Travel nurse let go - Do I have recourse?

Published Sep 20, 2018

7 Articles; 119 Posts

Specializes in Medical Legal Consultant.

Dear Lorie

I resigned from a job and signed on with a travel company for a 13 week assignment at highly reputable cancer hospital. I was over the moon- thinking I would be hired as permanent staff once my contract was over. After my 3rd week, I was asked to see my supervisor- I thought to get my time card signed and a rep from HR was in the office. I was told my performance "wasn't getting up to speed" quickly enough. I had received NO feedback from the supervisor in my 3 weeks, and my team seemed very supportive of me. I was doing pt teaching, pre-bone marrow transplant teaching and presenting pts at multidisciplinary conference. I relinquished my ID badge and was escorted to my office to get my purse and lunch. My dept seemed shocked and I didn't get to say good-bye to my new staff. My travel company is out of Ohio and had nothing else for me in MA where I'm licensed and live. I'm collecting unemployment (I hope!) but do I have recourse? I have 34 yrs experience, am oncology certified and have my MSN. My travel company did an investigation and found out "you struggled with Epic" the EMR I have used >4 years. I feel this is a cover up.

Dear Wandering Traveler

I'm sorry this is happening to you. Many states are considered employment at will which means that they don't even have to have a reason to terminate your position. However, you should speak with an employment lawyer with your specific problem to see if they can assist you.