Inhumane Supervisors/Managers-LONG

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I have had a problem with plantar fasciitis since last April. I went to the podiatrist at my job, got a pair of orthotics and one cortisone shot, and had short term improvement. It did not last long, because I was not very compliant with the exercises, the orthotics got kind of ruined, could not fit inside of each nursing shoe that I purchased and also, I could not tolerate the naproxen. Basically, my insurance does not cover orthotics, but my podiatrist friend (because he knew me), figured out a way to obtain them under my coverage by saying he ordered night splints. These orthotics were not of the highest quality, so, while they worked great, they are winding down, so to speak.

Anyhow, we have a 'no sneaker policy' at work, unless we have a note from a physician. While I was on vacation, I decided to see a podiatrist outside of the job under my plan, and this guy was phenomenal. He carefully illustrated what needs to be done to heal, and it is really working. He asked me to bring in my previous orthotics and wanted to see the shoes that I regulary wear to estimate what I needed. I am currently taking a series of shots (he told me he felt that I need cortisone shots once a week for one month), ordered an xray so that he can assess if I have other issues, and while he told me that my orthotics are basically good, the ones that he would cast would be more tailored towards the natural grooves of my feet. They are $250, and I feel this will be worth the money, so, I left him a deposit and they will be ready in two weeks. He wrapped my feet (which feel like heaven) and instructed that I restart wearing the orthotics I have until I get the ones that he casted me for (my feet feel like HEAVEN...and I want to marry him...told my husband it is over between us...LOL). He also showed me some shoes that can be purchased, but they are expensive. I do plan to get them eventually, but, I have to save for these things.

My current orthotics do not fit into my nursing shoes, so, I have lily white sneakers that REALLY look like shoes unless you look closely, got them for $21. With my feet wrapped, the orthotics and my sneakers, I am literally dancing around at work, I am so happy that the pain is gone! I KNOW that the orthotics that were casted by this man will be EVEN BETTER!! I am walking for 1/2 hour a day now and my quality of life has greatly improved. I want to eventually purchase some shoes from the brands he suggested, however, first, I know they will be expensive. Secondly, I intend to go to the store to see them, try them on, maybe get measured, or whatever, because if I have to pay that much money for them, they had BETTER feel like clouds (like they do, now). I know that with these sort of shoes, you have to wear them in before you wear them to work all day, because they have to adjust to your body. I want my money's worth...but to me, if I can wear sneakers, for cheaper, why should I not?

Each person that saw my sneakers asked me where did I get my SHOES from, and I just told them they were a gift (they really could not tell that they were sneakers that were purchased from a PayLess shoe store for $21). Fast forward to a meeting that was held with one of my sorry nursing administrators. She is known to have 'pets' (you know the ones that don't work and flaunt it) that go to the stores for her, buy her food and coffee, etc.... Her male pet of the month has on a pair of white sneakers. When I sit before her, she asked me if I had on sneakers, and I did not lie and said "Yes" and she goes into a speech how they are not part of policy to wear. Her 'pet' looks at me and smirks and I look dead at his feet.

I then told her that I am getting treated for my feet and as soon as I get orthotics, I will then have to see which shoes can properly accomodate them. She tells me to get a note (which I intend to do on Wednesday), but also says "There are shoes, you know that can be used for this purpose as well" in a snide manner. I say to her that I am aware, but they are horribly expensive, that I am already paying for orthotics in an installment plan and currently, I was wearing what comfortably fits my feet with the tape and orthotics that are almost damaged. Also, I told her that this way, I don't have to take naproxen, which literally made me have gas, caused heartburn and nausea. I told her that the nursing shoes that we normally purchase do not last long, do not accomodate special needs, and the shoes for special needs are expensive. She just rolls her eyes at me as if to say "That's YOUR problem".

I do plan to get this note, immediately. However, I think that this whole thing is insensitive. First off, she has her pet trailing behind her boldly wearing sneakers and smirking at us. Also, as an LPN, I do not make the salary that the average RN makes. I am working on dealing with the problem as effectively and economically as I can. Most RNs I know cannot readily afford these sorts of shoes...we all have bills, etc. If a cheap pair of sneakers and orthotics solve the problem, then WHAT IS THE ISSUE??? I am more effective at work, I am sure I am more productive. Also, even when I actually obtain these new orthotics that I know will fit better, what if I still have problems getting nursing shoes that will accomodate them? Most of us are walking around in literal tears because of our feet. How insensitive can these people be to make you spend money that you do not have immediately in order to slave yourself to the bone for these thankless demons??

[Jarnaes]

Have you looked into ultrasound treatment? Our podiatrist did them all the time for his plantar fasciitis patients. Had a great success rate.

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

That is disgusting, Pagan! Legally, they are required by Federal law to accomodate you, ala ADA.

I hate that type of unethical favoritism you describe, it really makes my blood boil!!!:angryfire:flmngmd::spbox:

[Cindy-san]

No sneakers? Why the heck not?

I understand no fancy pump sneakers with neon colors, 3-inch heels and all, but a simple pair of white sneakers shouldn't be taboo.

Sneakers are the only thing I can walk around in all day. They day the boss says "no more sneakers" is my last day on the job.

[MaryAnn_RN]

I have had a problem with plantar fasciitis since last April. I went to the podiatrist at my job, got a pair of orthotics and one cortisone shot, and had short term improvement. It did not last long, because I was not very compliant with the exercises, the orthotics got kind of ruined, could not fit inside of each nursing shoe that I purchased and also, I could not tolerate the naproxen. Basically, my insurance does not cover orthotics, but my podiatrist friend (because he knew me), figured out a way to obtain them under my coverage by saying he ordered night splints. These orthotics were not of the highest quality, so, while they worked great, they are winding down, so to speak.

Anyhow, we have a 'no sneaker policy' at work, unless we have a note from a physician. While I was on vacation, I decided to see a podiatrist outside of the job under my plan, and this guy was phenomenal. He carefully illustrated what needs to be done to heal, and it is really working. He asked me to bring in my previous orthotics and wanted to see the shoes that I regulary wear to estimate what I needed. I am currently taking a series of shots (he told me he felt that I need cortisone shots once a week for one month), ordered an xray so that he can assess if I have other issues, and while he told me that my orthotics are basically good, the ones that he would cast would be more tailored towards the natural grooves of my feet. They are $250, and I feel this will be worth the money, so, I left him a deposit and they will be ready in two weeks. He wrapped my feet (which feel like heaven) and instructed that I restart wearing the orthotics I have until I get the ones that he casted me for (my feet feel like HEAVEN...and I want to marry him...told my husband it is over between us...LOL). He also showed me some shoes that can be purchased, but they are expensive. I do plan to get them eventually, but, I have to save for these things.

My current orthotics do not fit into my nursing shoes, so, I have lily white sneakers that REALLY look like shoes unless you look closely, got them for $21. With my feet wrapped, the orthotics and my sneakers, I am literally dancing around at work, I am so happy that the pain is gone! I KNOW that the orthotics that were casted by this man will be EVEN BETTER!! I am walking for 1/2 hour a day now and my quality of life has greatly improved. I want to eventually purchase some shoes from the brands he suggested, however, first, I know they will be expensive. Secondly, I intend to go to the store to see them, try them on, maybe get measured, or whatever, because if I have to pay that much money for them, they had BETTER feel like clouds (like they do, now). I know that with these sort of shoes, you have to wear them in before you wear them to work all day, because they have to adjust to your body. I want my money's worth...but to me, if I can wear sneakers, for cheaper, why should I not?

Each person that saw my sneakers asked me where did I get my SHOES from, and I just told them they were a gift (they really could not tell that they were sneakers that were purchased from a PayLess shoe store for $21). Fast forward to a meeting that was held with one of my sorry nursing administrators. She is known to have 'pets' (you know the ones that don't work and flaunt it) that go to the stores for her, buy her food and coffee, etc.... Her male pet of the month has on a pair of white sneakers. When I sit before her, she asked me if I had on sneakers, and I did not lie and said "Yes" and she goes into a speech how they are not part of policy to wear. Her 'pet' looks at me and smirks and I look dead at his feet.

I then told her that I am getting treated for my feet and as soon as I get orthotics, I will then have to see which shoes can properly accomodate them. She tells me to get a note (which I intend to do on Wednesday), but also says "There are shoes, you know that can be used for this purpose as well" in a snide manner. I say to her that I am aware, but they are horribly expensive, that I am already paying for orthotics in an installment plan and currently, I was wearing what comfortably fits my feet with the tape and orthotics that are almost damaged. Also, I told her that this way, I don't have to take naproxen, which literally made me have gas, caused heartburn and nausea. I told her that the nursing shoes that we normally purchase do not last long, do not accomodate special needs, and the shoes for special needs are expensive. She just rolls her eyes at me as if to say "That's YOUR problem".

I do plan to get this note, immediately. However, I think that this whole thing is insensitive. First off, she has her pet trailing behind her boldly wearing sneakers and smirking at us. Also, as an LPN, I do not make the salary that the average RN makes. I am working on dealing with the problem as effectively and economically as I can. Most RNs I know cannot readily afford these sorts of shoes...we all have bills, etc. If a cheap pair of sneakers and orthotics solve the problem, then WHAT IS THE ISSUE??? I am more effective at work, I am sure I am more productive. Also, even when I actually obtain these new orthotics that I know will fit better, what if I still have problems getting nursing shoes that will accomodate them? Most of us are walking around in literal tears because of our feet. How insensitive can these people be to make you spend money that you do not have immediately in order to slave yourself to the bone for these thankless demons??

I have arthritis (knees and neck are worst) and osteoperosis and sometimes have trouble with mobility; pain is almost always an issue. I fell over and broke a bone in my foot, physio recommended wearing trainers (sports shoes) because they provide lots of support. Went to my manager and asked if he would allow me to wear them just till my foot was better. He said as long as I show up at work and do the job, he didn't care what I wore on my feet.

We were both happy

Do you have an occupational health department where you work? Perhaps they could intervene on your behalf?

[chenoaspirit, ASN, RN]

hmm, I believe I would have mentioned the "pet's" sneakers in that meeting. Im sorry you are going thru all this. If they dont support their staff better than that, I would find a better job with employers that arent so petty. I mean, come on! It isnt like you are wearing thongs with see-thru pants, low cut shirt, etc. You are wearing simple sneakers to allow you to perform your job. HUGS to you sweetie! I hope things get better for you.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Have you looked into ultrasound treatment? Our podiatrist did them all the time for his plantar fasciitis patients. Had a great success rate.

I can ask my podiatrist if he treats this way, however, I am almost positive that my health care insurance would not cover it. In any event, the treatment I am currently receiving is successful, thus far, so, I'll continue.

[Rnandsoccermom]

If she allows favorites to do what they want, this is what you do. Ask her if the sneakers rule applies only to you or does it apply to everyone? When she says it applies to everyone, point out that others have sneakers on that day and ask her why you are being singled out. Ask what you did to deserve being singled out. Make her feel as stupid as she really is.

See if she'll take the bait, sounds like a manipulative bully to me, I know I work for one. She puts herself on the line for picking favorites, I doubt HR will enjoy dealing with that.

[TazziRN, RN]

Um......I gotta ask........is there any way of knowing that the people who wear sneakers don't have a doctor's note? If that's the only thing that is standing in your way, what's the issue? Yes, her attitude leaves a lot to be desired and she could use sensitivity lessons, but if the policy states that to wear sneakers you need a note, then that should solve that problem.

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Um......I gotta ask........is there any way of knowing that the people who wear sneakers don't have a doctor's note? If that's the only thing that is standing in your way, what's the issue? Yes, her attitude leaves a lot to be desired and she could use sensitivity lessons, but if the policy states that to wear sneakers you need a note, then that should solve that problem.

I wouldn't know whether or not others have notes, but I think that the vast majority probably do not and just hoping not to get caught (many run when they see the supervisors coming that are going to say something). I plan to get my note this week when I visit my podiatrist again, give it to her and keep it moving.

I am venting because first, it is safe to do it here, and also, this is an insane policy to begin with. This policy was made up during their 'magnet journey' (they didn't get it, anyhow) and nursing management has been making people believe that there was a majority vote to 1.)no longer wear sneakers and 2.) nurses to wear white pants and pastel tops, CNAs must wear either pink or beige uniforms. Most of the nurses I spoke to disagreed with both of these because, while we agreed that we should identify ourselves as nurses with white pants, and shoes, many wished to at least be able to wear a solid navy blue jacket on those days of the month, and if the sneakers are solid white, clean, the foot is totally enclosed and make your feet feel better, why the big deal suddenly?? Sorry to say, some things, to me is principal.

[santhony44, MSN, RN, NP]

Personally, I think "no sneakers" policies are stupid. I can understand rules against things like open toes from a safety perspective, but I'm like Mary's supervisor, just show up and do the job and wear whatever footwear is both safe and comfortable.

I am curious, though; what brands did the podiatrist recommend?

[Multicollinearity, BSN, RN]

Well. I'm having a snark attack just thinking about your scenario. Wishing all sorts of painful foot ailments on this woman (did I really type that?). Karma, you know. Ok. Secret snark attack is done.

I'd be very matter-of-fact with her and not reveal that she was 'getting' to me. She might feed on flustering employees. I'd hand in the letter from the doc. If I heard another thing, I'd mention "ADA" and act non-ruffled as if the issue was settled. Then I'd come back here and vent away!

On another note, how wonderful that you are getting beneficial treatment from the doc, Deva.