Burner account here and story time. I had a verbal discussion the other day with my manager that I’d like some feedback on.
I’m an RN and I was out with COVID a few pay periods ago and had to take PTO to cover time lost. I used all the sick hours I had and then used annual hrs to cover the rest. The annual hrs were approved by my assistant mangers in our system and sent to the timekeeper where I found only part of my approved hours were paid out but benefit hours were taken out.
I sent an email to the timekeeper and managers and asked it be paid out citing our policy which says that annual PTO can be used for personal and emergency needs. I was told that there is a new policy (even though the one I cited is still in effect) that states sick leave must be used to cover COVID time and annual PTO cannot be used, even though they already paid out part of that time using annual PTO.
So, I reply asking where I can find the updated policy and that I was confused about the implementation of the contradicting policies.
I was called in to the manager’s office and told that the annual PTO should not have been paid out and that if I plan to go forward with this then I may have those hours forfeited and pay taken away from me.
I was kind of in shock, and so I kind of off the cuff said that I feel that is retaliation and I may have to escalate this if that happens. They asked me why I thought that. I said if there are contradicting policies and I raise the question to have the right to use my earned benefits and then I am punished for doing so, I feel that is unjust and will have no other options.
They sat quiet for a second and said something along the lines of that would be a problem for them and they would have to answer to that to their higher ups. I left the conversation with, I think I should read on the policies first before anything else.
She sent me both copies of the actual policies, neither of which mention anything requiring sick hours to be used for COVID. It actually supported my initial thoughts and states that ANY combo of PTO can be used.
So, I feel kind of betrayed here and frustrated with the whole ordeal. I’m thinking of leaving the position altogether due to this and other concerns.
I work hard for this place and do my best to care for the patients and improve the unit. Most of my concerns or opinions are immediately dismissed without any thought. Downside to leaving is the pay is some of the best around for my specialty.