Question

When the licensed practical/vocational nurse (LP/VN) was hired, the nurse was told that the nurse would not have to work more than 1 weekend a month. In the last 4 months, the nurse has been assigned to work 3 weekends each month and nurse's complaints have been ignored. Which procedure should the nurse use to address this situation?

Answer 1

The LP/VN should review their employment contract, then follow the chain of command to resolve the discrepancy, starting with the immediate supervisor and potentially escalating to HR or a union rep. Written complaints should be detailed and professional, with thorough documentation of the process.

Step-by-step explanation:

To address the issue of being assigned to work more weekends than what was agreed upon, the licensed practical/vocational nurse (LP/VN) should first review their employment contract or agreement to verify the terms of weekend work. If the contract states one weekend a month, this can serve as a basis for their argument. The nurse should then follow the established chain of command to address the problem professionally. This typically involves speaking to their immediate supervisor or manager to discuss the discrepancy and request adherence to the original agreement. If the immediate supervisor is unresponsive, the nurse may bring the issue to the attention of human resources or a union representative, if applicable.

In cases where verbal discussions are ineffective, it is advisable to put complaints in writing, providing a structured, formal complaint. When writing a letter of complaint or filling out a standard complaint form, the nurse should include the specifics of the original agreement, the actual work schedule, and the impact the increased weekend work has on them personally and professionally. It is essential to remain calm, professional, and persistent, making sure to document each step in the process, including dates, times, and with whom they have communicated. This documentation can be critical if further action, such as a grievance procedure, is required.

Considering the situation of Tyre, the nursing assistant, workplace issues like excessive hours, lack of autonomy, and disrespect can severely impact job satisfaction and mental health. Therefore, it is crucial to address conflicts and discrepancies in workplace agreements proactively and through the appropriate channels.