Is this discrimination?

Updated:   Published

Specializes in Critical care/ oncology.

Terminated is-this discrimination?

I just finished my 90 day probation at a hospital I once worked for and ended up coming back. They were acquired by a hospital system and much has changed.

Last week, I had a “bipolar incident” at home and had to call off the next day because I overdosed on my meds. My boss threatened to call the police if I didn’t go to the ER. My husband heard and told her it would be 30 minutes given the distance.

Subsequently, I  signed a 201 (in PA, voluntary commitment to psych). So I was there Tues-Friday. I kept expressing my concern for my job (which was in this hospital) and I was constantly reassured I was safe.

Friday I was discharged and not even 3 hours I was home HR called and fired me saying I didn’t fit in and my coworkers agreed. I find that suspicious because I never gave my coworkers any issues and I’m always the first to ask if anyone needs help.

I spoke with the same HR person on Monday about a different matter and things were OK.  But all of a sudden, after being in their psych unit I'm canned. What’s really crappy is I was actively training in the ER to keep my critical care skills (I was currently working for the outpatient oncology and infusion center). Yet having a spot in the ER wasn’t even on the table.

I don't think I ever put on my papers that I had a disability and fear this exposure to my condition made them decide they don't want me. I've never been written up or ever had any disciplinary action taken against me. Opinions????

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

This sounds like an incredibly unfortunate experience. I'm sorry that you had a health crisis that required hospitalization and I hope that you are feeling better. Unfortunately given the circumstances I think that proving anything legally in this situation about discrimination would be very difficult. I'm not quite sure if the 90 day probation was already over when this occurred, in which case you could reach out to your union if you have one, or it was the end of the probation period. Either way if you're in an at will employment state, and you're not in a union, they can let you go for almost any reason. You could try to get more information from HR or your manager, but often times that's a roadblock as well. I hope it's just a sign that something better is in store for you.

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

I would add that it's always best if not throughly honest to not reveal too much information about chronic conditions unless you are requesting accommodations. Even if you are hospitalised you are not required to reveal the nature of your illness when you call out sick.

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Specializes in Critical care/ oncology.

Thank you for your insight.  I did try to hide my disability because it’s bitten me in the @ss before.  My manager new what was going on because I had to speak with her to call off.

I did speak to an attorney who pretty much word for word said the same thing you did.  It just infuriates me that people can be so fake and so mean.  

I’m not sure if I should just go for disability or take this time and use it to go for my FNP.  Academically I know I will do well but my husband worries I will still have issues holding a job and I’d have more student loan debt.  Honestly, working at Sephora or Ulta is more appealing right now. It’s not about the money….I would like to be treated as a human being and a lot of my experiences with nurses(the older ones) aren’t great.  But I am a really good nurse with a diverse background.  I guess right now I have nothing but time to figure out what to do.  We live in Pittsburgh but after our son graduates high school next year we are moving back to NY where our families live.  I’m hoping for a clean slate there.  Just have to get through the next 18 months  
 

 

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Specializes in nursing ethics.

Good luck to you. ULTA and Sephora? LOL. You can do much better than retail work. At least an Applied Health business. As I remember Pittsburgh has numerous hospitals highly regarded plus the universities there. Keep your condition quiet. Say it's private

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I’m sorry this happened to you. In the future please know that you do not have to give a reason as to why you’re calling off. Just say that you’re not feeling well even if it’s your boss that you’re talking to. ❤️

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