US-based Kenyan Nurse Judy lost her main job at a US hospital in December 2023 before completing the agreed two-year commitment under the Green Card program. And this leads to financial consequences, including the repayment of a $10,000 (Ksh1.65 million) bonus.
“I received a termination notice from the hospital where I worked full-time, and they sponsored my Green Card in exchange for my commitment to work for two years. Since the contract ended prematurely, I have to pay the hospital, including refunding a $10,000 bonus.”
Nurse Judy explained.
How No Leave led to Nurse Judy’s Termination
The bone of contention was requesting time off work. Nurse Judy, eager to visit her children in Kenya and handle family matters, requested vacation days well in advance. Unfortunately, due to a high demand for leave, her request was denied.
“Around early November, I requested for December vacation days to travel home to see my kids. And to oversee a personal family matter, and to be there for husband who was undergoing a procedure. But vacation days were unavailable as there were already four nurses on vacation.”
She said.
Left with limited options, Nurse Judy then sought a leave of absence, which was ultimately denied last-minute, creating a challenging situation for her.
“I then requested for a leave of absence. They took so long to respond, only to deny my request days before the flight I had already booked, assuming they would grant me the leave of absence.”
The mother-of-two stated.
However, Nurse Judy left for Kenya on a working day, believing her reasons for missing work were justified
“The day I left for Kenya I was scheduled to work and when the scheduler called me, I told them I was leaving to attend to the matters I had notified them.”
She expressed.
Despite Nurse Judy informing the hospital about her departure and the reasons behind it, she received a termination notice three days later.
Nurse Judy’s experience sheds light on the complexities faced by healthcare professionals working abroad, particularly when personal and family matters intertwine with professional obligations.
By Vivian K.
That was very harsh or could be more than meets the eye!