HH agency harassment after I quit!

Specialties Home Health

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I've read a couple other posts like my situation ....is it really that common to harass ex employees because they're that desperate for nurses ?!

Working for the agency was horrible ...I got a new job in the hospital. Decided to give 1 week notice which they wouldn't accept and talked me into 2 weeks because I'd be "inconveniencing the clients and we don't have a back up for you." You can read my other posts to get the whole deal.

Turns out I needed to start things with my new job earlier than anticipated so I didn't complete the whole 2 weeks.

Blocked their email and calls because I knew they'd bug me after I told them I wouldn't be back just like they did when I tried to give a 1 week notice before.

But now the clinical manager TEXTS me at 11 PM at night to tell me it's in my best interest as a nurse with a license to call her tomorrow?!

What is this? Can't I be done with the place? Whether I quit at a months notice or 1 day notice this feels like harassment to bother me after I am no longer associated with the agency. The fact that they're under staffed and can't keep nurses is NOT my problem.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
I've read a couple other posts like my situation ....is it really that common to harass ex employees because they're that desperate for nurses ?!

Working for the agency was horrible ...I got a new job in the hospital. Decided to give 1 week notice which they wouldn't accept and talked me into 2 weeks because I'd be "inconveniencing the clients and we don't have a back up for you." You can read my other posts to get the whole deal.

Turns out I needed to start things with my new job earlier than anticipated so I didn't complete the whole 2 weeks.

Blocked their email and calls because I knew they'd bug me after I told them I wouldn't be back just like they did when I tried to give a 1 week notice before.

But now the clinical manager TEXTS me at 11 PM at night to tell me it's in my best interest as a nurse with a license to call her tomorrow?!

What is this? Can't I be done with the place? Whether I quit at a months notice or 1 day notice this feels like harassment to bother me after I am no longer associated with the agency. The fact that they're under staffed and can't keep nurses is NOT my problem.

Depending on how you walked out it sounds like they may be developing a case for patient abandonment which would adversely affect your future. Contact your professional liability/malpractice carrier for information. You may want to review your BoN regulations and/or nurse practice act with respect to patient abandonment and obligations to know where you stand. The BoN website may also detail under what conditions an employer must report a nurse to the BoN. Was all your paperwork and exit interview material complete? All company issued equipment and supplies returned (including any paperwork and company ID card)? Your previous posts indicate you cut your last week short and the relationship was less than amicable. It doesn't sound like she's calling because they want you to work but because there is a pending issue.

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It does sound like they're trying to threaten me with that. I'll look into my state's info regarding it but just in general isn't abandonment typically the equivalent of walking out in the middle of your shift?

We were actually on good terms before this because of the fact that they used me and I let them tell me what to do.

*update* I did just read what abandonment is considered in my state. And I don't think I fit any of those. I just think that HH mgmt gets away with too much in regards to scaring employees and having their way and get mad when you leave.

I have a great new job and I really wanna leave this crap behind me in the dust ...

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Ortho, ASC.

Change your phone #.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
It does sound like they're trying to threaten me with that. I'll look into my state's info regarding it but just in general isn't abandonment typically the equivalent of walking out in the middle of your shift?

We were actually on good terms before this because of the fact that they used me and I let them tell me what to do.

*update* I did just read what abandonment is considered in my state. And I don't think I fit any of those. I just think that HH mgmt gets away with too much in regards to scaring employees and having their way and get mad when you leave.

I have a great new job and I really wanna leave this crap behind me in the dust ...

It's not only walking out in the middle of the shift. When it comes to alternate environments there are other scenarios. Take a breath, call her back and see what she wants. Don't commit, don't be hostile, you may have to correct notes or other paperwork. If it's a realistic request (correction of paperwork errors or a missing signature) then agree. If it's you must work until August 31 then politely state your notice of resignation was effective on xx date.

Do you really want to deal with the BoN to explain your side? If you have and it's anything other than correction of errors or omissions then ask your carrier for advice.

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I would see what they want. It may be that there is some documentation you did not complete, something they need you to turn in, etc. If it is an easy fix I would rather deal with that than the BON. They can be an expensive headache.

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But TEXTING me ...and at 11 pm at night? C'mon ....

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
It does sound like they're trying to threaten me with that. I'll look into my state's info regarding it but just in general isn't abandonment typically the equivalent of walking out in the middle of your shift?

We were actually on good terms before this because of the fact that they used me and I let them tell me what to do.

*update* I did just read what abandonment is considered in my state. And I don't think I fit any of those. I just think that HH mgmt gets away with too much in regards to scaring employees and having their way and get mad when you leave.

I have a great new job and I really wanna leave this crap behind me in the dust ...

Block their number for text messages.

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Specializes in Oncology; medical specialty website.
But TEXTING me ...and at 11 pm at night? C'mon ....

That's harassment.

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Specializes in Complex pedi to LTC/SA & now a manager.
But TEXTING me ...and at 11 pm at night? C'mon ....

That's out of line. Even bill collectors can't call before 8 and after 9. Call find out if it's a reasonable request such as paperwork/documentation then move on

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

This thread has been moved to the Home Health Nursing forum to increase the likelihood of generating responses from other current and former HH nurses.

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I feel the same. If you can't reach me any other way there is good ol snail mail. Not that I want them bothering me that way but texting should be out of the question.

The fact of the matter is if I really did go against the BON aren't you just going to report me anyway? (Which I don't think I did I'm just saying) How is contacting you going to result in any change on my behalf? That's why I feel like there's some kind of blackmail or overstepping of boundaries going on here.

I will contact them monday if it continues ....ive been so busy with my new job orientation stuff etc. either that or in addition to that go to the next person on the chain of command and tell them one of their managers is TEXTING me LATE at night after I already resigned ....I feel like that wouldn't go over well with anyone in charge who is actually a professional in any way.

Thanks for the replies!!

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