Why am I being singled out and not offered extra shifts?

Dear Per Diem,

I am not a lawyer, but I can offer general information to help you understand the situation. 

In general, here are a few points to consider:

Per diem employees typically have a more flexible work arrangement than full-time or part-time employees.

The specifics of your employment agreement, including any terms related to the frequency of shift offers, should be outlined in your employment contract or the organization's policies- but it probably isn't.

Chances are that any additional work shifts are not included in your employment contract. However, if you are employed by a well-established company with clear policies, it may be included in their policy. Research the policies regarding extra shifts. 

It may be that informal guidance is given to charge nurses when it comes to both calling staff off or calling staff in. This should be followed.

Without a breach of contract or written policy, there may be no legal basis for making a complaint or lodging a violation.

I believe legal action should be considered as a last option due to the significant energy and effort required. There is also no guarantee that the desired outcome will be achieved.

However, employers need to treat all employees fairly and equally. If a charge nurse or scheduler gives extra shifts to some per diem nurses who are their friends, it is unfair and needs to be addressed promptly. Such actions can put the hospital at risk.

Talk to Your Supervisor

Schedule a talk with your supervisor if you believe you are being treated differently from other per diem employees without a valid reason.

"I am interested in picking up extra shifts" is a good start. The goal of the conversation with your supervisor is to find out why you are not being offered extra shifts like the other per diem nurses. 

Anti-Discrimination Laws. If the reason for not offering you shifts is related to a protected characteristic, such as race, gender, religion, or other factors covered by anti-discrimination laws, this could violate your rights.

Retaliation. If your change in shift offerings is a result of your decision to keep to yourself and not socialize, it could potentially raise concerns of retaliation or a hostile work environment, significantly if your work performance has not been affected.

Hopefully, simply talking to your supervisor will settle the problem. 

Consult an Attorney

As a last resort, and if you believe your rights are being violated,  consult an employment attorney specializing in your jurisdiction's employment laws. They can review your situation and guide you on whether you have legal recourse.

You need to gather relevant documentation, such as your employment contract, communication regarding shift offers, and performance evaluations, to support your case.

You can then determine the best course of action based on your circumstances and the laws in your jurisdiction.

It's also important to try to be more friendly with your coworkers, even if it is outside of your comfort zone. Remember that nursing is a team job; building solid relationships with your colleagues can significantly benefit everyone involved. 

Very best wishes,

Nurse Beth