Is this a common attendace policy?

[Dazglue]

Is it common to get an automatic write-up for calling out for a weekend shift, regardless if you have a work excuse or death in the family? I have a co-worker who has never been written up (until this incident), has perfect attendance, and just an awesome nurse that goes above and beyond for anyone. Around 10 pm on a Saturday night, her son was killed in a car accident. Of course she called out for the following morning. I was the charge nurse that night and did the procedure for the call out to get a replacement. Monday morning, I had to be present while management gave her a write-up for the call out. (Policy requires the charge nurse to be present if management writes someone up that called out on your shift).

My main issue with this policy is that we are not allowed to transfer anywhere within the facility for an entire year if we are written up, no matter the offense. So many people have been complaining about being "stuck" lately because of this unit rule. I know they are trying to prevent people from calling out on the weekend because it's harder to find replacement staffing but sometimes LIFE happens. I am not an emotional person but I had a good cry with my coworker that day who kept asking our manager why was she being punished for her son dying. She was in the process of transferring to a different unit that gave her better hours to spend time with her family, but due to the write up she could not transfer.

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

I only wish for karma.

[suanna]

Our hospitals policy is- they are not writing you up because you called off without good reason, rather they "document" ALL call offs because some employees are so frail of frequently ill that they can no longer be counted on to do thier scheduled work hours. They aren't saying you are calling off frivolously, just that you take such poor care of yourself that you are too sickly to work here. You are allowed a 3% call off rate or just about 1 shift every six mos without dicipline.

[TriciaJ, RN]

I only wish for karma.

The good thing about karma is that it is quite reliable. The bad thing is that it doesn't always happen in our time frame and we don't always get to be around to see it when it happens. But it is reliable. Patience...

[kakamegamama]

I am so sorry for your co-worker's loss. How awful that no compassion was shown. When my husband died unexepectedly I had a similar incident.....I was director of a non-direct patient care area. I was pretty much coerced into going back on the clock vs. salaried when I requested time off beyond my initial time(I had requested 6 weeks, was denied, and returned 1.5 weeks after he died). I was let go from that job...even though it was 5 months after his death, I felt as though I had been beaten up. Anyway, what was meant for bad, good came from in the long run. Some people have hardened hearts, and unfortunately, no grace to show to others.

[sweetdreame, BSN, RN]

I am tired and I haven't even read all the comments, but this situation made me so mad I am literally crying.

I can't believe the audacity of your heartless manager. I absolutely can't believe it. This situation was enough, then I read that you were written up after calling in after a miscarriage? Seriously?! I have never thought this before and have been raised to never quit a job before I have another one, but I think I would have walked out that day, just based on principle. I hope one of you contacted the hospital's ethics line...or something...at least.

I am so sorry you have to go through this. I just wish I could help you somehow. I am sorry that somehow we have gotten to the point in nursing where we put up with this abuse. God bless you and your friend.

Sincerely, H

[sweetdreame, BSN, RN]

May I suggest contacting the press or local news. ]

This calls for public shaming.

I'm not usually a fan of this, but in this situation, it is an EXCELLENT idea.

[kungpoopanda]

I'm not usually a fan of this, but in this situation, it is an EXCELLENT idea.

This manager's behaviour is so egregious that extreme methods are called for. OP, Please do something to call this heartless creature out.

[Emergent, RN]

You can PM me the hospital, unit, and city, and I'll gladly contact the press.

I actually know an RN who worked at a local nursing home as a RCC. Her son died in a work accident and she was fired. They called her while she was on her LOA and told her not to come back. She had had a good record there and worked there for several years prior.

[bluenurse85]

Wow! That's way beyond harsh. If that manager had to work the unit, I have to wonder how she'd treat patients.

Big hug to you and your friend.

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

This whole situation is nauseating....prayers to your co-worker

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

This facility enacted a specific policy that ANY call ins on the weekend will be written up...

even if on a bereavement leave of sick leave? You are entitled to your sick leave, she to her bereavement without punishment.

Nice little bonus they put in for themselves, can't transfer out of the H*** hole if you do.

Stat report to State Labor board.

I know we all need money, but I would give my 2 weeks notice leave that toxic employer.

[TriciaJ, RN]

This facility enacted a specific policy that ANY call ins on the weekend will be written up...

even if on a bereavement leave of sick leave? You are entitled to your sick leave, she to her bereavement without punishment.

Nice little bonus they put in for themselves, can't transfer out of the H*** hole if you do.

Stat report to State Labor board.

I know we all need money, but I would give my 2 weeks notice leave that toxic employer.

Notice? If I got called in