Need Advice - Losing my job!!

nursePat · Jun 21, 1999

I feel your pain. As a new grad it's esp. difficult during that first year post grad. My first thought is where is your husband. If you're working nights, there should be time when you can get some sleep and he can take care of the child(ren). That's worked in my family for 14 years.

Secondly, you may want to talk with the temp. supervisor and make sure she understands how valued a member of the team you are. Try to understand her position, whatever that may be, and offer to assist some how. He/she is probably worried about trying to find another PT employee. If necessary, get letters of reference from your coworkes and your shift supervisor.

Then when all else fails, go to the next level of management to fight for your job.

Good luck

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nursePat

http://www.nurse-recruiter.com

[email protected]

ceecee · Jun 21, 1999

Hi,

First of all, I don't know where you are from, but unless there is REASON for firing, incompetance, unreliability etc, I do not believe you can be fired. They agreed to the part-time status change, correct? I agree with the first post, speak with your supervisor then go above if needed. Good luck. Cecilia

barb o · Jun 21, 1999

ceecee, depending on the state you live in, your employer can fire you for any reason they choose, including significant things like how old you are, how big you are, what kind of clothes you wear. They are, of course, not going to tell you that there is a difference of opinion. They will come up with some bland, generic reason. It is up to you, as the employee to prove that you were fired for unjust cause. Do you have the time and money to fight for your job? If you are unionized, it may be more difficult to get yourself fired, but it can still happen. Don't kid yourself!

nurseyperson · Jun 21, 1999

What do they mean you need a full year of full time experience to be valuable? You are valuable just as you are! I agree with all the other posts, speak with whoever is above your temporary supervisor. Explain your situation and ask them to try to help you. With the shortage of nurses, I cannot believe they would fire you because you can't go full time.

States that can fire you for any reason are called "At Will states" (I believe). You can be fired for any reason, isn't that terrible?

I am sure there are many things that affect your situation. Any chance you can find another good day care? Anyone to help you out at all? What about 12 hour shifts and someone to watch your child just those 3 days a week? Is there a significant other that can help? Good luck!

nurseyperson

CEN35 · Jun 22, 1999

Becca0528-

Firing for any reason? I doubt it. Someone posted, that you can be fired for the clothes you wear, etc. That would be called discrimination, which is against the law in any state. As far as time or money, to fight for your job? Any lawyer would pick a case up like this in a heartbeat. They make money off the win, just like you would.

Anyhow, back to the initial question.

#1 - Unless you do something grossly incompetent, like: disregard for pt safety, giving meds without an order, or errors of ommision and commision, etc. The immediate supervisor rarely has the power ti fire or hire.

In our hospital, which is joined with one of the countries #1 hospitals, you can only be fired by your director, and usually with a blessing from Human Resources.

#2 - It does not make any sense for your supervisor to say, whet he(she) did. Currently it is much harder to get part time positions filled then full time. Everybody wants full time, those positions go in a heart beat.

#3 - All hospitals have policies, regarding these situations. Check out your Human Resources dept., as well as your hospital policy manuel. Do it now, don't wait until the situation occurs. This essentially falls under the catagory, of blackmail, which is also against the law.

#4 - Get proof of the alleged statement by your supervisor. Make sure you can back your statement, so that it is nopt your word against theirs.

Last - six months of experience at full time, is significant. Don't pay any attention to the lines your supervisor feeds you.

Any other questions, post them.

CEN

tina34 · Jun 30, 1999

In Indiana you can be terminated for any reason as we are an at will State. Even though they may have agreed to the part-time status did you get a contract? an agreement? that protects that status?

Unfortunately, in our State they can basically state they are firing you for your inability to cover the shifts requested. This is legal in Indiana (maybe not too ethical). I worked on many cases against a former employer (very large hospital) in Indianapolis. The supervisor would fire them because they refused a shift...patient abandonment was threatened but not used. The hospital won with the State Labor Relations Board by stating the nurse was unavailable to cover shifts that the hospital needed her to cover. She is a great nurse and had a similar situation but in an at will state it is quite a bit easier to terminate.

I agree that you need to speak with the temp. supervisor and then take it to the Administrator or Vice President of Patient Care Services if you are unsuccesful with him/her.

Best of success in your future nursing career.

Ahn · Jul 1, 1999

Becca IS correct. Employment-at-will states allow termination of an employee for NO REASON AT ALL! Check out your employment agreement [orientation package?]. More states are following this trend. Unions have NO power either unless they can completely shut-down a hospital system.

Family? Friends? Co-workers? Daycare co-ops?

Play school? Are you elegible for state aided child care? Different shift?

Good Luck, I was in your shoes five years ago. Try agency nursing and pick your own schedule. Pick-up experience in Continuing Ed classes.

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Keeping the Faith

pdxrn · Jul 23, 1999

I don't know about "at will" States since Oregon and Washington are mostly unionized. Is there only one hospital in your city? Go find another job. There is a nursing shortage in the US now. Agencies are crying for nurses. I realize you only have 6 months experience but even if you have to do long term care for a while, you should be able to find something.Good luck.

bluesboyj · Jul 24, 1999

I urge to think carefully about whatever you decide to do. Courts have ruled in the past that nurses and hospitals have an "at will" relationship which basically means you can quit without a reason and you can be fired for any reason.

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If Ya' Don't Love The Blues, Ya' Got A Hole In Your Soul

Margy · Jul 28, 1999

Hi all... writing from Australia and it seems that we have a better deal in the hiring and firing stakes!!

Staff here cannot be fired for no reason and need warnings and counselling etc prior to this final step.

Redundancies are rare and are compensated financially, comensurate with your years of service.

Dont forget your professional indemnity insurance!!

Margy

Mystic32 · Jul 28, 1999

Hello-- I understand the problem, You might consider Homecare its a growing field and its good exp. There are alot of new homecare companies out there looking for help, and the hours and pay are flexable.

Mystic