How would you react??

[NannaNurse]

Last week, after months of being 'promised' that I would be going to day shift (working nights & occ. days) I came in, after working several straight days, to find that my next 2 wk schedule was every shift 'helter-skelter'.

Example: Mon:6-2

Tues:2-10

Wed:2-10

Thurs:off

Fri:10-6

Sat:2-10

Sun:2-10

Mon:6-2

Tues:off

Wed:2-10

Thur:6-2

Fri:10-6

I also asked if I could come in on another shift (this past fri) because we were going out of town for the weekend. There were already nurses covering each shift and there would be 2 of us on 10-6. The DON said, 'I'm sure it's ok, just write it on a piece of paper and put it in my box." Well, this 'God fearing, Pentacostal Holiness' lady turned into Beelzeebub! I was given a note by another nurse with a nasty reply. She also changed the schedule to the one above and put down that I requested off (I did not want off, just another shift). Anyway, this other nurse forgot to remove a 'sticky' note that the DON had wrote her. It said.....

....."Wait until after 1pm to give this to her, then stand around non-chauntly and observe her. Call me to let me know how she took it". Well, I naturally said something....."this schedule is crazy, I can't do this (I never agreed to do eve. since I have family at home) I need a job that won't mess with the schedule so much'.....I'm now looking for another job since I got fired for complaining about the schedule! I'm ticked but kinda glad that I'm not there. Sick of covering for other nurses who call off at the last minute, fixing mistakes, etc.... they even messed up my check (shorted me 6 hours plus holiday pay) and now won't pay my MD bill due to a shoulder injury on the job.

What would you do?

[mother/babyRN, RN]

Why not ask for a written definition of "unprofessional behavior" and request a policy outlining same...Check ( or have someone there that you trust), check the policy and procedures manual for an exact description of unprofessional and/or professional behavior. Have them define "at will" For instance, could you be fired at will if someone didn't like you or management didn't feel like paying your benefits? Without a definition on paper, you may have great lee way when it comes to confronting them legally..And, if they DO have a written policy, perhaps THEY fall under the definition of 'Unprofessional behavior." If you are no longer their employee, you could sue the hospital for reinstatement, ESPECIALLY if you have a note indication something other than they are claiming....