When the Board of Nursing is out to get you....

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I'm not posting this asking for advice (although any you give me would be most welcome) I'm posting this to VENT my anger!

The other day I was called into a meeting with my supervisor and Chief of Security (COS) present. There was some concern that there had been four claims against me of sexual harassment within the past 4 months. I should add that since I am one of the few male nurses, I get referred the majority of genital and anal complaints from the female nurses. I ALWAYS have a witness with me when I'm doing this type of exam and carefully document everything. All the allegations have all been proven to be FALSE but the COS was concerned that "something was up," since there were so many in such a short time. His tone was very harsh and nasty and he treated me as if I was an inmate instead of a staff member. He made several comments such as "I would say what I'm thinking, but it wouldn't be appropriate in this meeting." and "If it were up to me I would let you go."

As if that wasn't bad enough, he then asked me "Do you know what a sexual deviant is?" I came completely unglued and had I not been gripping the arms of my chair for dear life I would have jumped across the table and strangled him. He then went on to say that I am showing signs of deviance by telling the inmates, "If you're uncomfortable with this type of assessment, we don't have to do it." Ummm...and all this time I thought I was offering Informed Consent. His qualifications for assessing and diagnosing sexual deviance? He attended a workshop.

My supervisor, who is a coward, did and said absolutely nothing during the meeting. In fact, she has been cold and distant instead of supportive or even concerned. Yes, I want to leave, and will, but if I quit now, it would make me look guilty of something. As I said, I just need to vent, but any ideas, suggestions or even a bit of support would be greatly appreciated.

Specializes in Rehab, Step-down,Tele,Hospice.

Disemation (sp) of character pops into my head first. The fact that your supervisor is taking the word of KNOWN and CONVICTED felons sure makes me question his motives. Get a Lawyer and sue the crap out of him for SLANDER!! . JMHO.

Sorry, I just reread your post and you do always have a witness. Won't they back you up? If not then they aren't very smart. If you are no longer there then they will have to do all the exams. Maybe you should get a job where co-workers will back each other up.

Thanks for your reply Marylou. Yes, in the cases that were investigated, the witnesses did back me up. An internal investigation was conducted in all the cases, and they were all found to be false. In two of the four cases, I didn't even have to give a statement. The issue with the COS is that there were so many in such a short time, which is unprecedented in our facility. He's thinking that I must be doing something wrong...that this can't be a coincidence.

Thanks for your reply Marylou. Yes, in the cases that were investigated, the witnesses did back me up. An internal investigation was conducted in all the cases, and they were all found to be false. In two of the four cases, I didn't even have to give a statement. The issue with the COS is that there were so many in such a short time, which is unprecedented in our facility. He's thinking that I must be doing something wrong...that this can't be a coincidence.

I'd be getting myself a lawyer and let HIM have a little dose of what he's been giving you.

I'm sure he won't like it when he's told that he is making false allegations.

Get a lawyer. Don't waste anytime. Your license and reputation is being put on the line here.

That is disgusting what they are doing to you.

Jesus, you work in a prison with known felons. It's not like a bunch of schoolchildren suddenly spoke up against you. Not that felons don't need to be protected against sexual abuse, but they are famously bad historians and often have an underlying motive. We also have male nurses examine our inmates "intimately", and it's amazing how many complaints are suddenly cured when this is made clear... sounds like an extension of that.

The only reason to speak to you like that is if you had been found conducting exams without a witness (which you didn't) or if the allegations were found true (which they weren't.) It would have been appropriate to inform you of the accusations and recommend detailed documentation when examinations are performed. This... unbelievable!

Get a lawyer, and change jobs! I can't believe how unprofessional this man is being to you! Sue their asses off.

I agree with people who are suggesting that you get a lawyer. Best wishes.

:angryfire :angryfire Iwork at a prison and I am still amazed at how quickly management will believe an inmate over staff. Hire a lawyer, contact your union and then let management know.

Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.

PLEASE get a lawyer ASAP. They may be building a case against you and they will fire you "pending an investigation". I used to work corrections and when it comes to the word of an inmate against the staff they always err on the side of the proven liar and con artist. That is because that is an extremely litigous population as you well know and they have nothing to do but play games and stir up trouble.

I agree with everyone who has already suggested an attorney, better to be safe than sorry. An accusation like this, even if you are proved innocent, can still tarnish your character and reputation in the minds of others. Sounds like the COS is some dumb rent-a-cop who wants to pretend he's being a cop. At least I would hope a real officer was trained enough to know better than to throw accusations around without evidence.

Still though, cant be too careful. Better lawyer-up, as they say.

Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

I'm wondering about having a camera there. You could document external appearance and your exam.

Please get a lawyer. I just cannot believe that the COS is taking a convicted felon's word over yours!

I agree with previous posters...

DOCUMENT EVERYTHING and

GET A LAWYER

I am so sorry this is happening to you, it's a shame.

Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, Home Health, Oncology.

i really have nothing to add to the previous posts except to say that i'm so sorry this is happening to you.

as said, i would get a lawyer & get one now!!

this is just ridiculous on there part!

you need someone to let you know your rights and your bosses need to know that you mean business.

if anything, sue as a previous poster said. this is your name & reputation & they need to be protected.

mary ann

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