's done is done.
Keep well.

I'm also shielding.
Lockdown 1 - furloughed by work, went back at first opportunity (Aug).
Lockdown 2 - off 3 days till arrangements made for different working conditions (supermarket work off the shop floor ie away from Joe Public).
Lockdown 3 - following the guidance I am shielding again. There are more variants, more deaths and many more in hospital than in either previous lockdown.

I completely empathise re the guilt but honestly with your health conditions you should be shielding IMO.
It might be unlikely but could you really risk presenting yourself at A&E with COVID AND other health problems AND yes you carried on working AND yes it was in a hospital.
I personally don't want to be that person. It's really not about you as an individual it's that the NHS NEEDS to not see people like us right now.

Just my opinion and experience obviously. HTH.
Stay safe.

Can't you say you'll be happy to do something working from home?

I would offer to do admin working from home. that seems like the most sensible solution

How stressful for you, but please listen to your DH

If you need to shield then don’t go into work! What does your consultant recommend?

Hopefully you’re a priority to be vaccinated?

Is this your manager deciding you can come in or have occy health made this decision?

A lot of our shielders are back now and it’s only the CEV who seem to be off. Some have been doing admin/office roles.