When do you throw in the towel and call it a wrap?

[lilura]

Some Background: I work at a SNF with LTC residents. The geriatric population is my niche, and I'm good at what I do. I've always went above and beyond for my employer, residents, and coworkers. We've been having some staffing issues lately, and I've done my fair share of OT. I average between 96-115 hrs per biweekly pay period. I never complained, I show up with a positive attitude, and do what needs to be done.

Here's My Issue: I put a request in for vacation back in January. I've been at this facility for a year and half now. I've missed one day r/t a sinus infection. I was told a week ago that since my request falls on a weekend that I'm supposed to work, it is my job to find someone to cover that or my vacation won't be approved. My vacation is already paid for and I'll be leaving in a couple weeks with my family. I've asked coworkers and there's no one willing to swap weekends with such short notice. I wish I knew this sooner.

I've also spoke with management and told them that I do not mind working 12 hour shifts, as long as I had notice. I have four young children. I can't count how many times I've come to work and was told I'd be working till 7 pm instead of 3. I would then have to tell my husband that once he got home he would have to take care of homework, dinner, etc. They told me they'd start giving me notice. That lasted about two weeks, and it's happening again.

Lastly, yesterday was payday. My paycheck was not deposited in my account. It was the final straw. I lost my cool. Yesterday was a bad day, ended up working 14 hours with no lunch break, while training an orientee, and admitting a new rehab patient who had narcotic prescriptions that was signed by a PA with no DEA #. Her surgeon forgot to cosign the scripts.

And then there's today. I drove to my facility to speak with HR about my paycheck. HR had a write up for me to sign, because I had not picked up my two previous pay stubs in a timely manner. I explained how short staffed we were, and I did not have time to eat, much less wait in line at their office for 15 minutes. I signed the write up and was informed that my next three paychecks would be a check. If I pick up those three checks in a "timely manner", they would start direct deposit again. I was furious. I asked where in the employee handbook or policy does it state that and she responded, "It doesn't. But maybe you'll remember now". I argued that the punishment was one thing, but to not give me notice was unprofessional. I left her office and marched to the DON and administrators office, and they had all left for the day.

I am so upset. I'm contemplating not going back at all, no notice. I've been a great employee, worked the extra shifts, and took wonderful care of the residents with whom I've really bonded with. As it stands now, HR is worthless, my home life is less than par with shifts I'm not being notified about, and they won't approve my vacation that I requested 4 months ago. Am I overreacting? Should I put a notice in or quit or wait it out? I love taking care of my residents, but no one is taking care of me. This is my first job as a nurse and need some guidance. Thanks for listening!

[madareebrahim]

Start applying for new jobs...i work in medical cardiology and we get many Nurses who leave LTC or SNF to try

The hospital. If you like older patients try a rehab floor or even a med surg floor.

Go on vacation...it is what it is...

[madareebrahim]

DITTO!!!

You said you requested the vacation in January, but was it ever actually approved? Perhaps things are different in LTC, but it the ICU I would NEVER put down a deposit on a vacation without having had the time off approved in writing. Once it's approved in writing, if they change their minds there's a paper trail in your favor. Also, if you had your vacation approved before putting your money down, they cannot now say you need to find weekend coverage. And if they needed you to find your own weekend coverage, that should have been on the approval.

The not picking up paystubs so they won't direct deposit your check is ludicrous. I've never heard of such a thing! Clearly those who work in the office have NO idea what working at the bedside entails.

Just not going back to work is unprofessional -- but you knew that and hopefully the impuse to no call/no show has passed by now. Enjoy your vacation and be ready to start looking for a new job when you get back.

[NurseCard, ADN]

I have NEVER heard of anyone **having** to pick up their paystubs,

let alone having to pick them up or else no direct deposit?? That is

insane.

[caliotter3]

I had one employer that told me they quit offering direct deposit altogether because people weren't turning in their paperwork (home health). Apparently, the payroll system automatically paid according to the hours worked and we know that almost all home health employers withhold your pay if the paperwork isn't turned in when they want it although the employment department says this is illegal. Employers don't care as long as they can get away with the practice. Going to the office to pick up your pay stub so the employer doesn't have to mail it to you? What a crock.