Friday, May 10, 2013

The Axe has Fallen: I'm Laid Off

Corporate suck.
During the last month or so, my small town hospital has been teetering on bankruptcy. Our pay checks were constantly late and we had little choice in the matter. The latest we were ever paid was one full week. But I was loyal.

It had been five years since we opened and several of my coworkers had stayed together as a team from the prior hospital, dating back to 2004. It is amazing how well a department can function when you have a tight, cohesive team.  So well, in fact, that when our Radiology Director passed from cancer we worked without a Director for nine months.

I think we spoiled the hospital Administration. After a while, they must have figured "Why bother paying a Director? These guys are autonomous!" And on it went...for five years.

They did finally promote someone from within our department to Director. In retrospect, he my have gotten the short end of the stick out of all of us. But let's focus on the important stuff...ME. LoL.

Fast forward five years. ObamaCare kicks in. Recession is causing havoc across America. We've gone FIVE YEARS without a raise in our hospital but remained loyal.

Then the domino effect began. First was the missed payrolls. Uh oh. Speed bump. Carry on. Nothing to see here folks.

Then a last minute meeting was scheduled to tell us the original hospital was being closed. It was hemorrhaging too much debt and was taking both hospitals down the drain. We were told that with our Main campus closed, our little outlier, small town hospital would survive on winter visitors (and their MediCare).

I'll speed the timeline up.

Week One - Six: paychecks inconsistent.

Week Seven: Main hospital closes. 400 people out of a job within days. Smaller hospital employees told they will keep their jobs. All is well. (I was one of the small hospital employees).

Week Eight: Announcement: Large Corporation buys our small hospital. Meeting Monday morning with Corp Admin tells us "Everyone guaranteed to keep their jobs."

Week Nine & Ten: every other day, you have a job, we're not sure you will have a job, it is guaranteed...until we interview you, you salary will NOT change...unless you salary is above or below our established range, then it will be adjusted accordingly.

Week Eleven: you have a job and have great qualifications.

Week Twelve: there's a list coming out in one week that will state who has a job and who is terminated. In the meantime, fill out all this new hire paperwork, get TB shots, MMR titers, physicals, mask fittings, etc etc. Welcome aboard.

Week Thirteen: I am in Oklahoma for my Grandmother's funeral. Corporate's Human Resources calls me to say "Our offer to employ you have been rescinded." No explanation. Just a bunch of corporate double-speak.

So, without notice, on a Friday afternoon, while out of state, grieving for my Grandmother...I lose my job...over the phone. How's that for classy?

Thank you Banner Health Corp.


So, I am currently seeking a full time job in Radiology if anyone has availability during this recession. I am trained in XRay, CT Scanning, Ultrasound, MRI and Interventional Radiology.

I am a walking Radiology Department.












12 comments:

  1. Sorry OJD...If you aren't already a member sign up for LinkedIn. They list the most professional jobs I know of and you can search by town and state. Many jobs on LinkedIn will not be in the classifieds. Daughter who is a nurse found her employment through them.

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  2. @PP thanks buddy.

    @momma agreed. Already posted my "seeking job" status. Thanks!

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  3. Sorry to hear. Im a Radiology tech as well. The politics really suck. At this point I am working... sometimes thats a good thing and sometimes not so much. Good Luck in pursuit of your next position!

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  4. Sorry to hear that, it totally stinks that this happened while you were dealing with your grandmother's death. Talk about insensitivity.

    Is this the grandmother connected to the OK property? Any news on that yet?

    I also want to send my condolences to you and your family as you adjust to your grandmother's passing.

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  5. @Lisa Thanks. Yes, our Radiology market in the Phoenix ares is supersaturated thanks to the many new tech schools that have popped up.

    @Linda Yes, this is my Oklahoma family. I have had several positive conversations about moving to the family farm on this trip. So many bases to cover...

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  6. May I suggest getting in contact with an Extension Agent in Oklahoma? They could help you a lot with planning the farm. Also, I highly recommend someone in your clan getting a job off the farm. I am concerned that 160 acres is not large enough to financially provide all for your wonderful family. Benefits would be a blessing. Sorry about the job, and especially your Grandmother. Life can really throw you a curveball sometimes.

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  7. Sucks to lose the job, bro. I'm an RN whose facility has just been bought out by another company, and we have been hearing the same "oh, nothing will change, status quo" bit from the new company, but you can smell the change in the wind...

    Maybe the decision to move to OK has just been made for you...?

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  8. Sierra ortho is looking. Just saw on tv. They are in Reno. Nv
    May be to far? Just saying

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  9. It is june 4th how are you doing??? Maybe the universe is telling you to move someplace you can work and support your family, God always has a plan for his people.Good luck in finding employment, condolences about your Grandmother.Life has a way of closings and openings.Praying for you and your family..ciao

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  10. There are some EXCITING developments occurring. I haven't had time to blog them but I am keeping voice recordings of events to help me share them soon. Thanks for asking. (job being offered currently, waiting to hear pay rate)

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  11. 5 years without a director? Wow - how in the world did you manage that. Well I guess it's better to go with no director then no job.

    I wish you luck in this economy.

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