my DON called today and told me i lost my job

[rehab nurse]

i have been off work for 3 weeks, off for 3 more at least due to a TAHBSO. I am now undergoing chemo.

i turned in all my doctors notes (copies) and letters saying i need at least 6 weeks off. well, today they called to tell me that my insurance will be cancelled end of the month, after telling me yesterday that they would double up the deductions in march when i came back. i don't qualify for FMLA again since i didn't work enough hours last year.

i'm really bummed. the admin tells me one thing yesterday, and the DON changes the decision today. i've worked there for 6 years, but i guess they can't help pushing someone down to PRN status and yanking away their insurance. now i have to worry about how i will pay for all my medications and my chemo and doctors appointments. i have no one to support me.

why couldn't they just wait a couple more weeks? why did they lie to me?? i just hate this. i know we're an at will state, but i'm still upset. the kicker is, that once i go back, they won't let me sign on for half-time or full-time status, which would qualify me for insurance. instead, i have to be contingent, but work half time hours, and after 6 months, they'd "maybe" offer me insurance. what?? that makes no sense, but i don't have any energy to worry about this. i've been shaking ever since i got this phone call today. and of course my DON had to throw in her, "i need your medical records to see what they did." um, four pages of paperwork from the hospital, plus two docs certification letters are not enough saying i need time off??

whatever. life can't get any worse at this point.

[PANurseRN1]

Do whatever you have to do to keep insurance under COBRA. If you let your insurance lapse, you might likely not be able to get coverage for at least a year due to pre-x clauses.

I agree with getting a lawyer. Are you sure you didn't work at least 1,250 yours in the past year?

[RN BSN 2009]

((((Hugs)))) and prayers for you

[CseMgr1, ASN, RN]

I'm for calling a lawyer, also. This doesn't seem quite kosher to me.

Yep. "One call, that's all", as a local lawyer here advertises on T.V.

America....home of the brave...and the uninsured.

This makes me sick. I hope you get the justice which you are due. Keep us posted.

[WinksRN]

You can get your job back.contact EEOC, a similar situation happened to a co-worker of mine becasue she had to take a lot of time off due to her son's sickle cell disease they fired her and had to give it right back, they cannot terminate you under those circumstances , get a lawyer, that is discriminating.

[muffie, RN]

good luck dear

i hope your health issues improve

[Cattitude]

that's terrible. i wonder what makes me people like this don so mean. to lose your insurance at a time when you so desperately need it... take care and heal rehab nurse! good wishes to you...

[Batman24]

Ditto on the lawyer. I would call one first thing Monday morning. This sounds like a clear case of discrimination. And under no circumstance is she is entitled to your medical records. If she doesn't know that she has no business being a DON.

Don't let this go. You deserve better. Get a good lawyer and they will help you. Feel better sweetie. I will pray for you.

[TazziRN, RN]

Time to call an attorney. If she asks for your records again throw HIPAA in her face. She has no need to know, therefore has no right to your medical information.

[Gromit]

If your state is a real 'right to work' state like mine (Florida) I'm not sure a lawyer will do you any good -but hey, you (literally) have nothing to lose, and your case would play rather well to the news folks -to that issue, I'd talk to them if the lawyer doesn't pan out. Over here (in the Tampa area) we have '8 (news channel 8 ) on your side' -they do local human-interest things, and when someone is done really wrong (like your case) they will often run the piece, and talk to the offending party -this almost always has a positive result (nobody needs bad publicity, and a hospital certainly doesn't) -I'm sure there is something like them in your area. Keep 'em in mind.

I wish you luck with the lawyer -I really hate seeing someone getting kicked when they're down. Reading things like this really makes me appreciate how well my own facility has treated me during my health issues this last year. You will be in our prayers.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

As someone previously mentioned, I would seriously ponder consulting an attorney so that all of your options will be laying on the table. Even though I am not a lawyer, something seems fishy and unlawful about what has happened to you.

:icon_hug: (((((Here is a hug.))))) I hope you feel better and experience better health. Good luck to you!

[jetscreamer101]

You mentioned that she never believes the things that happen to you. Have you had prolonged periods of illness? If so, you may be covered under the ADA depending on your situation. Check it out to see if it applies.

[LydiaNN]

If you have a car accident, your car insurance at least has to pay for it before they kick you to the curb. It is a shame that health insurance companies don't have to ''pay out'' a current illness if someone loses their job, and with it, their health insurance.