help! boss threatening to charge me w abandonment??

Nurses General Nursing

Published

hi everyone-

so here's my story. I am a newly graduated RN I have worked in a LTC facility for two weeks now. last week, after my second day, I decided I did not like the facility - understAffed, did not like the care the residents were receiving. I called the supervisor (on my day off, leaving a day between my shifts) and let them know that I would not be returning. next day I get a call from the regional manager asking why I quit. so I told her the truth. and she asked if I would give them a second chance , and if I still wasn't comfortable then I could leave peacefully. well that's exactly what happened. I didn't like it. so I called and told her that before my next scheduled shift. she responded by saying that I abandonment my patients and she could challenge my license??? is this true? I understand it was not prifessonal. but my heart was telling me those patients were not getting proper care. and I don't want to be a part of that. I called before my shift, did not accept any patient care...

Up Vote Up Vote ×

No, it is not true. You cannot be charged with abandonment unless you have accepted the assignment and taken report... and if you didn't even come in, you didn't do that.

If you don't have it already, get your own stat (see the many threads here on why you should have it, no matter what nonsense you hear from anyone about "they only sue people with deep pockets" or "the hospital's insurance will cover you.") If you do have it already, you can call them up and ask for a short nastygram to be sent to your former employer from your attorney there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Neuro ICU and Med Surg.

GrnTea is right, you can't be charged with abandonment for this. You didn't go to work, and you didn't accept report so you didn't abandon anyone.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in MDS/ UR.

The regional manager nurse told you this? I would consider calling the company hotline to report it. As Green said, if you didn't come in physically and accept the assignment you are clear.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thank you that's what I thought. she's also saying she's going to hold my paycheck. which I'm sure is illegal. this place is a mess, state has been in three times in the past 7mo for complaints..our DON left with no notice last weekend. she's trying to scare me

Up Vote Up Vote ×

yes they had to call her in bc our DON quit (just didn't come back after his shift.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

which company would you recommend for ?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
thank you that's what I thought. she's also saying she's going to hold my paycheck. which I'm sure is illegal. this place is a mess, state has been in three times in the past 7mo for complaints..our DON left with no notice last weekend. she's trying to scare me

That absolutely would be illegal. For that, you make a call to your state's division of wages and hours, or whatever they call it. A little note from them will shake that loose in no time. Perhaps even if you tell her you're calling them in the morning that will do it. :)

As soon as you have that check in your hands, cash (do not deposit) it. (You can always turn around and deposit the cash tomorrow.) This place sounds like they're going doooooowwwwwnnn.

I've had NSO for decades. Not too expensive, great service, and they send me reports every year about good things to know about licensure, malpractice, and stuff. Can't tell you about claims, never had one :).

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thank you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Pain, critical care, administration, med.

They are not allowed by law to hold your check. I would show up on pay day and ask for your check if they choose not to give it to you tell them you are notifying the labor board, the state about the poor care and the elderly ombudsman as well as the newspaper. Intimidation just doesn't work. Good for you for standing your ground but do think you might want to report the care issues that are occurring. Good luck.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I think I just might do that...I'm sure state would love to know that they only have two Rns and two cnas for 87 residents...and that cnas are doing Ivs and passing meds outside their scope of practice, and that a brand new card of Norcos went missing over the weekend..

Up Vote Up Vote ×
I think I just might do that...I'm sure state would love to know that they only have two Rns and two cnas for 87 residents...and that cnas are doing Ivs and passing meds outside their scope of practice, and that a brand new card of Norcos went missing over the weekend..

Ding-ding-ding-ding! We have a winnah!!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment