Forced to leave job-can I take legal action?

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Sigh! This is a very long and complicated situation. Basically, I have been forced to leave a job that I love because a few people in management do not like me and have made my life hell. This situation has affected me so much that I can't let it go when I am not at work. It affects every aspect of my life. I even considered ending my life because of the mental anguish and fear that I have for these people.

Needless to say, I have left this facility. It took a while because I really loved my job and am darn good at it. Now, because I was written up I can't transfer to another job within this corporation (it is a major one in my area). Given the economy, the job search is not going well.

I need to know if anyone has filed any legal suits against an employer for mental abuse and if there are any great resources out there. This situation has scarred me so badly that at times I have considered leaving the profession. Upper management and administration are sticking by the people in management who are involved in this and are not supporting me at all.

Thanks.

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Specializes in ICU.

You need to consult an attorney that has experience with labor practices in your state... good luck.. I'm sorry this happened to you.

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I have grounds against an employer and sought legal help. My attorney did the easy part and after that told me basically, to move on down the road. They indicated that the employer has the upper hand always and it is very difficult, next to impossible, to prevail. It is up to the ex-employee to reconstruct their career and their life. Makes sense, because without a job, you don't have the income to pay the legal fees. And a lawsuit virtually seals your fate as a pariah in the world of employment.

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Whew! Sounds like you're going through quite an ordeal. I'm sorry.

Regrettably, there isn't much in the way of advice that we can offer you here......legal matters are far beyond our scope of practice. What you should do immediately is consult a qualified attorney---don't just pick one out of the phone book if you can help it; ask for referrals from people you know and trust. And please don't take offense at this suggestion, but do consider speaking with a mental health professional to help yourself get a handle on what sounds like some post-traumatic stress issues. Your county health department may be able to refer you to someone who will accept payments on a sliding scale if funds are scarce. You need to heal before you can move on to another workplace, let alone another career.

Take care, and let us know how you're doing, OK?

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you may want to consider "constructive discharge".

it is along the lines of wrongful termination.

http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/federal_labor_law/a/constructive_2.htm

leslie

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Thanks for the advice. The last thing that I want to do is be a pariah but I honestly feel like I don't have a choice here. It has been life or death for me because of this situation.

Also, for the record, I am seeing both a psychiatrist and a psychotherapist because of this. I had to go on FMLA because of this and had "desensitizing" homework assignments that I had to complete before I could tolerate (to some extent) even being in the building before my actual return date. This entire thing has been a nightmare.

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I'm so sorry to hear what you are going through. I can only imagine. And I'm trying desperately to imagine what went on in a work place (short of physical abuse) that would put a person in such an extreme emotional state. I've only been a nurse for a few years and have been blessed with a wonderful group of people to work with. Of course we all 'complain' about the people who make decision from time to time, but that's just human nature.

Has any one else ever had a similar experience to that of the original poster? Is there a way to de-escalate (spell?) the situation before it gets out of hand? What does on do in such a situation? leave before it gets "REALLY" bad? Just curious as I have never been in this situation.

Best of luck to you, wilbur1. You can always come here to vent! :) Let us know how you are doing, not just with the job search and the legal stuff, but you as a person. I'm glad to hear you are taking steps to heal. Take care.

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i am saddened to hear about your ordeal...but if there was a time to pray it is now...keep God first and everything will fall in place....your life is to precious...may God keep you and i will remember you in my prayers...stay strong...it will all get better

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Specializes in A myriad of specialties.
i am saddened to hear about your ordeal...but if there was a time to pray it is now...keep god first and everything will fall in place....your life is to precious...may god keep you and i will remember you in my prayers...stay strong...it will all get better[/quote

i echo these sentiments. my thoughts and prayers are with you. please keep us posted on how things go with you.

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why not jump to a new job? life is used to make urself happy, as u r so stressed there, y stay?

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Specializes in School Nursing.

sounds like it is a blessing that you are now gone from this dreaded place. try to make a fresh start somewhere else. you sound like a great nurse. sorry that you are having to endure this. best of luck to you.

praiser :heartbeat

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Has any one else ever had a similar experience to that of the original poster? Is there a way to de-escalate (spell?) the situation before it gets out of hand? What does on do in such a situation? leave before it gets "REALLY" bad? Just curious as I have never been in this situation.

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As the OP did not share the details of her troubles with us, it's hard to know what might have been done to prevent things from going this far ... but ... your thinking on the subject is good. As a general rule, it is best to try to resovle situations BEFORE your mental health is effected by on-going stress. If that's not possible, it is usually best to leave the situation immediately and not wait while it deteriorates even further.

Unfortunately, some people don't recognize what is happening to themselves until they become incapacitated. Just as some victims of abuse stay in abusive relationships long after it is unsafe and/or unwise for them to do so. Some people try to "stick it out" or maintain hope that the abusers will change. Others just don't know where to turn for help and stay because they don't know where else to go. Others just stay because of inertia.

But in most cases, your ability as an employee to change the culture of a system are limited. "Fighting the system" is hard and usually involves paying a price. It's not something you should usually do unless you are exceptionally strong, are willing to pay a price, and have resources to help you. It's usually best to move on and find a better envivonment for yourself -- and make that move while you are still strong enough to start over somewhere else. I've had to do that more than once in my career and I am what most people would call a "success" with a "dream job" -- but I have my battle scars that I got along the way. Fortunately, I knew when to "run away" so that I could live to fight another day.

As I said, I don't know enough about the OP's situation to comment on it other than to wish her well in her efforts to recover from whatever trajedy befell her.

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