Complaints of Complaining

[mermer_rn, BSN]

My facility has now implemented a "no complaining policy" and have hung up signs that say "no complaining zone" and the like. They furloughed a ton of staff and took away the yearly extra shift bonuses that the nurses worked their butts off to earn and are now offering large sign on bonuses to new recruits as well as hazard pay, but only for new employees and many other morale crushers. Discussing salary is now a fireable offense. I will admit there has been grumbling and complaining, but now when we try to say ANYTHING, such as legitimate concerns and safety issues, acuity levels and inappropriate placement we are met with the "no complaining policy" and threatened with a performance write up. The ones who don't ever "complain" just seem to keep getting more and more work shoveled onto them and I feel like we are being trained to shut up and work, when we shouldn't be. Any one else facing ridiculous "policies" like this? It's making me want to run away fast, but trying to find another job in all this mess seems daunting.

[JKL33]

6 hours ago, mermer_rn said:

but trying to find another job in all this mess seems daunting.

Try anyway.

Living the way you describe is more daunting.

[NurseBlaq]

I know that feeling.....

[Lynker, LPN]

Good lord. Run away as fast as you can. Any job that won't even let you discuss problematic policies and such is not a job ANYONE should be at. Put that on top of everything else you mentioned...

Good luck.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

This is not a policy...this is thought control. The labor relations board needs to be brought in.

The newbies will quickly lose their sign on benefits. Then this for profit facility will again be scrambling for nurses.

Facility knows this is tough times for job seekers, you must search anyway.

[Lovethenurse2b25, ASN, BSN, CNA, LPN, RN]

16 hours ago, mermer_rn said:

My facility has now implemented a "no complaining policy" and have hung up signs that say "no complaining zone" and the like. They furloughed a ton of staff and took away the yearly extra shift bonuses that the nurses worked their butts off to earn and are now offering large sign on bonuses to new recruits as well as hazard pay, but only for new employees and many other morale crushers. Discussing salary is now a fireable offense. I will admit there has been grumbling and complaining, but now when we try to say ANYTHING, such as legitimate concerns and safety issues, acuity levels and inappropriate placement we are met with the "no complaining policy" and threatened with a performance write up. The ones who don't ever "complain" just seem to keep getting more and more work shoveled onto them and I feel like we are being trained to shut up and work, when we shouldn't be. Any one else facing ridiculous "policies" like this? It's making me want to run away fast, but trying to find another job in all this mess seems daunting.

I have never heard of a facility policing like so. I would start looking for a new job.

[MelEpiRN]

Doesn't sound like a place I'd want to stick around in.

And I could be getting my laws mixed up here, but I'm fairly certain it is against the law to prohibit salary discussions amongst non management employees.

[RNperdiem, RN]

This resembles a toxic relationship. The famous question applies- is this relationship acceptable to you? Do you want to tolerate being treated shabbily then being told to shut up and smile? Time to break up with this job. You can do better.

[mermer_rn, BSN]

3 hours ago, MelEpiRN said:

Doesn't sound like a place I'd want to stick around in.

And I could be getting my laws mixed up here, but I'm fairly certain it is against the law to prohibit salary discussions amongst non management employees.

I sat down and did some research, as I should have to begin with, and you are correct. It is written in their contract that you sign upon employment, that you are not to discuss salaries, but it's not enforceable. However, I live in an "at will" state, so an employee could be fired for another reason with no legal repercussions unless the employee did very careful documentation and hired a lawyer. I think I better get my resume spruced up and my certifications up to date and get the heck out of here before I'm terminated or worse, have my license on the line. Thank you

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

If you have a concern about patient care, how is that going to be addressed? They must have a process available.

[egg122 NP, MSN, APRN]

It's time to vote with your feet. You may end up getting a sign on bonus at the next job if that is going on in your area.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

BTDT, got the battle scars to prove it. You do know this "no complaining" BS is exactly that, don't you? Please run, do not walk, away from this job. You're being treated more like a factory worker (and I know this because I was one decades ago) than a professional nurse. Get the heck out of there ASAP!