[gt4everpn]

hotomalis, I dont know what to say, I am experiencing difficulty with nursing, but nothing compared to what u went through, huh, I'm so sorry for what has happened to u. Thank goodness you came here to allnurses. You are truly in my prayers, I will prayer persistently for you, because I have found that God always makes a way. Stay positive, you seem so strong, your strength will carry you. Best of the worlds wishes to you, and god bless!!!

[zozzy777]

I too am so sorry for what you have been through. I wish I could say I am surprised about what the hospital did, sadly I am not. I have worked for many, many hospitals in my 11 years of nursing and I can't think of one who would not have done what yours did. In my humble opinion, nowadays, hospitals don't give a crap about their employees. They only care about who shows up to work. If it's a warm body, that's all that matters. I will pray for you and don't stop the faith! Sometimes we go through things in life that are horrible, but God is always with us, good and bad!! Hang in there and keep your spirits up!!!

[NurseCherlove]

Man, I thought I had problems...nothing compared to what you've gone through. Oh Sweetie, I am so sorry you have had to endure this evil from your hospital. Unfortunately, as one poster said, I have already learned that hospitals are nothing more than greedy entities that care nothing about the ones that make them - nurses!!!! Something really good has to come your way. And from your last post, it looks like things are turning around for you. The main thing is that you are going to be ok, right? Has your doctor told you that you are cured? I will be be praying for your continued recovery, physically, mentally, and financially.

Maybe the local news station would like to hear about your story. I wish stories like this would get out to the public about hospitals. Maybe they would think twice about treating their most important employees like trash!

[bethin]

Originally Posted by walk6miles

I didn't think you could be let go for using the family act?? any lawyers available to discuss this with you? yellow pages...
my prayers are for you

The law is that (as I understand it) your employer MUST keep your job for you while you are off. If, after 16 weeks (in this case) she cannot return to her job in full capacity then she can be terminated. If she would be able to prove that she could perform her job at her previous capacity then she might be able to fight it but it sounds like she was still doing chemo at that time and too sick to work.

[bethin]

I will be keeping you and your family in my prayers. You have been through so much but yet you're not bitter. You should be proud of that. Know that everyone here is rooting for you to get better and to get out of debt. I know how large amounts of debt makes you feel like you're in a whirlpool just trying to survive. You will make it and you will be a stronger person because of it.

[fins]

Talk to a reporter, even if it's just the local fish wrapper. HR at the hospital may not want to pay your benefits, but if some higher up starts to smell the beginnings of a "sick nurse fired for having cancer" story, it might soften them up some.
Hospitals have never given a rat's @ss about nurses, and they never will, but they sure do care about bad publicity. And the sick irony of a nurse being fired from a hospital because she was sick, and left to twist in the wind with no benefits, might make it a more appealing story to the reporter than if you were an accountant or something.

[hotomalis]

I started writing to the attorney general in my state and I stopped because it was too much to handle but after hearing I am not alone and after hearing this being the norm for hospitals, I think it is time someone do something. I'm not bitter, I'm not a quitter but I have lived, seen, read and heard all things nurses do. They don't deserve to be treated this way, especially when they are sick. We deal with the stuff that others don't want to smell, see or hear. We are the troopers that mustard the stomach to deal with those who are dying. Why is it hospitals don't see this or understand when one of us falls into a disease? I'm sending that letter, and a cc will go to any reporter that will listen. CNN has an e-mail I can send to.
I'm still not bitter but I think it is time to stop being passive. Thanks guys. I needed you to say this for me to wake up.
I'll keep you posted.

[zozzy777]

I think it is an excellent idea to go to the press with your story!! Hospitals think they can treat nurses however they want and no one holds them accountable. And this nation wonders why there is a nursing shortage? Who on earth would want to work for a hospital after they did what they did to you! Make your voice heard!! I am sure I speak for many, we all support you!!

[thomk]

I really do not post on these forums, but your story has moved me greatly. Please know that I am praying for you. I think you have recieved excellent advice in regards to going to your local paper. Places of business really do care more about their image then about the very people that create that image. Even if it is a Catholic organization. Again, I am so sorry you had to endure what you have but remember that God will always be there for you and loves you very much. He has given you these people on this forum for the encouragement you need. May God bless you and your family !!

[zahryia]

hotomalis,

I can't even begin to know what you're going through and I never do. All I can say is that I'm sorry for your circumstances and admire your strength.

You're right. Nurses (really no one) should be treated this way. It really makes me mad to hear stories like this.

If you haven't already, please try and contact www.cancercare.org to see if you're eligible for financial assistance. They also provide psychosocial support for persons with cancer and their family members. All services are free.