Get your hand out of my pocket!

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I received a letter stating that I had to repay the portion of the sign-on bonus I received due to the fact that I left the facility. I have no problem paying the money except that they are including the taxed portion, isn't that like paying twice? Also, I left because they downsized and my position was no longer available. They told the NM, the nurse bumping me, and the person who completes the scheduling that I was losing my position. Everyone but me, instead they told the nurse replacing me, "just erase her name from the self-scheduling book and add yours", they cancelled my shifts so that that nurse replacing me could "gain experience on her floor" when I questioned personnel they said, "bumping is commencing on the 8th and that is when you will be notified, we can not give out any further information". So, I began interviewing at other facilities and resigned before the 8th. After that kind treatment from administration I have to cut them a check, I think I would rather chew broken glass!

Specializes in critical care, med/surg.

Send on the collection agency!!

I don't understand how they can eliminate your position, and then replace you.

I would contact an attorney.

Specializes in critical care, med/surg.

Send on the collection agency!!

I don't understand how they can eliminate your position, and then replace you.

I would contact an attorney.

I do not understand the situation either and personnel refused to explain. They replaced me with another nurse with more senority who had been displaced after the facility closed a floor. When I asked if I could then bid on an open position that had been posted, they feigned ignorance, then said that position did not exist, and that no positions were being offered to the nurses being bumped and that no bids were being accepted. What really stinks is that this came about not two weeks after a meeting the facility held for the nurses stating that no one would be out of a job, that the floor that was ultimately closed was just "under renovation" and to not jump to conclusions because the nurses station had been ripped out and beds removed, even went so far as to create a newsletter and make the front page a message from the DON that told everyone to remain calm that no positions were being eliminated. And as far as talking to the union, they held a secret meeting with the facility and sold us out, agreeing to the bumping and closing of positions. I will just grit my teeth and pay the blood money, I refuse to let them ruin my credit rating after destroying my faith in humankind!

I do not understand the situation either and personnel refused to explain. They replaced me with another nurse with more senority who had been displaced after the facility closed a floor. When I asked if I could then bid on an open position that had been posted, they feigned ignorance, then said that position did not exist, and that no positions were being offered to the nurses being bumped and that no bids were being accepted. What really stinks is that this came about not two weeks after a meeting the facility held for the nurses stating that no one would be out of a job, that the floor that was ultimately closed was just "under renovation" and to not jump to conclusions because the nurses station had been ripped out and beds removed, even went so far as to create a newsletter and make the front page a message from the DON that told everyone to remain calm that no positions were being eliminated. And as far as talking to the union, they held a secret meeting with the facility and sold us out, agreeing to the bumping and closing of positions. I will just grit my teeth and pay the blood money, I refuse to let them ruin my credit rating after destroying my faith in humankind!

I hate to say this (and be the devil's advocate) but since you left the facility prior to them terminating you, you did not complete your contract. If they would have terminated you, then they would not have the right to ask for the money.

While I agree with the other posters that something doesn't sound right, it sounds as if they forced you to make a decision to leave prior to them "officially" terminating your position, therefore protecting themselves and their money.

Did you get any notification in writing that they were downsizing and that your position was being eliminated? If you did, you may have a good argument not to pay them back...if not.....

I hate to say this (and be the devil's advocate) but since you left the facility prior to them terminating you, you did not complete your contract. If they would have terminated you, then they would not have the right to ask for the money.

While I agree with the other posters that something doesn't sound right, it sounds as if they forced you to make a decision to leave prior to them "officially" terminating your position, therefore protecting themselves and their money.

Did you get any notification in writing that they were downsizing and that your position was being eliminated? If you did, you may have a good argument not to pay them back...if not.....

Specializes in ICU.

Wow! Your union did that? Do you have a department of labour relations? Who oversees the industiral award that you work under? Can you talk to a polititian?

Keep us posted. IF they claim they are letting you go due to unsatifactory work (and if you push this claim WILL be made) then stand on your digs and demand under the principle of natural justice that you be given full disclosure of all incidents.

Specializes in ICU.

Wow! Your union did that? Do you have a department of labour relations? Who oversees the industiral award that you work under? Can you talk to a polititian?

Keep us posted. IF they claim they are letting you go due to unsatifactory work (and if you push this claim WILL be made) then stand on your digs and demand under the principle of natural justice that you be given full disclosure of all incidents.

Don't let it slide. I know that's easier said than done but this is so wrong on so many levels. It doesn't sound crazy to me because I've seen this kind of fancy footwork before including the union move. This is why there are lawyers who represent nurses. You should get one. At least consult with one.

Don't let it slide. I know that's easier said than done but this is so wrong on so many levels. It doesn't sound crazy to me because I've seen this kind of fancy footwork before including the union move. This is why there are lawyers who represent nurses. You should get one. At least consult with one.

There probably is a way for you to recoup, or at least get credit for, the taxes you paid on the money you have to repay. Do you have a good tax person?

There probably is a way for you to recoup, or at least get credit for, the taxes you paid on the money you have to repay. Do you have a good tax person?

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