I need a bit of advice from anyone that can help lead me in the right direction. This may be a bit long, so please bear with me.
I work at a fairly small LTC. My father in PA is actively dying, in ICU, and probably won't make this week. I requested time off, granted, on short notice, early last week, i believe it was Tuesday. I was off until Fri, which would be a double shift for me, Saturday which was a single, and Sunday which was another double. I was granted off until this coming Monday at three pm and planned on returning for that 3-11 shift.
Thursday past, i called work to again make sure that I was off the schedule for this weekend. At that time I was told that I was on the schedule for this coming Monday at three. I said great, I would return to FL Sunday sometime, not yet having booked my return flight.
Today I got a phone call at home, after having just gotten in the door and was told that I was seen in FL by a co-worker while I was supposed to be in PA, and I was needed at work this afternoon for a double shift, 3-11 and 11-7. I expalined to my supervisor that I had JUST walked in the door, and was not in FL this week, but my s/o was using my vehicle, which may have been seen by someone, and that NO I couldn't come in to work until Monday, as I haven't slept since Friday on the plane to PA, and a half hour nap on Saturday. This has been a bad week for me, as the s/o and myself drove to PA last tuesday after I heard that I had off until next Monday, and I only returned to bring the s/o home to go to work, and double check that I was indeed off the schedule for this weekend, before flying back and sitting at my father's bedside while he was in the dying process.
Long story short, I don't feel as if I'm in any any shape to work after not sleeping, and that I can't pass meds and give insulins while in this condition. Also, i WAS given off until Monday, but due to THEIR mistake, was put on shcedule for a double shift today.
I was told that if I didn't show, I was fired. I told them fine, I'm fired, I can't be in. Any one have any words of encouragement or advice at this point? Thanks in advance everyone.
you know, I'm reflecting on my past employer, and wondering why the heck I didn't quit before this. The shortages of both supplies and staffing was there, and they seemed to promote sloppy nursing. I always try to do my best, and there's one other nurse there that is a fantastic nurse too. The rest of them I wouldn't care to have look after my enemies, yet alone my family or friends. I know I'll miss my residents, but that kinda' goes with the territory, I guess.
Also found out that the staffing error that caused all my grief was the DON's error, because he gave another nurse emergency leave to go to PR AFTER he already approved mine, and needed to cover his ass. Unbelievable! I'm really thinking I made a good choice, and I highly doubt I'll regret it. I'll be driving a little further, but what the heck, I'll be a happy camper! The new job was one I loved before, and just left to have a shorter commute. Also, the new job is all about promoting education and experience, so I'll get to be the best nurse I can be!
As for Dad, no change in condition, still fairly stable and free of pain.
JohnBear - I know how you were feeling, thinking "Why didn't I get the ____ out of here sooner?!" Sometimes it takes something crappy like this to motivate you to make a change. I am so glad for you, and glad to hear that at least your dad is not in pain at the moment. I know that losing him will be painful to you, but remember we are here for you, to listen, send you a cyber hug, whatever you need.
I figured the DON had screwed up something and was trying to cover their toocus. No matter what happens to anyone else in the process. Of course, it would be a different story if it was the DON's family in the hospital. I can't believe they wouldn't see you, and listen to you. Figures cause then they would have their ___ hanging out in the breeze!
So glad for you, but sorry about your father. I will keep you in our prayers.
JohnBear, I'm glad that you got to see your father while he was still cognizant enough to recognize you and to let you know that he wasn't in any pain and was at peace. That's the best any of us can hope for.
As for your former job, good riddance to bad rubbish. Too bad that you had to deal with all that emotional abuse and horsec*** before you left. This new position sounds like a much better fit for you.
Anyway, hugs to you and good luck with your new job.
SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN
10,263 Posts
Congratulations!
How's your dad?