[rehab nurse]

Hello to all my friends who work in LTC/geriatrics/subacute...

I worked for my current (kind of) employer for just about 6 years. I really worked hard for them, would pick up extra shifts, worked odd hours, took on extra work with a physician group to do geriatric assessments, etc. Really tried to get established, and I did. I earned respect from the NP's and MD's , and the RN's and LPN's. That is, until I got sick. Really sick.

So last year, I missed a lot of work. A manager (RN) came to me and told me to file FMLA so I could protect my job. I did, and really took it intermittently. If I felt good, I would pick up days. But it never failed that I would miss some. I had a lot of serious medical issues, and still am battling some of them. My body has become my own worst enemy.

Now there is a new administrator and a new DON and a new ADON. All brand spanking new management. They have been through about 30 nurses/management since the last two years. I work on a off unit, which is closed. So I haven't been caught up in too much drama until I got sick. I have been through so much with the new DON and really the only reason I haven't quit is because I am using up the rest of my FMLA before I end up going on COBRA. I just don't know why this new managerment team is treating me like I am pond scum. They really love the nurses who don't know what they don't know, and kiss up to the managers. I respect those who give me respect back, and I'm not getting respect now.

Last paragraph/vent, I promise. I'm currently battling cancer. I'm fighting for my life right now, and I am continually being put on the schedule, almost like they want me to be a No Call/No Show so they can say I "quit". I gave them the papers that my doctor signed after my TAHBSO/radiation treatments saying I need X amount of time off. Yet they keep scheduling me. All I get is lies. They keep trying to call my Oncologist to get info out of him. He tells them to get lost since he gave them the proper documents, and told them they're crossing the line. They have called him at least five times, but deny it to me. I will leave this place, but right now is not the time for me to be going looking for a job. I need the insurance, so I am just trying to hang on. I really enjoyed my work there, loved my patients. I will really miss it.

I just wish I could get some fair treatment. It seems now they just want a warm body and a license. Okay, vent over. Sorry so long.

[ingelein]

I know it is hard to think about fighting for one more thing ,BUT you need to get an employment lawyer who is familiar with FLMA and the ADA regulations, I do think that you will fall under the protection of the ADA and for sure the FLMA, get some legal help NOW instead of being their victim. You are battling the cancer, consider the administration and management as another cancer for you to BEAT!!! Also call your local womens support group, ask to be refered to a health support group that can help hook you up to legal help, probably at no cost, PLEASE dont give up. We are here for you.PM me if you want, really.As to why some people are so cruel and hateful, I dont know , but they do seem to congregate in the Administraors and DONs office.( Dont get upset all you DONs out there, I am sure there are some very nice ones somewhere, but seem hard to find lately).

[bethin]

Originally Posted by rehab nurse

Last paragraph/vent, I promise. I'm currently battling cancer. I'm fighting for my life right now, and I am continually being put on the schedule, almost like they want me to be a No Call/No Show so they can say I "quit". I gave them the papers that my doctor signed after my TAHBSO/radiation treatments saying I need X amount of time off. Yet they keep scheduling me. All I get is lies. They keep trying to call my Oncologist to get info out of him. He tells them to get lost since he gave them the proper documents, and told them they're crossing the line. They have called him at least five times, but deny it to me. I will leave this place, but right now is not the time for me to be going looking for a job. I need the insurance, so I am just trying to hang on. I really enjoyed my work there, loved my patients. I will really miss it.

I just wish I could get some fair treatment. It seems now they just want a warm body and a license. Okay, vent over. Sorry so long.

I wish you could get some fair treatment. What a lousy way to treat an employee who is fighting for her life! Do they not have a heart inside their chests?

I would get a lawyer stat. Let him deal with this so you can get better.

((((rehab))))

[caliotter3]

Totally agree with what ingelein has posted and can empathize. Been through similar. They know when to put it to a person and have no consideration for what happens to you in the end. Have read your other posts and believe you really need to work on stress relief and relaxation in order to put up with your probs. A good lawyer at this point is essential. Try to get low profile at work. Are you on day shift? It would really be good if you could transfer to nocs or at least pm's so you could try to physically avoid some of these people. We will try to give support. You should try to maintain, do not fight these people just to be fighting them. Go to work if they want you to go to work. Just do things slowly and rest as much as possible. Let your doctor tell them off for you. The longer you hold on, the closer you are to winning this battle. I've seen several examples, (self included), where people who are not quite bright, healthy, young, and perky are targeted. So just calm down and go in and do your best. PM me if you need to, can't offer much help but will accept your venting.

[caliotter3]

You might be forced to go whole hog disability. However, you know how hard this is and how little money you would be getting to survive. You really should try to hang on as long as possible. Our positive thoughts are with you.

[RNS for Unity]

1/16/07
Dear REHAB Nurse, I feel for you. You poor dear. You might want to consider whether you are eligible for SSI disability, considering you have cancer. The disability income and medicaid/medicare might make your situation bearable. You need to focus on getting your health back. Take care, I'll say a prayer for you. It must take tremendous strength to face such adversity. Talk to an attorney.

RNS for Unity

[Suesquatch]

Lawyer up. I'm sure your oncologist will document their many breeches. Breaches? And get a package that requires them to keep paying your health insurance.

Medicaid will require you to have no assets - like your house - left before you qualify.

[GardenDove]

Wow, it's a cruel heartless world sometimes. I'm sorry about this. I'm not surprised at their cruelty, they are just thinking of themselves and their bottom line. All they want is a warm body, like you said.

Above advise is good I think.

[rn4unva]

I am so sorry you are being subjected to such blatantly inconsiderate, selfish, and ignorant behavior. I have been in this situation before, where the administrator and DON were almost jealous that I was out. However I had the doctor's note that covered me for my days out. but they treated me different when I came back. It is really bad when nurses lose the compassion that they know they should have for their patients as well as their coworkers. You are in my prayers. Keep your head up, and try not to let on to them that their behavior is bothering you. and I believe I would seek legal advisement as well.

[jetscreamer101]

Make sure you know all you can about ADA and FMLA. I'm having some difficulties with my current employer also. Write everything in a note book. Who you've talked to , when and about what.

You might (I am) consider contacting an employment law attorney, and or an advocesy (SP) group.

On ADA- there is alot of info on the job accomodation network online.
good luck

I have spent quite a few years at my place of employment and until recently, management was good. I put in extra hours, extra shift, worked holidays, covered managerial positions. I feel like i'm in a hostile environment now. My policy now is they get me eight hours a day. That's it. 8 hours. I do all patient care first, then document. So if that means no documentation, so be it. They are working us short staffed and expect us to get everything done.