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What Are the Ramifications of a No Call/No Show?

Nurses reviewing continuing education on computer

Question:

Dear Nancy,

What are the ramifications of a no call no show? While on orientation for nights my schedule was changed to days for the last three days for some reason. They had made it a habit to continually change my schedule, and it was difficult to switch nights and days for clinical as well as classes. I didn?t realize that I was to report for days since I had just worked days the day before. I received a call from the charge nurse asking me where I was three hours into the first 12-hour day shift. I asked if they waned me to report since I would be still over an hour later. She said don?t bother and then put me down as a no call/no show. I tried to shoulder my responsibility in the matter and talked to the nurse manager. She said, ?This doesn?t look good for you since we really don?t know if this behavior is typical.? Should I be worried about my job?

Fred

Nancy Brent replies:

Dear Fred,

This situation sounds as though there was some miscommunication between the nurse manager and staff nurses concerning shifts to be worked. Or, it may be that a procedure to determine one?s shift during the next days was not followed for some reason. In any event, there is now a ?mark? on your reputation concerning showing up for work when scheduled, This is not positive development, and it will probably follow you within this institution and may even ?haunt you? if you eventually leave this employer and work elsewhere.

It might be helpful to you to review the employee grievance policy and procedure. If you think you have a good defense, you may want to grieve it, following the policy and procedure to the letter. A nurse attorney or attorney in your state who works with employees could provide necessary guidance and instruction on how best to present your defense.

As has been mentioned in this column many times before, being silent and not speaking up for one?s self when unfairly disciplined, if that is what has occurred, can lead to another thinking that since an allegation was not challenged, it must be true.

Sincerely,
Nancy



Nancy J. Brent, RN, MS, JD, is an attorney in private practice in Wilmette, Ill. This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as legal or any other advice. The reader is encouraged to seek the advice of an attorney or other professional when an opinion is needed.