1st job a joke?

[kgrego11]

Hey guys...I'm recently a new RN and just wanted some feedback about what I have been experiencing in my new position.

I work in the LDRP, and focus my attention mainly on L&D. I'm on my 3rd month of orientation, and all seems to be going well. However, about two weeks ago, I had to have a variety of GI tests done, to which I have been diagnosed with an inflammatory bowel condition, most likely Crohn's. So, consequently, I missed three days of work. When I spoke to manager about what was going on, she was very rude and she wanted to let me know that she could fire me if she wanted to for missing three days of work. I ended up in tears and 60 days of probation. If i miss one more day of work, for ANYTHING, I will be fired on the spot.

Not only do I feel that in this particular situation that I am being treated unfair, but I am wondering if this is the type of hospital I should really want to work for. Maybe there pushing me around because I am only 23, and I am also the youngest RN on the floor by 10 years.

Just wanted some opinions and to vent nonetheless.

Good news? I have already set up two interviews at hospitals that are jumping at the chance to hire me.

Kimberly, RN, BSN

[Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN]

It doesn't matter that you're only 23.

Employers who treat people badly don't stop to find out how old you are first.

This is one of the many reasons for the nursing shortage. Many, many employers treat their nurses like crap.

I know an RN who was fired after missing work because of back surgery and complications- and she got that injury at the same place that fired her. She's 45, divorced w/ 2 kids to support.

Many employers are ruthless.

Can you cut back some of your hours and still keep your ins, at least until your condition stabilizes?

If you search the forums, you will find that many nurses are disappointed and disillusioned in their first and fifth, sixth, etc. job.

If you work in an area where nurses are in demand, you should have no trouble finding another job, or transfering to another unit.

[KrisRNwannabe]

If you live in a "employ at will" state you can be fired for anything. sounds like a not so nice place to work.

[gypsyatheart]

Oh no, no, no, no, no....do not tolerate this kind of attitude. Speak w/your feet my dear, there are too many opportunities for you to stay at a place like this. I would gleefully be giving my notice and upon exit interview, make sure Admin knows exactly why you are leaving!

Good luck!

[JPine]

If you live in a "employ at will" state you can be fired for anything. sounds like a not so nice place to work.

Does anyone have a list of the "Employ at will" states?

[rn/writer, RN]

I started a new job earlier this year. I worked one noc shift and the following morning went to the emergency room with chest and arm pain. I ended up having a stent placed and was out for three weeks. This happened on a Friday and I called work the following Monday. I was on orientation status so my absence didn't mess up the staffing ratios, but I was still concerned that I might be told not to come back.

Management was wonderful. They were concerned about my well-being and have never held this absence against me. In fact, a week ago I expressed a concern about mandated overtime and was told they will try to work with me. I said that I feel strongly that I should take my turn at being mandated but don't know if I can handle it physically if it falls in the middle of a three-day stretch where I would have to come back less than twelve hours later. Their only request was a doctor's note explaining the situation.

This is the kind of place you want to work. Nurses are not appliances to be plugged in at will and kicked when they go on the fritz. How nice it would have been if your manager had asked how you were feeling instead of adding to your worries. Yes, managers are under a lot of pressure to make everything work, but that goes with the territory. They need to save the heavy handed approach for employees who are slacking off, not those who have genuine needs.

I hope you can find a way to make peace with your body and your employer.

[kellyo, LPN]

Found this info on the Chron's and Colitis Foundation website. Hope it helps http://www.ccfa.org/about/news/ibdhandbook.

[MS._Jen_RN, ASN, RN]

With a MD note you should be covered by FMLA if the facility is big enough. Check with HR.

Jen

[midwife2b]

Did she write this up and give it to you to sign?

Most places have a disciplinary policy that they MUST follow in order to avoid a lawsuit. Employers in "at will" states can be taken to court and employees can sue if policies are not followed (been to the Labor Board several times because of policies not being followed...)

However IMHO I would be looking for a new job. If you get one, fantastic! Ask for an exit interview at your old place and tell them why you are leaving (just facts, no emotion).

Upper management only knows what they are told. If they have no idea this is happening they cannot take steps to change it.

[Dayray, RN]

Need to have 1 year on the job to be covered under FLMA.

They can fire you for this but honestly it's pretty stupid of them to take this approach as they would be costing themselves money. Just think of how much they have spent on you already for orentaion, taining, HR stuff, sigh on bonus, wages. If they are willign to throw all that money away and fire you for being truely ill then they deserve the loss they would take from that.

I suspect they wont really fire you but i think you work for a manager that wants to scare you and show you she is the boss. As soemone else here said "talk to your feet" I'd just get out of there, you now have some experance on L&D and someone else will hire you.