DON tells me another nurse will be taking my position in Feburyary

Specialties LTC Directors

Published

I'm an LPN at a long-term care facility. I've been the treatment nurse on weekend option for the last year. I love my job and my management and have never had any issues with them. They have always stood behind the nurses.

I finished RN school in December and am scheduled to start my internship at a hospital in February. I had discussed with my DON around Christmas time that I would probably be leaving by late February. Circumstances changed (found out hospital internship only trains during the week and internship is for 90 days) and I told her I wanted to stay a few months longer in my position after February. She tells me it is too late because she has started shuffling nurses' schedules around to accommodate a couple of other nurses who have started RN school this semester. I'm told the last day I can work in my position is Feb. 19 and that another nurse who wanted my position after I left will be taking it.

I don't feel this is fair. I never gave any formal notice. We had merely discussed this informally. In every job that I have ever worked, the position was mine until I gave a notice. I was under the assumption that would be the case with my leaving job. I was also counting on this job as a fall back in the event that I don't pass the NCLEX my first round in a couple of weeks. She was offended that I stated the position should be mine until I give notice. She said she will schedule nurses as she sees fit to cover schedules and I can take it or leave it. Offered me a M-F 3-11 position after February.

Is it legal to force someone out of a position without a formal notice? Is there any recourse I have? This does not feel fair or ethical. Wouldn't this make me eligible for unemployment? Thanks for your advice.

It is fair as far as the DON is concerned. She is looking out for her interests in keeping the place staffed and keeping those people who are staying happy. She wants no part in playing guessing games as to when you will leave. Not saying this as a dig at you, only way I can think to word it at this point. Best way to handle these situations is to wait until you are 110 per cent sure or you will usually be the one out in the cold.

A two week notice is sufficient to let her know I am leaving. There are no guessing games.

I agree with srleslie, however, as caliotter3 mentioned, it is extremely difficult to staff so many nurses schedules :(

It was very kind of you to give her such an early heads up, so I can see why you would be a little upset. Bottom line for the staff nurse is to get things staffed as soon as there is even a hint of anyone leaving.

Maybe you will find with your new school load, that it was all for the best.

Wishing you much success in your RN program!

Specializes in Geriatric/Sub Acute, Home Care.

With all the miscommunication that happens on the unit the best way to make sure is to give notice on paper. Verbally is not written in stone because things happen unexpectedly as it happened to you......and you told her you would PROBABLY leave....it was HER JOB to ASK you again if you were still going to leave to confirm it....But she didnt, its her fault for not following up She most likely has the old schedule I am sure.....but she jumped ahead without confirmation from you or a written form stating you were leaving. I would protest this....but bad thing about most LTC facilities is that they arent Unionized and there is no one to fight for you, you are on your own against the wind, unless you have a best friend relationship with the higher ups or all the nurses are willing to shift back to their regular schedules without a big deal..

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