Employment Contract Notice Period

Summary

In Texas, employment contracts are generally enforceable if they are reasonable and not against public policy. The user is a contract employee in the healthcare sector, specifically a Physician Assistant, with a one-year contract ending in July 2023. The contract requires a 60-day notice period for termination, with a clause for reimbursement of expenses if the notice is not given. The user has faced issues with lack of support and training, and after providing the 60-day notice, the employer initially refused to accept it but later hired a replacement. The contract does not specify the penalty amount for not serving the full notice period. Seeking legal advice is recommended for potential disputes.

Full Conversation

Contract employee, salary, healthcare
What is the exact wording of the notice period clause in your contract? In general, Texas law doesn't require notice for termination unless specified in an employment contract.
You agree to provide at least 60 days prior written notice so that your replacement may be hired and trained appropriately. You agree to cooperate in the transition. If you abandon your employment without giving full notice, you agree to reimburse the group for any expenses or costs, whatsoever, incurred in filling your positions with a qualified replacement
What is the penalty mentioned in your contract if you fail to give the 60 days notice?
If you abandon your employment without giving full notice, you agree to reimburse the group for any expenses or costs, whatsoever, incurred in filling your positions with a qualified replacement
What is the definition of "abandonment" in your contract? In Texas, contract law governs these agreements, and the terms should be clearly defined.
not sure, it does not elaborate
Can you please provide the exact wording of the termination clause in your contract?
that is all it says
What is the nature of your work and the industry you are in? This can help in understanding the context of your contract.
healthcare provider
What is your specific role as a healthcare provider?
physician Assistant
What is the duration of your contract and when does it end?
One year, ends July *
What are the terms in your contract regarding early termination or breaking the contract before its end date?
60 days notice
What is your reason for wanting to terminate the contract early?
no support, failure to properly train me, disorganization, job role not adequately described.
What steps have you taken so far to address these issues with your employer?
contacted HR and COO
Have you documented your concerns and the responses from HR and COO? This could be crucial if a legal dispute arises.
yes
What was the response from HR and COO regarding your concerns?
60 days notice
What actions did HR and COO take after you raised your concerns?
Provided some staff training, provided a float, but no assistance with the organization or virtual clinic side of things
What is the exact wording of the support and training clause in your contract?
* weeks training
What actions have you taken after the provided training and support didn't meet your expectations?
done things on my own, figured it out to the best of my ability
Have you considered seeking legal advice to understand if the lack of support and training could be considered a breach of contract on your employer's part?
no
What is the exact wording of the support and training clause in your contract?
does not have one
What actions have you taken after realizing there is no support and training clause in your contract?
provided a 60 day notice
What was your employer's response after you provided the *-day notice?
they would not accept it, hoping I would change my mind
What actions have you taken after your employer refused to accept your *-day notice?
discussed it with them.
What was the outcome of your discussion with your employer after they refused to accept your *-day notice?
they wanted me to stay on prn
What does your contract say about transitioning to a PRN (as needed) basis from your current full-time role?
nothing
What is your plan now after your employer refused to accept your *-day notice and wanted you to stay on a PRN basis?
I declined prn offer and stated I was resigning
What was your employer's response after you declined the PRN offer and stated you were resigning?
okay
What is the exact wording of the resignation clause in your contract?
60 day notice
What is your employer's plan for your replacement and have they started the process?
yes, they have hired someone and start September * with training
What is the exact wording of the clause in your contract regarding reimbursement of expenses for hiring a replacement if you fail to give the full 60 days notice?
no specifics
What is your plan if your employer demands reimbursement for the costs incurred in hiring your replacement?
not sure
What is your plan to handle the situation if your employer decides to enforce the reimbursement clause in your contract?
not sure
What is your plan to seek legal advice or representation if your employer enforces the reimbursement clause?
maybe
What is your plan if your employer decides to take legal action for not adhering to the 60 days notice period?
not sure
What is your plan to seek legal advice or representation if your employer decides to take legal action for not adhering to the 60 days notice period?
seek legal assistance
What is your current status? Have you already left the job or still working during the notice period?
still working. Last day is Oct *, but I am not sure I can last til then
What are the consequences mentioned in your contract if you leave before the end of the *-day notice period?
have to pay
What is the exact amount or calculation method mentioned in your contract for the penalty if you leave before the end of the *-day notice period?
does not state
What are the terms in your contract regarding the calculation of the penalty for not serving the full notice period?
does not state
What is your plan if your employer demands payment for not serving the full notice period, given that the contract does not state a specific penalty amount?
not sure
What is your plan if your employer decides to take legal action for not adhering to the 60 days notice period?
seek legal advice
What is your plan if your employer decides to take legal action for not adhering to the 60 days notice period?
legal advuce
What is your plan if your employer decides to enforce the reimbursement clause in your contract?