I called in to work,(last Friday - 0800) explaining that my Father had just passed away(O145)...and that I would not be able to come in to work (I did have the next three days off)and as his funeral would be out of state , so I would be using my PTO/ Vacation (four days) to make a week (7 days total off)...funeral would be on either day 4 or 5 depending on when it was arranged....
I was stunned to hear my direct supervisor tell me that I would have to come in and work my next regular scheduled days, as someone else had requested some time off ( the exact days I would need) in order to have a "gargage sale", so I could NOT have the time off to attend my Father's funeral. Worse I think was the remark "well he's not going anyplace now is he, so you do not NEED those days."
According to the good old employee handbook, three days is the time off allowed for an immediate family member's death...
When I went up the chain of command to explain and make the request (with the filled out PTO sheet in hand), I was told to take the time, paper was signed by CNO (Chief Nursing Officer). I made two copies of that paper, one I placed in my immediate supervisor's inbox and I kept a copy for myself.
I then went ahead and left for the funeral trip...
NEVER did I expect a telephone call to my cell phone (this call came within five minutes of Dad's start of his service by the way) from my direct supervisor teling me that if I was NOT at work within 15 minutes I would be terminated! I told her that was not possible and that she needed to read the approved PTO paper for the time off granted, and if she had any other or further concerns to speak with the CNO.
When I returned back, I found I was in fact terminated. The reason given was No Call No Show --not able to be contact by supervisor for explaination of reason not at work...
This termination paper was signed by my direct supervisor and the CNO...
Excuse me? Somehow the PTO approved paper was NOT in my file, but good old me had MY copy....oh so NOW my job is safe and sound after I can find the copy?
No, I am NOT returning to that place, and I would like to think that the NEXT time someone's family member passes, that those still there are treated with far more compassion and sympathy than I was.
Thank you all for reading this. That in itself is enough.
Please, please, please don't let them get away with this. They did this you and probably others because they have gotten away with it in the past. They expect nurses to just roll over and take the abuse.
Call your local lawyers association and ask to about Labor lawyers. Show one of them your letter signed by the CNO for the time off and then the termination letter also signed by the CNO. Lawyers love cases in which they know they are going to win.
Don't just do unemployment, sue the pants off those ******, for wrongful termination AND the emotional distress caused by the wrongful termination.
Also report them for the FMLA violation.
Take your time and find a job that is supportive of their nurses, best wishes.
That being said, and being who I am, I would definitely take them to the cleaners over this, and THEN quit. This is wrong on so many levels.
Then there's a nurse where I have worked for 16 years (she's been there 25) and in the time I've known her has taken leave for so many aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., that we thought her family had to have been completely gone years ago. It does get abused, but in your case, they are the abuser.
I am so sorry for your loss and the treatment you endured at such an emotional time.
As much as it is tempting to let bygones be bygones and just get on with your life (thankful that you don't work for such a...holes anymore) I think I would have to get 'um - and get 'um really bad. Get a lawyer. If they are allowed to get away with such behavior, they will repeat it over and over again with other people who are vulnerable after facing family tragedy. It is about time somebody stood up to these bullies and pushed back a little if you ask me.
Specializes in FNP, Peds, Epilepsy, Mgt., Occ. Ed.
Then there's a nurse where I have worked for 16 years (she's been there 25) and in the time I've known her has taken leave for so many aunts, uncles, cousins, etc., that we thought her family had to have been completely gone years ago. It does get abused, but in your case, they are the abuser.
When my FIL died last year, I took a day off to help my DH prepare to go out of state for the memorial service. My facility policy required some sort of proof; I printed out his obituary, which listed our names, so there was no problem. Facilities with suspected abuse issues can institute policies requiring documentation. (I had no problem whatsoever getting the day, and could have taken two more had I needed it, I was just advised that they would need to have something on file.)
That would be reasonable. What happened to the OP was so unreasonable as to be completely bizarre!
I'd even be tempted to talk to a journalist or two.
Personally, I'd probably make an appointment with the CEO and talk to him about the situation, to give him the opportunity to prove that what happened was an aberration and not part of the institutional culture. If I were not satisfied on that point, then I'd be looking for that journalist.
So sorry for your loss, my prayers are with you and yours.:icon_hug:
Sometimes it is hard for those of us who work to live,but don't live to work. Take care of yourself first, there will always be jobs out there but there is only one you.
Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.
First, let me express my empathy for the death of your father. And, now, let me express the OUTRAGE :weathertornado:of the treatment you received. I have a great deal of cuss words that I am sure the moderators would ban me immediately, so, I am really trying to contain myself here. You are not an animal, you are a human being with feelings and to work for a service profession that has no regard to the death of an immediate family member does not deserve your loyalty.
See, things like this make nurses run from the bedside. The cursing feeling is coming above me again, so, I have to close this, but I support you and again, I am really, really sorry.:icon_hug:
I am so very sorry for the loss of your father, which has been compounded by the horribly shabby treatment you've received from your management.
You do not need them.
I'm constantly amazed at the insensitivity exhibited by some healthcare professionals in positions of power. You deserve better, and I sincerely hope you find it.
:saint:
ukstudent
805 Posts
I am so sorry for your loss.
Please, please, please don't let them get away with this. They did this you and probably others because they have gotten away with it in the past. They expect nurses to just roll over and take the abuse.
Call your local lawyers association and ask to about Labor lawyers. Show one of them your letter signed by the CNO for the time off and then the termination letter also signed by the CNO. Lawyers love cases in which they know they are going to win.
Don't just do unemployment, sue the pants off those ******, for wrongful termination AND the emotional distress caused by the wrongful termination.
Also report them for the FMLA violation.
Take your time and find a job that is supportive of their nurses, best wishes.