My employer wants to fire me because I accidentally took home a cabinet key. How can I address this situation?
Tuesday October 27, 2009
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I am an RN currently on family leave because of my husband's surgery and complication of complete renal failure. The administration at my facility wanted me to come in for a meeting. I was obliquely informed this meeting is to “let me go.” The reason they want to let me go is related to a cabinet key incident. I accidentally took the key home, and it ended up in my purse. I admit I made a mistake, but there have been no property losses or other issues related to this key. I would love your advice on this situation. The facility is a community hospital that prides itself on its Magnet status.
Vanessa
It sounds like the meeting did not yet happen. But if it did or presuming you do get let go because of this incident, ask if you can appeal the decision. Many employers have such a provision, but it depends on the reason for your termination and what your employer's policies are.
I also will say that if you believe you are being treated unfairly, you should seek the advice of a nurse attorney. A nurse attorney has unique insights into both the law and nursing practice. Find such an attorney through word of mouth, by getting a referral from your state chapter of the American Nurses Association (whether or not you are a member), or through the American Association of Nurse Attorneys (www.taana.org), although every nurse attorney does not belong to this association. You can also pose your question to Nancy Brent, a legal nurse consultant and legal advice columnist, by clicking on “Brent’s Law” under the News tab at the Nurse.com home page.
My best wishes,
Donna
Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek’s “Dear Donna” and author of “Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional” and “The ULTIMATE Career Guide for Nurses: Practical Advice for Thriving at Every Stage of Your Career.” Information about the books is available at www.Nurse.com/CE/7010 and www.Nurse.com/CE/7250, respectively. To ask Donna your question, go to www.Nurse.com/asktheexperts/deardonna. Find a “Dear Donna” seminar near you: Call 800-866-0919 or visit http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.
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