When do you march up the chain of command?

1 First let me say, I am starting to see the writing on the wall. My place of employment, which I have loved for the last ten years, has become something else. New nurses. New CNAs. New owners. Huge turnover for various reasons. Promotions of individuals who should not have been pushed up the ladder, but it happened anyway. The fact that I have to ask the question in the first place means there's a problem that's not going anywhere for the short term.

There is a supervisor who handles scheduling, that always works on the same days as myself.

For the last 6-8 months there have been scheduling problems involving him with dept transfers and low census time off. It's always my turn. The loss of income and stress is starting to hurt.

We aren't union, and I understand that the facility can staff any way they want. Their show, their rules. Having said all that, there is a policy that the other supervisors adhere to. Just not this supervisor.

I have been to the floor manager numerous times with my complaints. She says she'll look into it. No, it's not fair, the supe is out of line, blah blah blah. I am pacified until it happens again.

And again. As I said, I'm starting to see the writing on the wall.

Do I now go to the CNE and complain? Then to the administrator? Then to HR?

Keep quiet, or just start looking for a new job?

Fifteen years ago I would have already been looking for a new job. At my age it's not going to be easy. To find work, or a comparable wage.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? What did you do? Last edit by Joe V on Jul 25, '12 : Reason: spacing
Excuse the typing of my post. I tried to edit the appearance and I couldn't.Some days nothing goes right.

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When it's not an imediate danger, just a severe annoyance thing, I'm a believer in the three strikes rule."I have been to the floor manager numerous times with my complaints. She says she'll look into it. No, it's not fair, the supe is out of line, blah blah blah. I am pacified until it happens again."I wouldnt mention it to her a fourth, I'd go above her instead, and explain to that person I tried the one below them three times prior with no results.

is there an employee policy book where this policy is in writing? even if you aren't unionized, published policy is published policy and binding on employee and employer. i am also assuming that you have decent performance reviews and don't call out all the time.make a copy with a brief note that politely summarizes your complaint and says you are sure it's an oversight on her part and that you'd like it corrected in the future, and hand it to this supervisor. make sure she knows that you have cc'd your manager, the cne, and the hr manager.random thought: is it possible that this supervisor has something on someone and that's why she's impervious to criticism?

Quote from grnteais there an employee policy book where this policy is in writing? even if you aren't unionized, published policy is published policy and binding on employee and employer. i am also assuming that you have decent performance reviews and don't call out all the time.make a copy with a brief note that politely summarizes your complaint and says you are sure it's an oversight on her part and that you'd like it corrected in the future, and hand it to this supervisor. make sure she knows that you have cc'd your manager, the cne, and the hr manager.random thought: is it possible that this supervisor has something on someone and that's why she's impervious to criticism?

oh, and ask for a response in writing, please. you might be right, they might be targeting the older, more expensive nurses (have you spoken to the others about this?), but if they fire you for a trumped-up reason in order to block your access to unemployment (which they have to pay), you'll have some ammo to fire back. pleasantly and politely, of course.

I can't even go up the chain of command because it's not posted anywhere in my facility what company I actually work for. no where in my hiring paper work not even on my check. It is part of a five hospital chain too.

time to look else where, if staff turn over is high, the management is incompetent.

I agree with Royhanosn. Just cut your loses. Don't quit but start looking elsewhere now.

I am currently a Director of Nursing and we are non-union. However, non-union does not mean non-fair. If your direct supervisor has not answered you concerns, it is time to take the next step on the ladder (and the next and the next). We have a list we keep of folks that have been called off or have gone home early and we rotate it (unless, of course someone wishes to volunteer).In this age of changing healthcare and reduced reimbursement to facilities, my advise would be to stay put but push to make YOUR work environment a better place, because no one is going to tdo it for you.Most corporate-run facilities have what's called "staff satisfaction surveys" and they use these surveys to gauge their department managers. Maybe suggest your facility do one of these surveys and use it to your advantage, because if you're unhappy, I'm sure there are others who are also. Although we are in the business to care for our residents / patients, it's been my belief that an unhappy employee cannot provide a happy environment.Good Luck!!

[quote=grntea;6724529]is there an employee policy book where this policy is in writing? even if you aren't unionized, published policy is published policy and binding on employee and employer. don't believe that for a minute. if you are in right to work state you can be terminated anytime for any - or no reason. climb the chain at your own peril.

Its time to move on. You have out grown that place. The Universe is reflecting back to you all the information you need to know. I know this happened to me. They want younger, and I was getting older. Top dog, top seniority, top pay, etc. Eventually, they started a paper trail on the smallest of things. New management came in(yes younger) and they found ways to get rid of the ones who complained too much (and yes, legitimate complaints). There is a better place, trust the process and move on. It will not get better.I had to face the fact, after 25 years, I no longer fit there.