I'm actually not new to Allnurses but I created a new account, as I can't take too many chances of someone recognizing me. I'm sorry, it's just a complicated situation.
So without revealing too many details, I was recently terminated for being accused of a HIPAA violation. A patient's family member accused me of saying things to the patient in an area of the office that other people could overhear. No one else confirmed this, the patient did not complain, and I disputed the claim. My manager fought to keep my job, as did the HR department. Legal basically said that the complainer was threatening a lawsuit and it would be better if I was terminated.
I'm absolutely at a loss. My biggest issue is that at the clinic I worked for the offices were tiny and people in wheelchairs couldn't fit in with the door closed. That's basically what happened here and it has been complained about by the staff multiple times. I can't tell you how many times this was discussed and we told our managers that it was a very bad thing. It still has not been corrected and probably won't be any time soon so any other nurse in that dept has the danger of this happening to them.
I guess I have two questions. One, what in the world should I put on applications as to reason for termination? I have excellent references and reviews but I feel like this is going to hang over my head like a stone. Every person I worked with is in shock, continues to say what an amazing nurse I am, and the general consensus is "if they can do it to her, they can do it to anyone". Two, should I report the clinic for not correcting an issue that is only going to cause more potential HIPAA complaints in the future? Thank you for your help!
