90 day performance review!

[americanTrain]

Iam fairly new to hospice nursing and getting discouraged. I would like a little feedback from time to time from my administrator on how Iam doing. It is written in the employee handbook,that we are to recieve a 90 day performance review. I never discuss what I make with other nurses and neither do they, but one nurse popped

off one day and said that after she was employed for a month she got a review and a raise. I have been with the company for 8 months now and have had to ask how I was doing. I never got that review even after I reminded them that I was expecting a review 5 months ago. I cant help but feel bitter at work now, I try hard not to be, but I sometimes feel taken advantage of. I am very dependable, always on time, never have called in sick and have not taken any time off for myself. (personal time). I assist when needed with other cases in times of heavy caseloads, take call every other week for a whole week at a time (this is required for all). I am seriously considering going back to the hospital. I have never had this problem before in the hospital. Before I give up hospice completely, would someone please advise?

[llg, PhD, RN]

You sound as if you are getting very burned out by taking a "give, give, give" approach to your job. You need to preserve your sanity by "taking" so time off for yourself so that you can develop a healthy perspective.

Once you get a little rest ... set up an appointment with your supervisor to take of the 90-day evaluation thing. Don't just wait for her to come to you and then get angry and hurt because she is distracted by other things. Make an appointment with her. Shedule it if it is important to you.

How are your relationships with your co-workers? Have you made any friends? Ask them whether or not it is usual for your boss to NOT give the evals as scheduled. If that's her pattern for most employees, then don't take the fact that she hasn't given you one personally. Find out what is usual for your department. Find a mentor ... or at least a friend that you can talk to in your workplace.

But first ... take a little time off for yourself and get some rest, fresh air, exercise, etc. No one can think clearly without that sort of thing.

[Whispera, MSN, RN]

I like the idea of you scheduling time for your review...even if it's on your day off!

[americanTrain]

Thank you! How awesome that would be for me to schedule my own performance review, that way the ball is in my court!

:bowingpur

[caliotter3]

The lazy, worthless nurse on my shift bragged about not having had a performance review in all the years she had been working at the facility when I mentioned that I was getting my review. The performance review did not coincide with reality and I was blindsided when I was chosen to be downsized out of my job shortly thereafter. My supervisor told me that the lukewarm performance review was backside covering for the employer because it was known that I was going to be laid off. Now I get upset whenever the phrase performance review is mentioned because I don't expect to be fairly judged.

I forgot to say that I have encountered the same thing as you. When it bites my craw too strongly for too long a period of time because an employer treats me as disposable, then I get proactive about finding a new employer.

[rngolfer53]

I'm not sure what you mean by not having taken any time off for yourself. Do you mean you haven't taken one day of vacation? If so, schedule some time off. After 8 months you need and deserve it. I try to schedule mine at least a few weeks in advance. That gives time for my boss to schedule someone else for that day(s) and also gives me something to look forward to.

My experience of organizations--in health care and other industries--is that they vary widely in how well they enforce the review standards. I wouldn't take it too personally unless you are the only one who didn't get reviewed.

[JNF RN]

You have already received some good advice regarding your situation. I would echo the advice to take some time for yourself. In hospice it is very important to set boundaries. Hospice nurses who don't take care of themselves don't last long in this area of practice. Take some time off and then get an appointment with your manager and get things on track.