Gender Bias & Discrimination from the Board of Nursing?!?!

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Hello everyone,

I wanted to get your advice on something. A while ago I was reported to the BoN (see my other threads) which turned out to be a nasty, evil mess. I have since then successfully resolved that situation (thanks to the Governor) but want to ask what you think of this:

A few months ago, a nurse in our department was caught bringing in contraband (tobacco) for, and may have engaged in some sexual contact with an inmate. The sexual contact couldn't be verified but she was guilty of the contraband. She was fired for it, and although not formally charged, she is guilty of a class C felony. As it was in the performance of her duties she was reported to the BoN by the warden himself.

We were braced for the worst, thinking she was going to lose her license. What did the BoN do? Give her a $500 fine and a reprimand!

Through an internal investigation, I was found innocent, and was never threatened with the loss of my job, yet I go through 18 months of hell in trying to clear my name with the BoN (who thought I was a sexual predator) while the other nurse gets by with a slap on the wrist? Yes the circumstances may be different, but the outcome is, I am employed, she was fired. I was found innocent, she was found guilty. Can someone explain this to me?

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I don't know what has you angry. She was guilty and fired. You are innocent and employed.

Did you want her executed or what?

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Read the title. I'm not mad at the nurse. Actually, I miss her dearly. What I am so angry about is that she got by with a slap on the wrist and I had to go through such a harrowing ordeal with the BoN! There seems to be a clear bias on the BoN's part. My case probably isn't an isolated one.

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Man, reminds me of a machinist's union prob I had back in the day. Count yourself...unlucky. Glad you came out on the other side, though.

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I think it reflects society's attitude and treatment difference in general between men and women. Its the same even more so in nursing still a heavily female profession. Women usually get less severe treatment than men for similar offenses. There's a whole system of double standard related to this. For example women are the 'gentle sex', and 'women are more moody' affecting their behavior-the most extreme b.s. related to p.m.s. excuses ('they had a bad-hair day'). Anyway, males in nursing fact this double standard in numerous other ways. For example if i ever refuse to help another 'lazy' female nurse i'm 'being mean' but if she doesn't help me she is just 'being touchy'. Do you see what i mean? I think most boards are female and unconsciously or otherwise favor women. Men have a long way to go in nursing to overcome this discriminating behavior which by the way is also initiated by many doctors who look at us as somehow failures for being nurses and not doctors. As far as women again being perceived as less guilty than men just remember those female teachers who seduce young males and get off easier than men who do the same. The boards take the attitude that women in general never initiate overtures but are 'made' to do so and consequently less guilty than the evil men who seduce them. Just some thoughts of mine.... Good luck. Steve

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I think it reflects society's attitude and treatment difference in general between men and women. Its the same even more so in nursing still a heavily female profession. Women usually get less severe treatment than men for similar offenses. There's a whole system of double standard related to this. For example women are the 'gentle sex', and 'women are more moody' affecting their behavior-the most extreme b.s. related to p.m.s. excuses ('they had a bad-hair day'). Anyway, males in nursing fact this double standard in numerous other ways. For example if i ever refuse to help another 'lazy' female nurse i'm 'being mean' but if she doesn't help me she is just 'being touchy'. Do you see what i mean? I think most boards are female and unconsciously or otherwise favor women. Men have a long way to go in nursing to overcome this discriminating behavior which by the way is also initiated by many doctors who look at us as somehow failures for being nurses and not doctors. As far as women again being perceived as less guilty than men just remember those female teachers who seduce young males and get off easier than men who do the same. The boards take the attitude that women in general never initiate overtures but are 'made' to do so and consequently less guilty than the evil men who seduce them. Just some thoughts of mine.... Good luck. Steve

Thanks for your insightful reply Steve! You're right, yet it's just so unfair. In my case, the board ignored evidence that would have exonerated me. An investigation into the matter showed that there was no wrong-doing on my part, yet the BoN drew their own conclusions. The people who investigated this case are very upset and insulted as well, and want answers too. It's so ironic. The people who dictate the standards of nursing care are the very ones who have shown every vice (prejudice, being judgemental, etc.,) that we were taught to avoid in school.

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Specializes in RENAL NURSING.

maybe the evidences are strong and you must be thankful you're not fired...

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