imalilteapott

Yes of course everyone deserves respect from the President of the hospital to the person who cleans the rooms. The difference is, to a peer you can say" take the tone out of your voice" and then they typically say "oh sorry, bad day" or they just go on there way without a peep. With a higher up- my situation happens. If I had known it was a boss I was talking to, I would have taken her abuse for the minute and then after I would have wrote an email to her boss and cc'd her on it.

Thanks for all of the responses. I haven't heard anything from the hospital and my next shift isn't for another week. Now that I have had the time to think it over, here are some thoughts- 1) I wish I never apologized, but in the moment, I could see it becoming this woman's word against mine, and I didn't want it to turn into something totally nuts. 2) If I am fired- it would be foolish on their part. They gave me an unsafe situation and then topped it off with some verbal abuse from doctors and administrators, I felt harassed and then instinctively told the person to stop--- there is no way I would just quietly take it. The only question is who to call first, risk, HR, law office etc? I doubt it would be worth the trouble for them. 3) It's easier to stick up for people than to stick up for yourself. I have gone to bat before for patients, other nurses, doctors, I don't know why it was so hard when it was me. 4) Now that its not the heat of the moment, I have had some time to re-group. Assuming I am not fired, I plan on requesting to never ever work the floor again, only the ICU. The ICU isn't perfect but its def. closer to normal nursing. Since I don't need the job I have the upper hand. Why stay? If that can't happen, I'll resign and work the job that doesn't pay my bills (quality at another hospital) 5) I posted because as soon as this happened my paranoid meter went off..... this person did not seem nice at all- what if she is vengeful -they fire me, go after my certifications, license, and reputation etc... over one comment. I doubt it now, but I think I read the internet to much. 6) Its just another reason why I want to be activist. I just can't believe how we are treated and the work conditions we are put in.

Soo quick back story- I work 2 casual jobs one I love and a bedside one that pays for childcare, keeps my skills up, and gives me insite for my side gig nursing lobbying/activism ( Not joking, this is my true true passion!) I am an experienced critical care nurse +3 years, came from an academic medical center..recently I started working at communitry hospital The floor is not what Im use to, staffing is junk, 6 to 1, no CNAs, no unit clerk, and just 2-3 nurses. The doctors have you do everything for them (orders, consults, med recs, everything, etc ) and they very are disrepsectful. Soooo a few days ago, Im at work, everyone was as mean as a snake. I got called stupid 5 times by 3 different doctors ( for not consulting fast enough, not knowing a patient's 5 year medical history blah blah blah). My patients and families were upset about various things out of my control- nursing home placement, garbage, poor prognosis etc. I had 7 patients no CNA no clerk. So I'm trying to get this patient a tray before it's too late and the computer deleted her. I made some calls and kept getting transfered around and around to different departments, until I reach a very mean person on the other end who would not listen to my question, I literally couldn't get a word out. The person on the other end did not introduce themselves, and just kept telling me you need to call someone else over and over and over again. THATS IT, no other words. So after a day of harrassment I finally decided to stick up for myself- I said: "Ok I'll try elsewhere but can you take that tone out of your voice" Person on the other end? A nursing director. She of course got really really really angry. Stunned- I said Im sorry but you were really mean. Once I hung up the phone, another nurse said " Oh her, she always sounds like that, but she's a director- I guess the truth hurt her feelings" I immediately called back the administrator/house supervisor and explained I thought I was talking to a peer. Then I called the director: apologized and said I was mortified/embarrassed and thought she was a peer and that I would never speak that way to a director, however I did feel attacked. She of course then tore me apart, telling me I should be embarrassed and to "watch it." who did I think I was. I then called my manager, explained the situation, and asked if I was fired. She said yeah ***** does sound like that, thats just her personality. I asked if I was fired- she said no, just be more careful. But for real, am I fired? I left feeling awful- and of course I keep going over my work from the day and thinking about how they can pluck apart my charting and fire me for something I missed or did. What to do next? Resign cause she is going to be out for me? Just keep quiet and stay until 3 am charting to be perfect? Go to HR for lateral violence? I don't need this job at all but I have quit another job previously for poor working conditions ( previous post: Pregnant and harrassed by management ). and I don't really want to make it a habit. I am also starting to think nursing is this way at 90% of places. Oh my record- clean, no write ups. No previous occurances, at any hospital.

Thank you everyone. I have to admit it is going to be difficult to try and finish my last days. Before all of this drama I was pretty miserable at a baseline and thought I made a mistake by leaving my old job. I don't think I am going to be able to do it. I spoke to my sister in law- who is a lawyer and she said I should go to HR and hint that I had legal consul and just let them know what is happening on this floor, and tell them I felt threatened and I do not feel comfortable finishing work on that floor. I do think that is what I am going to do. I should also add that some of my health trouble is that Im pregnant- so she said that I should repeat some of sexist things that were said to me like when my boss stated "If you want to just stay at home I can't stop you." I feel like no nurse should be treated this way. I understand it stinks for a hospital when staff leaves after a short time but they shouldn't have this reaction. The working conditions were poor as I said- the staff educator is a bully, poor scheduling, no vacation, ridiculous work rules.... they made no attempt to fix them. If staff leaves in a at-will- state its really none of there business why. I have a feeling I am on the do not re-hire list anyway for leaving at 6 months. So I may as well let the hospital know what their management is doing and saying so at least other nurses may not have to deal with it in the future.

I never thought I would be in such a sticky situation and posting about it but here goes- I am a critical care nurse with 5ish years experience. CCRN, involved in AACN, lots of committees, awards, and nice things on my resume. I'm pretty passionate about nursing. I like my job overall. No spots on my record. Even back from when I was a CNA in nursing school, Ive never been pulled into the office or written up (some of this I know is just luck too because no one is perfect). 6 months ago, I left my job of 4 years in the ICU to move to a similar job in a different ICU where I was promised a better schedule, more vacation, more $$, and a promotion. Not one of these promises were fulfilled. I was never promoted as promised. No one is allowed to take vacation, and scheduling is a mess. This made me miserable, but trying to be loyal and professional I was going to stick out a year. Well since then, I have had some family and health changes happen. I needed to drop my hours. I asked to be part time. I was told yes.....then at the last minute I was told no and was placed on the next schedule with a full-time schedule filled with all weekends and mondays/fridays. I then nicely replied, I could not work those hours, and again said I needed to cut my hours. I received no reply. I tried to work it out with HR and they sent me back to management. I knew I would be calling in a lot if my hours couldn't be dropped. So I decided to resign giving a full 2 weeks notice (after my original 3 weeks notice to go part-time). Today- a few days before my last day- some of the management starting saying things to me such as "If you go through with this resignation your career will be ruined, your throwing your life away." and " You will never be hired in this system again." and " Your a disappointment, if you want to stay home and not have a career, then I cant stop you, but I thought you were ambitious, this will really ruin your career." and the finally one " We think you are just quitting to take vacation." I don't know what to do. I feel very uncomfortable going back for my last few days. I do have many doctors notes covering all call-ins prior to quitting. I checked and I dont have unscheduled abscences over the allowed (but I am at my limit which is why I wanted to drop hours/resign) and Ive never been tardy. I just feel very threatened over nothing. I have always had a good reputation and now I feel like its ruined. My old job of 4 years has welcomed me back with open arms but I hate to burn bridges. Anyway out of this? Should I go to HR? Run away?? What would you do?

think you will notice a similarity in all the posters that think 100+ thousand in debt is no biggie which when you look at that, there isn't nothing you can say or do to shine the light, it will be a live and learn thing and be glad it isn't your debt. I agree with everything you have said though. Well then I have to ask.What should I do? According to you I can: 1) Kill myself due to my debt 2) Build time machine. Guess I'll go work on that time machine

---I also wanted to throw in that if I went the "save money route" and got a ADN. I would not be at the hospital that I am at now ( which is highly reguarded in the country and I LOVE it!) The University Medical Center I work for does not interview ADN nurses anymore. Only BSN--- therefore if I saved money by going to the CC, I wouldnt be where I am now.---- Yes they still have some ADN nurses left that they had hired previously but the ratio is 90% BSN to 10% ADN

I have to say...Im kinda offended. I was not at anytime "reckless" Let me break it down for you people saying it's near impossible At first, I wanted to be an artist.... nursing wasnt even on the radar- soo... 1st- 25,000 Private theater conservatory at university 2nd-25,000 Private theater conservatory 3rd-25,000 Private theater conservatory Begining of 4th- 10,000 theater ----- oh my god I want to be a nurse ----but I have only taken theater classes (oh and some journalism classes as my "back up")------------ Second half of 4th- CC 7,000 ( paid out of pocket) 5th- want to get BSN since I almost finished my BFA 20,000 at private school 6th-20,000 at private school 6.5- 10,000 at private school. I worked full time all 6.5 years while in school. I did get many scholarships. Never used loans for living..just for school, books, classes, and fees. Most of my loans were taken out for my performing arts degree. However, once I switched to nursing there was no way..I was going to settle for a ASN after being in college for 3 and half years. Thats how it happens. I am hoping I gave some of you a little more insight to us reckless nurses with lots of loans. Most of it Im willing to bet is nurses who picked nursing later.

Honestly is anyone taking into consideration location in this discussion. Because even the state schools are not cheap in the state ( cheaper than private, yes,but not cheap enough to do a 5 year wait list) 100 grand doesn't seem like an amount I should curl up and die over as some of you stated. Does it stink? Sure. However its completely doable to pay off. I know MANY people in other careers(Artists,unemployed Lawyers, psychologists, teaching, and english majors) who paid the same for the education and wont get close to making what I make within the next 2-3 years. So I guess seeing the other end of the spectrum makes me feel lucky and even **gasp** financial stable and secure.

I have 130,000 in loans. I switched majors late in the game. I went to two 20,000 grand a year schools, and I was in school for 6.5 years. I'm middle class so I didn't get any financial aid. Trust me, no one sets out to aquire so much debt. I feel like some people are implying...I purposefully wasted my time and money. I just wanted the best education for my first major and then the best nursing education. Sometimes it just happens. However, Im not really worried about it. I make 55,000 a year and I graduated in dec. Single no other debts....... should be paid off in a few years. I also want to go back to NP school and the maybe get a Phd.... so maybe I'll have a few years of deferment!

However, did the contract say you HAD to be hired as an RN specifically or just employed with the facility? This is another reason why you need to see an attorney. Don't wait until you get the bill. Thanks everyone!!! So Friday I called HR to get my 401K switched and to figure out this mess. I also want to say that staying a tech and hoping for them to offer me a job isn't an option for me anymore. Turns out 1) My manager never sent in my paperwork to say that I quit.... 2) The people in HR took a message for me and said I have to talk to someone who directly works in this programs department. They will call me back at some point this week. ( I hope) 3) I asked for them to send me a copy of the contract. They would not fax me a copy of the contract.... I have to first talk with the person from the program. I am so annoyed.. I do plan on hiring an attorney. This week (hopefully) I just have to find time to do that around my orientation. Its just another stress on top of starting my new job this week!

Thanks Everyone for the advice! To clarify more details for everyone..... I was not terminated..I had quit after I had gotten a new RN position at the other hospital. I also did try to chat up some managers and none of them were hiring. Some of them were only hiring RN's with 5+ years experience. Ive gave nothing but my best within my 4 years and truthfully I was well-liked by those who I worked with and managers ( I think its because I always was plesent and avoided drama) I just feel like the hospital is in the wrong! It makes me so upset! That I feel like I took the right steps and they ( the hospital) is just not in a financial position to hire RNs...therefore I get the bill. I also heard from this HR girl that they send you one lump some and they are very very unwilling to try to help you break it up into payments. = ( However I did hear I could keep my part time job as a Tech for two years to avoid this! ( however I am pretty sure thats a bad idea) I was thinking about calling HR and getting the facts straight however I was told by some friends and family that I should consult a contract lawyer and have them do the talking.

Con: Having to eat your lunch in 2 minutes while standing over a garbage can. Pro: I guess enjoying what you do! ( If you do in fact enjoy it) Grossing out friends and family with stories at dinner. I like making people feel better. You meet all sorts of people from different cultures and walks a life ( Staff/Patients/ Family members One time I got into the a museum for free because I took care of someones mother.( I was a PCA at the time)

Ok I need some advice here. I worked as a PCA and an ER tech while in Nursing School. At the beginning of my first semester of nursing school I signed a contract to the hospital saying that if they paid for some nursing school in turn I would work as an RN for them for 2 years. The contract I signed was VERY vague, said they would give preference to people with this contract but the employee CAN be asked to repay if they quit school or get terminated. This hospital system is huge and owns 6 area hospitals. In December I applied for 20 RN positions at 5 of there hospitals. I applied for every type of floor and all kinds of shifts. I never ever heard anything from anyone in the 3 months since...not even for an interview with HR and I WORK THERE ALREADY!! I had a great review in January, well liked by the staff/managers on the 2 floors I worked on previously, good GPA, and 4 years of experience with the company and no disaplinary problems/background. I also know that this company put through a corporate wide hiring freeze in November. Then 2 weeks ago they sent eveyone letters saying they were no longer going to fill the vancancys! The good news is in Febuary I was offered a great job at a University Medical Center. ( Better reputation, closer to house...) I took the job because I never heard from the hospital system I had a contract with ( and truthfully who knows what decade they would have called me for an interview at this point) The problem is I heard from a little birdie in HR that in 6 -8 months the hospital will send me a bill for 20,000 !!???? So my question is What do I do!? I feel that the company ( not me) breeched this contract! I have student loans to pay and I don't have a spare 20,000 sitting around. PS- I also did have to go on LOA because of my health for 6 weeks in Sept. I am fine now. The same people in HR who fill out that paper work are the same who pull applications for HR interviews and to show the managers. Should I be suspisious that they didn't exactly love the idea of hiring a 24 year old new grad with chronic health problems. ( I hate to be paranoid but these days....) :chair:

I don't understand your hostility. I only brought up the fact that so many of the posts/nurses COMPLAIN about the work environment. It's coming from within... not from the public. I can answer your question: The posters hostility comes from your ignorance and bad attitude combination. Its fine to ask the question but politely.You however asked in very negative demeaning way. To inform you ...yes there certainly are nurse lobbyists on the state and federal levels. Nursing organizations and other healthcare interest groups have lobbyist defending the nursing profession. The media and public view of nurses is a sad one. The public knows us for our caring and not for our knowledge. ( YOU my friend will learn in nursing school that it is A LOT of knowledge and you have to be VERY smart to not only pass school/boards/keep a job or to even get a job! ) The media shows nurses as a bedpan emptying big boobed females looking to marry a doctor. ( If there are even nurses on the show!!! When was the last time anyone has seen a doc starting an IV or a drip??) There are lots of nurses trying to change the nursing for the better and once you open your eyes and do some reading you will see there is a LOT of opposition for nurses to overcome (the negative images listed above, hospitals, MD's, the AMA, and sometimes even ourselves) My point again is there are lots and lots of nurses trying to make things better. In fact I am one of those nurses....I plan on getting my phD in HealthPolicy and it is my personal goal to change nursing for the better. I want to and hope to make our nursing organizations as big and powerful as the AMA so we can finally get the respect and the voice we deserve. Ok I think ive ranted enough today................:spbox: