I was an 11-7 nurse on a rehab unit of 28-30 who were all walkie-talkie alert and oriented resident who could TALK, with only 1-2 total care residents that would eventually be moved to another unit, in a long term care facility.I was the only miniority nurse out of 10-20 who worked 1st,2nd,3rd,or weekend shifts,in entire facility. I was called at home from the A.D.O.N. who asked me to stay home due to a investigation that was needing to be done and wouldnt give anymore information. I was later called in and told that the one resident on the unit voiced that his trach care wasn't done on 'multiple' occassions, and he specfically named me as the one who didn't do his trach care on 'multiple' occassions. The resident that allegedly voiced this complaint was diagnosed with C.V.A. with aphasia, had leftsided head trauma, a trach with oxygen, fragile diabetic and tube feeder. The resident was alert and oriented at times, but could only communicate by nodding his head up or down, or pointing. Since admission this resident had never spoke one word, and all of a sudden he is"addiment that I (the nurse) didn't care for him on 'multiple' occassions. This was the third attempt for this A.D.O.N. to try to get me terminated. As soon as the D.O.N, who actually hired me, worked with me, and knew me well from all the residents compliments, was discharged the day before I get suspened. Now I utilized there open door policy 3 times explaining to the A.D.O.N and the Exeutive director, that; 1st) I was not the nurse on duty the morning of the complaint or the night prior.2nd) This resident couldn't talk and there were no aides, other nurses, or any other staff member questioned to validate her claim. 3rd) The nurse who did work the night of the complaint worked the same night the alleged complaint was made. Telling me that this resident was never in any danger. I pleaded with the adminitrator, and human resources to do another investigation. Of coorifice this fell on deaf ears and i was terminated. So I file for unemployment, right exactly what happened to me and got approved for unemployment. Guess who appeals that decision, yes the facility. So seizing the opportunity I gathered 13 witnesses who have worked with me on 'multiple' occassions, Subpoened a endless list of documentation, and the investigation and its findings for a appeal hearing. The investigation had no names on it, involved the respiratory therapist that had no knowledge of the claim, and was UNSIGNED! The appeal hearing consisted of the A.D.O.N who made the false claim and her co-conspiriter, the Executive Director as her witness. As the Hearing was getting started her witness backs out, interrupting the referee and saying,"no, no,no, I'll just be an observer". This is all recorded on tape, The A.D.O.N. stated she had no knowledge of the resident not being able to talk, and when I cross-examined her about his diagnosed she states "I'm not aware of that", WHAT! Needless to say, I won that appeal.I was later targeted by the same facility for a 2nd appeal,and won that one as well proving that I was discharged for "reasons other than work connected misconduct". I am asking for any advice that anyone may have to give to clear my name, my reputation, and to fight for my rights as a excellent nurse.
