Is this a common attendace policy?

[Dazglue]

Is it common to get an automatic write-up for calling out for a weekend shift, regardless if you have a work excuse or death in the family? I have a co-worker who has never been written up (until this incident), has perfect attendance, and just an awesome nurse that goes above and beyond for anyone. Around 10 pm on a Saturday night, her son was killed in a car accident. Of course she called out for the following morning. I was the charge nurse that night and did the procedure for the call out to get a replacement. Monday morning, I had to be present while management gave her a write-up for the call out. (Policy requires the charge nurse to be present if management writes someone up that called out on your shift).

My main issue with this policy is that we are not allowed to transfer anywhere within the facility for an entire year if we are written up, no matter the offense. So many people have been complaining about being "stuck" lately because of this unit rule. I know they are trying to prevent people from calling out on the weekend because it's harder to find replacement staffing but sometimes LIFE happens. I am not an emotional person but I had a good cry with my coworker that day who kept asking our manager why was she being punished for her son dying. She was in the process of transferring to a different unit that gave her better hours to spend time with her family, but due to the write up she could not transfer.

[Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN]

If I were in this situation, it would take every ounce of strength in my body not to resign, effective immediately, and write the following letter to the manager:

"Dear Satan Incarnate,

In light of your response after the death of my son, having me present to work two days after he died, for a write up for calling off ON THE DAY HE DIED, I would like to leave you with some parting words...

First, may you sleep every night knowing your soul lies infinitely deeper than my son's remains.

Second, while I hold professionalism in highest regard, this situation requires a succinct ending to our relationship: Go to ****."

I would rather work flipping burgers for the rest of my life than work for this person.

Now, getting back to reality because I don't know how I would actually handle the situation because I would likely be delirious considering my son's death. The rational approach would be to secure other employment first, then contact a lawyer and the news stations AND then send aforementioned letter or some variation.

This needs to be nailed to the hospital door!!!!!! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this!!!

[chrisrn24]

I would quit!

[Asystole RN]

I have worked in several places where calling off at certain times like weekends, holidays, or days on-call were recorded or "written up."

They generally were not punitive but if the behavior was repeated 3-5 times a year or whatever time frame their cited would result in termination.

It was not punitive but was a way to regulate those individuals who always seemed to have a family crisis on Christmas Day or every Saturday.

Sorry for your loss.