Have I abandoned my patients?

[lorster]

I went to work for a travel agency. I am in my 9th week. My last paycheck for 2 weeks (72hrs) never showed up. I called the hospital this morning and told them I would not be back due to nurse patient ratios and lack of a paycheck. Have I abandoned my patients. I was supposed to work tonight.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

Nope - not as long as you did not report and did not accept an assignment.

[RNperdiem, RN]

Did you call payroll first? How about the manager? The agency?

No, unless you have accepted an assignment, you have not abandoned your patients.

You have jepordized your relationship with the hospital, and maybe your agency though.

[Mulan]

Isn't the agency the one who is responsible for paying you, not the hospital?

[GingerSue]

first check with someone in payroll department

(a couple of times I had to ask someone in payroll why I wasn't paid for the days that I had worked within a pay period, sometimes they actually have a reason for the delay, or they are alerted to the problem and then come up with payment)

all the best to you

[caliotter3]

I hope you didn't jump the gun on the issue with your paycheck. Mistakes do happen. It is how the agency/employer handles the mistake or oversight that determines how you should feel about them. Did you call them and give them a chance to correct the situation?

While you did not abandon your patients you can expect to be placed on the Do Not Return list at that hospital. Too many of those designations will find you gone from your agency. So make certain that your reasons for leaving assignments are valid and no working solutions can be found. Good luck.