so.....should i call in?

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jul 16, 2007

Hello everyone! I'm in need of advice (as usual) and venting.
So, some of you may remember that a few weeks ago I posted a lengthy story of how I felt I was unfairly disciplined.. Well, I went on vacation with the impression my boss was taking care of it with HR to have it ripped up. (I work on various units and other supervisors did the disciplining.)
I checked in with her first thing Monday morning when I got back.. She hadn't heard anything from HR (notorious for dragging their feet). Then she stated she was not going to be sending me there for a while. New pay period, new schedule and I was reviewing where I was scheduled for the week. Of course I am scheduled for this floor the incident occurred on.
I left a msg with my boss stating I don't feel comfortable returning there since I feel it hasn't been resolved. I feel completely intimidated upon returning and know I won't sleep a wink the night before going..possibly jeopardizing my work performance. I know that my boss will probably call me and say "We have no one to cover, so you're going to just have to buck up and go. (not a nurse)"
I'm so angry and as someone pointed out before, they indicated they don't want me on this particular unit so I'm half ready to call in, but of course feel bad for the people I'm supposed to take care of and the other respectable staff that works there. So enlighten me as to what any of you may do in this situation.
Thanks,
Erin

Where is the original post again? I do remember you sharing the story, but forgot the details. At the moment, I would say that if you go, and you report to a nursing office to sign in, then, try and discuss it with them there. I have to admit, even without recalling the story, I would probably be tempted to call out as well, but that may be to your disadvantage; giving them more to hang you with. If you do go, and another potential situation is brewing, do nothing until you call a supervisor to come and help resolve the issue for you. When I get home, I have to try and find your post with the original situation in order for me to really say more.

Good luck! Oh, when are you due to go back to work? Hope it isn't today!

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jul 16, 2007

Go with your gut instinct, and call in...

erinp88 · Jul 16, 2007

The details were basically I went to break at the wrong time (5 mins earlier than the normal staff nurse) and wasn't helping out enough in the dining room. (Wasn't in the dining room because I was getting a resident up for a CNA and passing medications correctly since state was there.) There was a snotty nurse involved who did nothing but tell on other nurses all day and she obviously told on me.

I spent 20 mins on the phone with the HR rep who I could tell agreed with me that it was an unfair situation. He was going to the unit to investigate. However, it sounds like my boss (who i love dearly) didn't follow up with it prior to my vacation. Since it's been over 48 hrs, there's not much that can be done. (I of course left a message with her prior to leaving on vacation and said, I think I'm supposed to do something within 48 hrs and never heard back).

Now I'm playing phone tag with the HR rep.. I don't think they were going to do much for me. If anything they'll relocate me to a different floor and make sure I'm not working with the rude nurse.

I'm upset. Our handbook says that employees shouldn't have to work feeling intimidated or be in a situation where performing their job is at risk.. I am obviously not going to sleep at all tonight!

If I call in now, it looks completely planned, but maybe that's ok. The unit obviously didn't appreciate my help when I was there a few weeks ago and maybe the manager would enjoy working the floor.

Thanks for your input! This stuff stresses me out.

pagandeva2000, LPN · Jul 16, 2007

The details were basically I went to break at the wrong time (5 mins earlier than the normal staff nurse) and wasn't helping out enough in the dining room. (Wasn't in the dining room because I was getting a resident up for a CNA and passing medications correctly since state was there.) There was a snotty nurse involved who did nothing but tell on other nurses all day and she obviously told on me.
I spent 20 mins on the phone with the HR rep who I could tell agreed with me that it was an unfair situation. He was going to the unit to investigate. However, it sounds like my boss (who i love dearly) didn't follow up with it prior to my vacation. Since it's been over 48 hrs, there's not much that can be done. (I of course left a message with her prior to leaving on vacation and said, I think I'm supposed to do something within 48 hrs and never heard back).
Now I'm playing phone tag with the HR rep.. I don't think they were going to do much for me. If anything they'll relocate me to a different floor and make sure I'm not working with the rude nurse.
I'm upset. Our handbook says that employees shouldn't have to work feeling intimidated or be in a situation where performing their job is at risk.. I am obviously not going to sleep at all tonight!
If I call in now, it looks completely planned, but maybe that's ok. The unit obviously didn't appreciate my help when I was there a few weeks ago and maybe the manager would enjoy working the floor.
Thanks for your input! This stuff stresses me out.

How long will your boss be on vacation? It would not surprize me if they sent you there, anyway. I am completely on your side, (so know this isn't me talking or agreeing with what I am about to say); but, sometimes, the way management looks at things; they believe that people snitch on each other and argue daily, thus, may not take it too seriously.

You are lucky you don't work in my place. People get into physical fights and they still make them work together. Unions are too strong to fire them and there is a shortage. I have seen things that would make your hair stand on edge. Bottom line is to follow your gut, but have a plan just in case you still have to walk into this. Is there a way to contact your boss?

erinp88 · Jul 16, 2007

I wrote a response earlier and don't see it posted!

Anyways, my situation is a big old mess! My boss kept telling me that HR never got back to her and HR told me that my boss never contacted him! At this point, he can no longer do anything to retract to reprimand because it's been two weeks.

They weren't able to make a schedule switch for me tomorrow at all. The HR guy said he had talked to the DON of the facility and asked that I not be placed on the same floor as the rude nurse... Even if we're not on the same floor, we'll be in the same vicinity so it's not really helpful.

The HR guy did do some investigating today.. only to find out that I do a good job and that my record is incredibly clean.

Either way I am incredibly angry and have no desire to see any of these people tomorrow. I informed the HR guy that I will be resigning by the end of the week!

I wish I did have a union because I have no one to advocate for myself but me and that doesn't seem to be good enough!

Lets hope no one confronts me tomorrow because I am not good in situations like that! And if I can't sleep, I am calling in!

Thanks again for those that had input.

Erin