Can I get fired?

[Mrsvirgomama, BSN]

I am a PRN nurse that got dx with cancer this year. I told my manager and she told me not to worry about working and to handle my health, which is what I have been doing. So, I get a text that she cannot keep my position due to commitment issue and I am not sure if she can do this or not? I know being PRN is different but just curious if anyone has dealt with this?

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Putting my prior manager hat on.

FMLA Act should be utilized if you qualify for coverage:

Quote

Eligible employees: Employees are eligible if they work for a covered employer for at least 12 months, have at least 1,250 hours of service with the employer during the 12 months before their FMLA leave starts, and work at a location where the employer has at least 50 employees within 75 miles.

Since you are listed as PRN, often there is a required minimum # hours required to work to maintain this status.  If you are unable to fulfill the work requirement, then yes the employer has the right to terminate employment.  Especially if short staffed and employer needs a body to work hours you are unable to provide, a position will be termed to allow another hire to maintain budgeted # employees.  Often a Manager hands are tiwed by corporate policies.  Discuss your situation with HR-- it may be more favorable to resign in good standing due to unable work PRN position than to be fired and listed as ineligible to be rehired. 

I've see an employer rehire a good employee once their health status is stable and permits them to fulfill hourly commitment.  

Make sure to ask for a reference to use for future employment now.

 Hope your cancer can get into remission.  My MIL was told 3 months in 1979 as advanced Ovarian cancer -- had new chemo, was in clinical trial for Epogen as new product.  She got to see the births of my 2 sons. passing in 1989.

Take care.

[Mrsvirgomama, BSN]

Thank you for answering and sharing about your MIL. I appreciate it.