Peppermint_RN

So here is the scenario: My lucky self got selected for jury duty in federal court. Oh yay. I am a salaried federal employee at the VA, paid for 80 hours over a 2 week period (I usually work a total of six 12 hour shifts and one 8 hour shift). I worked at my job for 20 hours this past week (one 12 hour shift, one 8 hour shift), then had jury duty (total of 16 hours) for two days, one of them being my scheduled day off from work. I was scheduled to work two 12 hours shifts this weekend. I will be in court for jury duty all of next week, per the judge, so that makes it 40 hours next week of jury duty. Since I am a salaried federal employee, I recieve NO compensation through the court system Ok, so now that the facts are out of the way, here is my situation. I was told I was expected to work this weekend, my scheduled two 12 hour shifts. This will put me working/jury duty from last Tuesday all the way through next Friday, for a total of 11 days straight since my only days off were during the week when I have jury duty. Between jury duty and work, that would be a total of 100 hours straight. I will only receive compensation through the VA for 80 of those hours. I was told if I wanted one day off, I must use my vacation time or sick leave for that day. After researching online and in the employee handbook, as well as talking to numerous coworkers, I feel I was getting the rotten end of the deal. When I figured up my time, I realized after working 4 hours Saturday, that put me at 40 hours for the week, so I left work early. I had already told my manager I would be taking today off, but was told I needed to use vacation leave. That way I am at my 80 hours for the two weeks. Now that I'm at home thinking about it, I'm worried I'll get in trouble for leaving and that they will make me use my vacation. But I don't think that is right! Does anyone have any experience with this, or know of the laws related to federal salaried employees and court leave. They cannot make me work more than my scheduled 80 hours biweekly if I'm in court for 56 of those hours, right?

Thanks everyone. Glad to see I'm not overreacting about it! I have documented (and printed it off & stuck it in my file in my locker as a back-up). Went back and noticed that two other nurses' notes has miraculously disappeared out of the record, documenting the same type of behavior. The patient ended up being transported to the ICU for acute resp failure "due to possible OD" literally a few days after my original post. Never would've guessed that'd happen

My point exactly. I just don't know if I am held liable if something happens? I'm assuming if I document the incident and/or do an incident report, it is off my back? But the thing is, if something untoward happens to the patient and/or another person involved, it is on my conscience.

We have found them before in the patients bedside table, about 6 pills that time. Patient denies spitting out the medications, but multiple nurses have witnessed the patient spitting them out then saving them. This patient gets very agitated if they are not given exactly on time as they are scheduled.

So frustrated right now! I witnessed a patient take his pain medication & a drink, and waited nearby (since we've had prior situations with this patient not taking the pain meds). I witnessed the patient take the pain meds out of their mouth & hide it under their sheet (they didn't realize I was watching). I am not allowed, per manage to, to confront the patient since they are a Veteran and I "will never win against a veteran". This has happened numerous times with other patients, and when it is brought to the charge nurse, assistant manager then nurse manager, we are brushed aside and told pretty much there is nothing they can do since these patients are veterans! So I'm pretty much told to stand by & say nothing. This is messed up & I do not feel the appropriate action is being taken!

Yep. Been working there for just over a year. Learned a ton and actually love going into work every day!

I filled mine out as a new grad but have no clue what I put as answers! I think i did 14- yes, 15 & 16-no. The gray part is what their department fills out. If you're looking up the position on USAjobs.gov, there should be a name & phone number and/or email of the HR person to contact. I'd say contact them if you have questions. :) Good luck! I feel so lucky to have gotten a job at the VA as a new grad. Love my job!

I love my job! I worked 3 months in psych but then lucked out into a hospice unit at the VA. I feel like I won the lottery on new-grad-nurse jobs. Awesome, supportive coworkers & a wonderful floor to work on. Never even considered hospice when I was in school and was terrified to go into it. But I love it.

I've bought from Allheart.com and UniformAdvantage.com and would buy from both again. Pretty good prices (especially if you catch sales) and I've been pleased with the fit and fabric of the scrubs.

I think some people just feel entitled. It's everywhere, not just nursing

The first couple interviews I went to as a new grad I royally bombed! My friends and I began doing "Mock interviews" with each other, asking interview questions & going over the answers. It helped a lot. Also, look up nursing interview questions. Know how to answer in STAR format (situation/task, action, result). It'll help you make your point clearer when you answer. Make sure you answer the question being asked & try not to ramble. Keep applying & going to interviews! Even if you don't get the job, you'll get to practice your interview skills. :) Good luck!

I started at $21--something at the VA with awesome benefits last December (2013)

I worked fast food for 10 years by the time I graduated with my nursing degree. No medical experience at all.

I signed up for it again this year. Never did any clinics last year so I can't say anything about it. Hoping I get the opportunity to do some this year!

Check out uniformadvantage.com and Allheart.com. Sometimes they have really good sales (cheaper than walmart) and decent quality scrubs