Problem with New Work Policy

[PartyPiper]

Does anyone know if this is normal?

Our facility has a hard time retaining CNAs, and I'm starting to have a pretty good idea as to why. Today we went to a meeting, and we were told that if someone called in for the next shift, (AM, PM, NOC) then one person would be designated to stay for the next shift. If they refused to stay, the management said that they would move to have our license revoked for abandonment. If you can't stay, you have to find someone else to either come in for that shift, or come in early for the other shift. I don't think that is a CNA job. I think that staffing should be management's job to deal with.

Can they really move to revoke your registration if you can't stay? Some people have kids, are single parents, or have nursing school classes that they cannot miss. I'm working tomorrow night, and my husband said I should figure out what I'm going to do in case someone does call in. I've actually already given my notice because I got a better job (one where I can actually get time off without begging someone to cover my shift), but they asked me to stay as an on call person before they outlined this policy, and now I'm petrified that I will have to deal with not only having to pick up someone's shift, but also having to pick up two shifts.

They don't have any one on call because that would cost money, and they also have one of the other CNAs handle the schedule. She only does it for about five hours a week. Management says that it is up to the CNAs to deal with staffing issues, and so the result if this is that we have to do all of our regular duties plus make time to call everyone on staff to get shifts covered when someone calls in.

[Ytellu]

I don't think they can call for your license to be revoked due to their staffing issues. I'd be interested in knowing if in this recent meeting this became their policy and did you sign anything agreeing to this? What does your employee manual say and are you part of a union? No wonder they have a high turnover.

[LaterAlligator]

I've heard of this at one place before, and as far as I know, no they cannot get your license revoked but they may be able to file a complaint/challenge your license. Check with your state's board of nursing website, and if that doesn't clear it up, I'd also try calling Labor & Industries 1-866-4-USA-DOL (1-866-487-2365). They were helpful for me when I was dealing with trying to get a required training paid for; they'll refer you to a local DOL agent who can speak directly to your bosses for you if you like.

Good luck!

[caliotter3]

Something similar happened at a facility where I worked. The place began to lose personnel as they were able to find jobs elsewhere. The situation was a topic of discussion in the community; it came up at a job interview I attended.