Unwanted transition

[TSL7286]

I have been a nurse for over five years, working in office settings. I've had my share of tough workplace experiences to say the least. Finally about 1.5 months ago I was hired at a corporate sports medicine/ orthopedic practice, and placed with a really awesome doctor, our personalities have jived so well and I have enjoyed going to work every day. We have become an excellent team, and all of my coworkers see it.

Only issue -- his nurse that he had before me, has been on medical leave and she is returning. And I was just told this yesterday and now tomorrow is my last day working with him. He is just as upset as I am! We both tried going to the higher ups and asking for me to stay but they said they didn't want to ruffle any feathers with the returning employee. The doctor even said he wishes I could be his full time nurse.

I am actually quite heart broken. Finally after over 5 years I felt I found my niche. I have been so happy and it's been showing in my private life as well.

they now assigned me to work with a new pain management doctor, to say the least I am not excited. Pain management really isn't something I'm interested in working, plus I will have to travel further for work.

Any ideas? Support?

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Jadelpn, I don't see where OP is an agency nurse?? She said that she was hired by the orthopedic practice.

OP, I feel bad for you. I'm wondering if you were hired with the knowledge that this position was temporary? Did you know you were replacing someone on leave?

I'm guessing that your MD must be an employed physician within a large system since he apparently does not have the last say over who works with him.

And Emergent, while it is true that an employee on FMLA must have a position held for him/her, it is not true that the EXACT same position be held.

It was the "now they moved me" so not sure if it is agency, she is a float nurse...

[VANurse2010]

Wow, I'm on FMLA recovering from an accident. I'm disappointed that you all were trying to get around that. My manager had to hire an agency nurse to cover my shifts. Can you imagine how it would be for this gal to be bumped out of her job because you hit it off do well with the doc?

Perhaps you misunderstand FMLA. You are guaranteed an equivalent job back, not your exact same job.

[TSL7286]

I've seen people get bumped to part time, and lose their health insurance on FMLA. So I dont know. Maybe it depends on your states laws. NOTE I would never wish that upon anyone, and think it's really wrong. Just saying I've seen it.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I've seen people get bumped to part time, and lose their health insurance on FMLA. So I dont know. Maybe it depends on your states laws. NOTE I would never wish that upon anyone, and think it's really wrong. Just saying I've seen it.

FMLA is a Federal law and does not vary from state to state. Not sure of the details of what you've "seen" but job loss, decrease in job status and insurance loss CANNOT occur on FMLA. Employers are very well acquainted with the requirements of FMLA.

[caroladybelle, BSN, RN]

No need to be on the defensive end emergent. Not saying she should be jobless. She could work with pain management just as easily as I couls :) I'm looking for support here. Geez.

Let's say you have been working there a long time, know all the routines, the pts love you, you have everything set up the way that you like it, like the MD, etc. Then one day, you get hit by a drunk driver. Not your fault, but you have to be off for 10 weeks. So you return to work to have someone else in your place, and someone saying, Well, I know that you put in umpteen yrs, arranged such and such systems, but all that doesn't mean scat, we are sending you to a different place and keeping the temp."

It might ruffle some serious feathers and cause some morale issues.

Now, there is the possibility that if this individual continues to have issues, they may have to chg hours/jobs, and you may get returned. Otherwise, try to be gracious and think about the way YOU would feel if someone yanked your longtime position away when you were ill/or carrying for a family member.

[imenid37]

It is a disappointment, but you have to consider what is fair. If you were off on medical leave. would you want to have to learn a new job or travel further because of a new employee? Maybe an opportunity that you like will come up soon. Since you did such a good job in the temp position, that will certainly be in your favour. All the best to you!