Can you believe this???

Published

Specializes in critical care, med/surg.

On Friday night, my only night off this week, I was at my niece's birthday party when I got a call from work.

It was the nursing supervisor trying to mandate me to come in on my day off-I could not believe it! She was rude and almost demanding me to leave my family function and come to work, 30 minutes before shift change.

I obviously refused to go to work, and then she informed me that I may be subject to disiplinary action.

Has anyone else ever experienced anything like this, and can my employer legally DEMAND me to come in on my day off on short notice?

:(

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Specializes in Corrections, Psych, Med-Surg.

Yep, I filed a grievance with the union and it is presently being handled by the state labor commission.

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Specializes in critical care, med/surg.

sjoe, was it the same type of situation?

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I only have one word to say: unfortunately I'd probably get kicked off the board for saying it, it means illegitimate, plural.

Union is a dirty word here, no such thing.

Subject to disciplinary action, that was probably an idle threat on her part, to make you come in. Let us know what happens.

I can't believe the nerve of these people. I hope one day everything just comes crashing down around their ears.

They treat us like indentured servants.

Good luck.

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

Did you tell her that slavery was outlawed a number of years ago?

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Originally posted by cannoli

I only have one word to say: unfortunately I'd probably get kicked off the board for saying it, it means illegitimate, plural.

Union is a dirty word here, no such thing.

Subject to disciplinary action, that was probably an idle threat on her part, to make you come in. Let us know what happens.

I can't believe the nerve of these people. I hope one day everything just comes crashing down around their ears.

They treat us like indentured servants.

Good luck.

Same here. And....so glad you stood up for yourself and all nurses by refusing to go in!

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Unless it is in your contract, the employee handbook, or the policy book I don't think she has a leg to follow through with this.

Unfortunately managers do not automatically know employment law. Unfortunately many act without seeking counsel from HR who could set them straight.

You might suggest that you will look into the legallity of her statement, then do so, with the labor board, HR, and or legal counsel.

In any case ordering and threatening are signs of poor management ability. It is exceptionally poor leadership.

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Don't answer the phone!

And if you mess up and it's work wanting you to come in...Tell them, "I've been drinking".

-Russell

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Good answer...and you can say it without feeling that you've lied (you're not specifying what it was you were drinking).

I agree that if this isn't in your contract, you have no obligation to work. Pretty ballsy ploy on the supervisor's part. I'd report her for harassment.

caroladybelle: LOL!

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Specializes in Med-surg; OB/Well baby; pulmonology; RTS.

Last time I heard, no one can harrass you to come into work....

:chuckle caroladybelle...

I'll have to remember the "drinking" thing next time....:p :roll

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:(

Yes, sorry to say this happened to me once. I was not able to go to work because a power line was across the road and the deputy sheriff was turning everyone back. She was calling me to cover for the other nurse who could not come either. When she threatened me I told her I was calling the labor board in the AM. A different tune was then sung. I have also been called off for the day and 2 hours later the supervisor would call and tell me to come in to work. I had the answering machine on and of course did not answer the phone. Sometimes the bottom line on staffing is cut too closely by supervision and then the bomb explodes and there is no staff to cover. Too bad, but when I am off, I am off and the answering machine is my best friend.

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I don't think you can be 'mandated' to come in.

YOu are employed a certain number of hours and you work those. That is the employment agreement.

If there is a state of emergency and that is disclosed to you , as in, :"we are in a disaster mode are you able to come in right away or available in the near future" that would only be different in that it might make you more (or less) willing to go to work.

To tell you to work above your standard hours is bull. Next time besides telling her you are 1/2 in the bag tell her as soon as you discuss this situation with the labor board you will be happy to give her a definitive answer.

And we wonder why people don't want to stay in nursing????

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