Am I crazy or just the hospital?

[peacheskan]

Well, I sit here typing this on now my second day of suspension. I work in a rural hospital (for 7 years now)that has a secluded "diagnostic only" cath lab and combo vascular unit. We only have 2 people on call (1 RN and 1 tech). There is a new cardiologist who has on 3 occasions tried to call us in for a temporary pacemaker insertion. We (RNs) have refused on the basis of not enough people to safely run the room for the patient (no alarms on system-- who is tending to the patient while you are opening packages, 1 hour before call team has patient in room, no one to help if things get in trouble, etc.) I brought these issues to my director after the first time and there was a memo that was put out with his agreement and the union that we would not come in until things were settled. At my suspension I was told I should have done it "because that is what the doctor wanted". The other RN who refused had absolutely nothing done to her. :angryfire Here is the rest of the story-- I turned this same physician in 3 weeks ago to management for doing a cardiac cath on a patient that did not meet our ACC guidelines for a diagnostic cath lab (on Amiodorone and NTG drips, active V-tach). 1 month ago I turned another physician in for Violence in the workplace after he chased me down a hall yelling and threatening me after I told him I would no longer listen to him yelling at me. HUMMMMMM-- retaliation?????

I am lost and really need some nursing support here. I really don't know what to do. In my heart I know that it was not the best thing for that patient to be in that room. Anyone know any good labor lawyers in Michigan?

Saddened at what healthcare has become.

[TazziRN, RN]

are you union? if yes they should be involved.

[Larry77, RN]

Sounds like I would be throwing in the towel and be looking for a new place to work. I can't imagine anything even remotely like this happening at my hospital.

[peacheskan]

Yes I am union. The grievance process is in place and moving forward, but I have been advised to retain my own lawyer for the civil aspect of it. I realize that I will not have a job in that facility again-- although why would anyone? I read someones else's post and I like it-- "Why does it kick so hard when you do what is right?"

[TazziRN, RN]

facilities and employees have to "fit" well together, and sometimes it takes something like this to show a bad fit. doesn't sound like a place i'd want to work. call the local office of the state labor board for a list of attornies.

[peacheskan]

Well here is the rest of the story!!!- I just left my termination meeting. Said I was insubordinate for not coming in on call. The funniest thing is this is not about my performance or competency. I have a spotless record.

And let the games begin.