fired for cancelling shifts d/t health issues?

[pookashellz]

first-time poster; I apologize if this isn't the right subforum. basically I'm paranoid about being fired. I've been at my job for two years, and it's my first job since I graduated from nursing school. No complaints about my work, although I do have some health issues and it scares me when I have to call out or cancel a shift (I'm PRN) because I'm afraid my boss will just get sick of my **** and stop scheduling me in favor of other PRNs who don't have these problems.

I can't get anything official as far as accommodations, because I don't have a diagnosis yet. My main symptom (at least as far as affecting my work is concerned!) is that I simply pass out a lot. I would like to take some time off of work until we figure out what exactly is causing this and ideally start treating it. I don't want to quit though! I like my job and want to start picking up shifts again when I know I can stay upright and conscious for a whole shift. I'm already scheduled for shifts through October, and I'm afraid if I cancel those shifts then I'll just get fired or no one will want to schedule me when I try to start working again because they'll think of me as unreliable. Any advice would be appreciated!

[Farawyn]

I would get a diagnosis ASAP so you have a medical reason for being out.

No doctor's note is not going to get you anywhere.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Welcome to AN!

First, review your facility's policy for PRN staff- is there a set amount of shifts that are required to be worked to continue employment?

Second, speak to your manager. If they don't know what's going on, they can't provide any guidance as to your options.

The facility policy and your manager's guidance/thoughts are going to be the most likely influence on your situation.

[pookashellz]

Welcome to AN!

First, review your facility's policy for PRN staff- is there a set amount of shifts that are required to be worked to continue employment?

Thank you for replying! I appreciate it.

One shift every 3months is required to maintain active status. That's the official policy. Then there's the unofficial policy of "when a shift opens up and we need someone, we'll ask the PRNs who make things easy on us by never cancelling or having any problems". Which is understandable! Everyone wants to work with people who make things easy for them.

Second, speak to your manager. If they don't know what's going on, they can't provide any guidance as to your options.

I'm really afraid to even tell my boss. He's really type-A, very easily angered/annoyed. he's fond of saying "I don't want to be bothered with anything; just do your job and leave me alone". I've seen other people approach him about cancelling shifts and he just blows his stack and acts like they're malingering/being lazy/whatever they needed time off for is a stupid reason. I passed out on Sunday and was the only one on the hall (it's an assisted-living facility, so things are pretty slow usually) and luckily i was able to pick myself up before anyone else noticed.

[pookashellz]

I would get a diagnosis ASAP so you have a medical reason for being out.

No doctor's note is not going to get you anywhere.

We're working on it, but in the meantime I'm scared to be at work transferring patients, walking them to/from the toilet and whatnot. And I know, I can't have any protection from being fired without a doctor's note. I've thought of asking him to write a note without a diagnosis, something just saying there is a reason i need off of work, but idk.

[aeris99]

We're working on it, but in the meantime I'm scared to be at work transferring patients, walking them to/from the toilet and whatnot. And I know, I can't have any protection from being fired without a doctor's note. I've thought of asking him to write a note without a diagnosis, something just saying there is a reason i need off of work, but idk.

Maybe a note having you put on light duty until you figure out what's going on would work?

Hard to know without knowing the P&P at your facility.

Who else can you speak to about it if your manager isn't approachable? Maybe ask him who to talk to so you aren't going above his head?

Hope you get it sorted out. That sounds terrible!

[Jules A, MSN]

I know this isn't what you want to hear but as a PRN employee if you cancel shifts in my experience they will stop using you. Even if you get a health diagnosis it won't help you. If you want protection under FMLA you will need to get a staff job with benefits.

[pookashellz]

I know this isn't what you want to hear but as a PRN employee if you cancel shifts in my experience they will stop using you. Even if you get a health diagnosis it won't help you. If you want protection under FMLA you will need to get a staff job with benefits.

i know. i'm actually scheduled for shifts up to new year's eve, and my boss is constantly sending out texts and memos asking for more holiday help. also I always work Saturdays; have worked pretty much every Saturday since I started there, and he keeps sending out texts asking for Saturday help. i don't know if he legitimately needs extra/more people, or if he's trying to get backup to replace me so he can tell me i'm not needed on my usual work days.

[pookashellz]

Maybe a note having you put on light duty until you figure out what's going on would work?

I hadn't thought of this; thanks! He might cancel me anyway if he decides light duty is too much of a hassle, but at least i can show I'm willing to work rather than just cancelling shifts.

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

Have you considered filing for temporary disability? FMLA may also be of use. Good luck!

[lavenderskies, BSN]

Anytime someone says I pass out a lot I say check for POTS.

[Riawahine, BSN, MSN]

Hi my dear. When I read your post I instantly became worried? Do you live alone? Should you be driving? Passing out unexpectedly is frightening. Please stay on your doctor to help with a diagnosis. Best of luck to you!