Using locums rather than permanent nurses

RE: Using locums rather than permanent nurses

Paris M — Fri, 10 Nov 2017 11:34:55 GMT

There is the option to contact the EASS (Equality Advisory Support Service) if you feel you are being discriminated against with regards to additional hours being with-held. I would also talk to citizens advice with regards to this situation if you want to pursue a grievance, especially if you feel that you no longer feel you wish to work there due to the situation.

I would argue to the PM if they consider you are so unreliable, how come they employ you on a permeant part time basis? I would argue the point that you are reliable enough to cover shifts every week continually over 3 years yet not on an ad hoc basis? That is hypocritical premise.

IMO always talk to the advisory organisations before hand so you can make an informed plan of action. Best of luck xx

RE: Using locums rather than permanent nurses

VetNurse Anon a/c — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 20:02:41 GMT

Thanks Alison. I will take some time to put me first and decide what I want to do x

RE: Using locums rather than permanent nurses

Alison Clare Hickman — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 19:38:30 GMT

That's terrible. I conclude the same as you then. They don't appreciate you.

Oh dear. Well then, writing is on the wall ain't it?!

Options are:

Put up with what you've got.

Look for another part time role to supplement your current one...

Or switch practices altogether.

I'd be very tempted to do my hours, giving the required service but no more than that. That's what they expect so that's what they get. I can shrug off any worries about it and happily spend my time, brain power and energies in other directions (hobbies, relaxing, looking for another job... ).

Let us know what you decide to do; whatever is best *for you* !!!!

Good luck. Xx

RE: Using locums rather than permanent nurses

VetNurse Anon a/c — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 17:58:22 GMT

I had an actual meeting with my PM to discuss and it was then that I was told I was unreliable - apparently being admitted to hospital in an emergency and then being in for a week after having abdominal surgery makes me unreliable! I was like seriously. I left the meeting wanting to resign. I feel like maybe that's what they are trying to do but I just wish I knew what I'd done to get in their bad books

RE: Using locums rather than permanent nurses

VetNurse Anon a/c — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 17:54:46 GMT

Hi alison

unfortunately I've already done all of your suggestions yet am still in this situation. There is no one higher to go to other than the directors but they don't get involved in rotas and stuff so doubt it would make a difference. I feel like it's a personal attack on myself. I've never been in trouble and always work my ass off so i really don't understand what's going on. Why pay a locum a lot more money than what I get to do the same job? Feeling like I need to leave as they clearly think very little of me.....

RE: Using locums rather than permanent nurses

Alison Clare Hickman — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 14:36:17 GMT

Oh dear me... sounds like a miscommunication or misunderstanding - you can clear this up easily! (I hope). I am trusting at this moment you are not to being subjected to deliberately unfair treatment... let's go on a voyage of discovery!

Did you tell the person who said this that your unscheduled absence was due to emergency surgery? If not, you should try it and see if they can reconsider with new information to hand.... if you did and they won't...I would be inclined to elevate it to the next management level. After all you are trying to help the practice...

I would very politely elevate my offer of assistance to the next line of management with the query "I'd love to help cover some shifts for the practice, however my offer has been declined as I am thought to be unreliable? I'm very puzzled by this, as the only time I've not been able to help was when I needed emergency surgery. I can assure you that I am fully recovered and won't let you down. It is possible to reconsider please? Or, if this is not what's caused the problem then please let me know why I am considered to be unreliable - I'm worried, and not a little upset, about it"

Then list the days, dates, times you can help.

Good luck!

hth

RE: Using locums rather than permanent nurses

VetNurse Anon a/c — Wed, 08 Nov 2017 11:35:19 GMT

I asked why and was told that they need reliable cover - I had to cancel a couple of shifts in the past due to being rushed to hospital and ended up having emergency surgery! It was the only time off I'd had in 3 years and hardly something minor

RE: Using locums rather than permanent nurses

Alison Clare Hickman — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 21:18:49 GMT

hiya, that must feel very demoralising so I agree with WelshyNurse that you need to ask your management exactly why they don't ask you. Don't imagine why (you could be completely wrong!), find out why. Without hard facts you will make the wrong decision!

Information is key.

Fingers crossed its wires crossed!!

Best regards

Ali h

RE: Using locums rather than permanent nurses

VetNurse Anon a/c — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 20:22:04 GMT

and then when I next look at the diary one of the locums or another permanent member of staff has got the shift. I feel like it's a personal attack on me

RE: Using locums rather than permanent nurses

VetNurse Anon a/c — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 20:21:04 GMT

I've asked them so many times and said I'm free. Even when the diary has a blank which means the shift needs covering I say I can cover bit they say they don't need me

RE: Using locums rather than permanent nurses

WelshyNurse — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 19:27:25 GMT

Have you approached them about this?

I would never use locums if there was an alternative

RE: Using locums rather than permanent nurses

VetNurse Anon a/c — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 17:27:32 GMT

I only woke part time but have been asking for extra hours for so long now and I've never said I can't do any of the shifts they've offered me in the past so I really don't understand why they don't give me the shifts. It's not that there isn't any overtime - it's that I ask and get told there isn't any yet find out they then ask locum nurses to cover when I have been told they don't need any cover. I've never done anything wrong it been in trouble or anything so I really don't understand

RE: Using locums rather than permanent nurses

WelshyNurse — Tue, 07 Nov 2017 17:11:58 GMT

Are you working full time anyway?

I don’t ask my nurses to do more than their contracted 40 hours