Do I have a right to be upset?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Yes, it's that time again.

Holiday schedules. A time that every manager dreads.

Rec'd my holiday schedule today. My contract explicitly states that I am required to work one spring/summer holiday and one fall/winter holiday. I worked New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Easter, and today (Thanksgiving). I also worked Mother's and Father's Day. Last year I worked Dec. 24 & 25, New Years Eve and Day.

I find that I am scheduled Dec. 22, 23, 24, 25, 26. Then, 28, 30, 31 and Jan. 1. Dec. 22 & 23, scheduled 7a-7p. Dec. 24 & 25 scheduled 11a-11p. Dec. 26 scheduled 7a-3p.

Oh, but it gets better! Dec. 28 scheduled 11p-7a. Dec. 30 & 31 scheduled 7a-7p. Jan. 1 7a-3p. I need an ativan just thinking about going back between nights, days, and evenings.

Can you wrap your head around this schedule?? Granted, I will make alot in overtime but when am I to celebrate the holidays with my family? I'm weekend option so working so much during the week without notice is a complete surprise. Why am I working God-only-knows-how-many-hours while most of my fellow CNA's have requested off when you cannot request any time off Dec. 15 - Jan. 1?

Am I being a baby about this or would you be upset too?

bethy, your schedule is just insane...

as well as inconsiderate and most presumptuous.

i hope you share your concerns w/the nm.

leslie

0 Votes
Specializes in Tele, Infectious Disease, OHN.

This is ridiculous. Obviously you have helped cover in the past, but it is time to take your contract in and review it with your manager. Good luck! Overtime is great but life is too short to work yourself into the ground.

0 Votes
Pam, it's partly my fault.

I am not normally a doormat, but with this job I am. I have been extremely grateful to them for being understanding about time off d/t my treatment of crohn's. I offered to work one extra night a week - Thurs nights only because I am a student, until someone is hired for nights. I have went in at 2am to translate for patients. And the kicker is, aides do not receive premium pay (slightly more than time and a half) for coming in on days not scheduled, although all other staff does.

I have been searching for some time for a new job but I am ~ 1 year away from graduation in a non-medical field (political science) and I feel bad starting a new job then quiting.

I'm so thankful for the reassurances.

You sound like a very nice person. Nice people shouldn't be treated badly. :nono: I do hope you say something about your horrible schedule.

0 Votes

Heck, yes, anyone would be upset. Since you mention a contract, if you get nowhere by talking to your manager about this chaotic and completely unfair schedule, is there a union rep you could speak to?

You are being taken advantage of. It doesn't make it right, but have you overlooked poor scheduling before and not said anything? Maybe that's why this schedule is even worse, and other CNA's ask for and are approved for time off.

It seems to be time for you to speak up-you have every right to be upset.:angryfire

0 Votes
Specializes in OB, M/S, HH, Medical Imaging RN.

Bethy I think they are taking advantage of you on purpose because they know you are single. DO NOT let them get away with this. If you worked New Years Day then your winter holiday obligation has already been met. I had the same kind of holiday obligations when I was PRN on Med/Surg, they tried to pull that one on me once and no siree they didn't get by with it. Seems the same bunch of people manage to get the holidays they want off. People need to speak up.

My assistant NM on med/surg never worked a holiday, never worked a single weekend day in the 6 years I worked on that floor. She was the one who made out the schedule (duh) and she was scheduled every Tues, Wed, Thurs, except of course if a holiday fell on one of those days. The NM didn't like it one bit but she was a good friend of the CNO and was hired with that provision. :nono:

0 Votes

I have a copy of the contract I signed. I'm going to take it in tomorrow, slap it in front of them and ask if they are going to break my contract. I am not petty enough to contact a lawyer or anything, but I am going to tell them that if they break the contract, I am too and I won't be doing my every weekend as agreed upon. I also will be taking off more than my maximum of 4 weekends a year.

Two can play this game.

0 Votes
Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

NO WAY would I put up with that crap. You fulfilled your obligation. Period.

0 Votes
Specializes in ER.

Unless you have union representation you probably will get no where with your complaints. I worked at Susquehanna Helath System in central PA for 4 1/2 years and regularly worked 22-23 days in a row all 8 and 12 hour shifts, mandatory overtime. If you work for an at will employer they are not going to care what you think contract or no.

0 Votes

It is truly time to get another job. This goes way beyond the call of duty to "help Out". I do not think they will care what you say about the contract, it will be their way or out of the door. Good luck.

0 Votes

No, you have a right to be upset!!

0 Votes
Specializes in LTC Pharmacy.

I have to agree with the other posters here.

If you've fulfilled your contract obligations by already working holidays, you're done. If they ASK and you AGREE to work extra or other holidays, that's different.

Draw your line and stand firm, hon. You were looking for a job when you got this one, if it comes to that.

0 Votes
I have a copy of the contract I signed. I'm going to take it in tomorrow, slap it in front of them and ask if they are going to break my contract. I am not petty enough to contact a lawyer or anything, but I am going to tell them that if they break the contract, I am too and I won't be doing my every weekend as agreed upon. I also will be taking off more than my maximum of 4 weekends a year.

Two can play this game.

Just wanted to make one thing clear. If necessary, contacting a lawyer is not petty. It is protecting yourself.

0 Votes
+ Add a Comment