I have been working at my current workplace, a hospital downtown, for a little over a year now as full-time. As of Monday I will transfer to part-time because I am starting a new job closer to home. Both managers are aware.
This afternoon I received a phone call from my current manager scheduling a meeting with her, human resources and a union representative on Monday. She would not give me any details except that it was SERIOUS, which is what worries me most, and she would pay me for my time (odd but nice). I asked if it was about a patient (which is my #1 concern) and she said no. But that's all she would tell me. I know this will be at the back of my mind all weekend long, stressing me out! This is the first time I've been asked to come in on my day off and meet with people other than her. Any ideas what it could be about?
Although I don't think this behind the reason and if it was I will tell her the truth. I called in sick yesterday. I don't call in often ... maybe a handful the entire year. This time it was legitimate, I had schedule conflicts at both workplaces and couldn't find anyone to pick-up my shift. It left me with no choice. I can't be at 2 places at once. I called in really early so they a good amount of time to call or a replacement.
They can't take away your license for that, it has nothing to do with your clinical practice. Whether they choose to keep you employed by them is another matter entirely.
I always tell people to remember that nursing really is a small world and you always have to watch your back. If you are going to do what you did, you have to cover your tracks well...... Intentional or not.
Whether or not I would want them to choose me to remain employed there? I big "No thank you!"
If they let me go, I would be OK with that. If not, I was planning on leaving soon or later. I was unhappy there. I just feel the situation could have been dealt with better. Thank you for all your comments/criticisms, they have given me a different perspective about the situation and nursing in general. I appreciate it. I wouldn't be able to talk this openly anywhere else.
Meadow85, first off I am going to say this not to make you feel badly, but there appears to be some people who do not seem to be aware of how this is an issue for an employer
To call in sick accepting sick pay for that shift and ;yes to end up caught at another job, yes it is considered fraud. A form of stealing. While Meadow was not aware of this, it does remain a good lesson to us all..
Fraud was the exact term I had heard them use at work when it happened to a co-worker who called in sick but went to their second job. So unless Meadow happens to work on the same unit I do. This must be a common type of conclusion for management.
Again, I do not believe it will harm your license. Sign your exception sheet at work as soon as possible, taking off the paid sick time, make it either sick time without pay , or unexcused time off.
You can ask payroll to take the paid time off, if the check is already in the works. Ask them to make out a new check for you without that shift of pay.That would just be my suggestion.
lpnflorida: That option was brought up during the meeting, but they said they have to discuss it with upper management first and they will let me know what their decision is sometime this week.
And yes, my union rep also informed me that the common conclusion with all management is that you did it intentionally to "double dip". You are guilty until proven innocent.
That seems like an extreme penalty. Just because you faked being sick? What are they saying is fraud, lying that you were sick, having a second job, or calling in sick in order to go to your other job.
OK, lpnflorida explained it, it's double dipping because you got sick pay. Yes, that would be unethical.
Well, you learned a big lesson. I'm sure you'll recover from this, don't let it get you down. Just live and learn, we've all done dumb things before...
I do agree that lpnflorida makes an educated point, but I an not saying that the OP was tring to get paid sick time when working the other job. She made an error of judgement, I do not think she was trying to be paid for some of her sick time before she left.
I am not trying to make excuses, and I do understand the importance of fraud and the legalities. I just think that the OP found a position where she would be happier and put in her notice. She was trying to complete her resignation at her old job while trying to work at her new facility. Burning the candle at both ends, maybe, but not fraud. JMO. Yes, some people don't seem to understand the point of view fom an employer. My dh, who is a nurse, IS an employer. I ran it by him and he also agreed that it did sound a little ridiculous, that the manager was a little "overzealous", to say the least. Like I said, she was just trying to keep two employers happy. Yes, she screwed up, but I hope she can just chalk it up to experience and 8 or 12 hours of sick time. I really don't think the OP should be punished with actions against her license for the mistake she made.
I was thinking of you all day. I'm sorry things didn't go better. I don't think you will lose your license over this but chances are it will not be paid but not a biggie given the circumstances.
Your manager is petty so even if you somehow make it through this debacle I would give ample notice and get out of there. She doesn't like you or trust you and I wouldn't put my license at risk again while she looks for another way to jam you up.
If they fire you no biggie because you aren't happy there anyway. Move on and find joy. Hugs.
I don't think it's petty for a manager to be upset over an employee faking illness in order to go to another job. I think that's very irresponsible. Then, to collect sick pay on top of it takes the cake.
sissiesmama, ASN, RN
1,899 Posts
Whether or not I would want them to choose me to remain employed there? I big "No thank you!"
Anne
Good luck to you, meadows!!