Am I just being petty?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I finally resigned from a facility that has continually made me feel like yesterday's trash, yet they still manage to make me feel as though it is by some fault of mine and not theirs. I graduated last spring and began in their ICU under the premise of a detailed orientation, yet upon entering the ICU I was told "the best way to learn is sink or swim" given 2-3 patients and no further instruction. I bid on another floor, yet again received no orientation, I was told "I am sure you learned what you need to know during your stint in the ICU" and at that time I questioned why I had to work 3 weekends a month while everyone else was working 2, I was told, "not to be ***** and pull my own weight" I worked on that floor for 2 months when rumors began circulating that the floor was closing, the NM told us "not to believe everything we hear" next day the floor is closed, I spent the next 3 months floating. Not that I hated floating, but many floors looked upon the floats as a mini-vacation, giving them all of the admissions, the most patients, etc. The floor eventually opened up and then the rumors began about a layoff, personnel waved off the rumors until 3 weeks ago when they verified there would be a layoff but would not elaborate on who it would affect. I was never informed by anyone in management or personnel that I was losing my position, yet a NM told the nurse taking my job to"cross my name out of the scheduling book and just add hers in my place" when I questioned personnel, I was told "bumping is taking place Feb. 14, you will be notified Feb. 13" So I resigned. Instead of an apology, they were grateful, "one less person to displace" Now I am told that while everyone else has enjoyed personal days, "the computer says that I did not earn any and the computer is never wrong" I fought for vacation that they owed me, yet they refused to allow me to take it, "it is not convenient for the facility" yet they have cancelled me "and we can not offer you any pay for these days" I do not know what I did wrong, I go to work on time everyday, I never take dinner, I do not complain. The staff is the only reason I have stayed as long as I have, and even they feel sorry for me. Was I right to leave and preserve my dignity or do I not work and play well with others?

I agree with Hoolahan. Gather together all your pay stubs and a copy of the employee handbook and go to the Labor Board.

I don't know what state you work in, but there are laws that have to be followed in regards to lay-offs. You may also be eligible for unemployment benefits while you look for another job.

The Labor Board will be able to advise you and let you know if any of your rights were violated. Good Luck!

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