Do Per Diem Nurses have any rights in NYC?

[skyheaven477]

I have been working for six months as a per diem nurse. I was told that this particular floor was my priority and I should consider that before floating to other floors. I had no problem with that until the NM went back on her word and simply told me that a floating nurse hired on another floor was priority instead. I had a minor disagreement with the NM about this and now she is not calling me to work in my main floor (floor that I was originally hired). The thing is that I am very available and I hardly ever say no when called in for a shift, I am reliable and work well with my peers. I pay union dues every paycheck and I am being told by FT nurses that I have no right to speak up because they will not call me to work and that I have no power or say in the situation. Then why am I paying union dues?? I have NYSNA and I seem unable to get a straight answer from them. Please help.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

It is common knowledge that per diem/PRN status nurses are not guaranteed any work hours whatsoever, regardless of unionization. It is also common knowledge that full-time nurses receive priority in scheduling.

[skyheaven477]

Thank you for your response, we are both per diem nurses though.