Is this a violation of the new whistleblower law?

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I need advise re: an issue that has come up for me. I teach in the local nursing program as an Adjunct Professor. (I teach maternity, L&D, newborn care) They have a shortage of clinical instructors and they asked me if I would like to help out one day a week with this. I am very close to my students, so of course, I said yes. The clinicals take place in the local hospital. I worked for this hospital for 12 years and left there about 2 years ago on good terms.

So, here's the problem. I go to my first day as a clinical instructor and everything goes very well. My co-workers are very glad to see me again. I enjoy helping the students and the students are glad to have me there also. However, the next week I have to meet with the dean of the nursing school because the VP of nursing at this hospital called them up and said they felt "uncomfortable" having me in their hospital because of an "editorial that I wrote" after leaving the hospital. I think it was an article about how managed care has changed nursing and about how nurses need to become active in healthcare reform, etc. The hospital was never mentioned in the article. At the time, the nurses were attempting to unionize and there was a fierce battle going on. The hospital spent nearly a million dollars and hired an outside company to bust it up. The unionization efforts were unsuccessful - 700 nurses voted and they lost by 40 votes. Anyway, I had voiced my support of the union, even though I wasn't an employee there any longer.

I do have a law degree and I have been very active in healthcare reform. I was active in the passing of the nurse-patient ratio bill.

I am respected for my integrity and ethics in regards to patient care and I consider myself to be a nursing advocate/activist.

Has this hospital violated my freedom of speech rights or the new nursing whistleblower law in any way? Can they call up my present employer and keep me out of there hospital as a clinical instructor? I have always suspected that this hospital was black balling me, but this is the first real evidence that I have regarding this. What do you think? I don't really need the money, I do this part-time teaching for the personal satisfaction that I recieve from it. I love it!!

Specializes in Hospice, Critical Care.

I too am in favor of contacting the magazine and letting them know how this has impacted you. It does not look good for the hospital. While it is not a whistleblower issue, it certainly is a freedom of speech issue.

Of course, then there may be more repercussions...*sigh* You may want to talk to your employer before you do that. Maybe contact the ACLU? Actually, maybe contact the ACLU and just discuss it with them (you don't have to act on anything) and then tell your employer your plans and in your conversation with your employer mention "My lawyer at ACLU said....." Sometimes that's enough for them to decide that silence is the better part of valor. (I did this with the public school system once and just using that line worked.)

Specializes in Med/Surg, Geriatrics.

Feisty, I beg you not to have them pull you out of the article. You gave your opinion which you are entitled to do as an American. You did not try to intentionally vilify or harm the hospital. They are the ones who are making war out of this, not you! Don't give them a victoy by pulling out! I for one, am proud of you.

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my hat is off to you as well fiesty. keep us informed and let us know if you need letters of support. you could get alot of backing here.

Specializes in CV-ICU.

Fiesty, I congratulate you for your courage! And it will take courage to stand your ground. We are all here to back you, but do contact the ACLU also and find a lawyer to give you advice now. None of us have law degrees, and, while we are your friends, it will be you alone in the hot seat. You say you live in a small town, hopefully, you have some close friends in your small town to give you hugs and encouragement in person. I'm wondering if "Self" magazine may also be liable for your inability to work in that hospital? And is this problem the whole hospital administration's decision, or just one person's? :eek:

Take care, girl, I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Just another supporter that agrees with everyone here. Thank you for being the wonderful nurse advocate that you are and keep up the good work.:)

Remember we're here for you!!!

Specializes in Hospice, Critical Care.

And be sure to email "Self" back and let them know just how many nurses will now be buying the November issue! I plan on buying the issue and bringing into work (gee, maybe I'll put a copy out in the waiting room....you know, besides the Reader's Digest and Sports Illustrated....)

If you need us to email "Self" too after the issue comes out just post us a note and we will!

Specializes in ER.

You go girl!!

I'll be checking those newsstands daily.

Feisty, you rock. :cool:

You go girl!!!! November Issue of Self, you betcha I'm buying that issue!!!!!!

Feisty, you rock! I think it is really sick that a nurse can't even voice her opinion without fearing for her job and I am so impressed at you for doing it. I think your students will be the ones who really lose in this situation because I am ABSOLUTELY 100% POSITIVE that you are a great teacher. I wish you could shape the minds of young nurses everywhere to voice their opinions no matter what they are. Have you contacted a lawyer about this?

I second ZEE, that magazine will definitely be in our break room!

Specializes in ICU/CCU (PCCN); Heme/Onc/BMT.

Fiesty:

My hats off to you!! I appreciate the courage in writing the article and allowing the article to be publishes . . . allowing your voice to be heard. I also appreciate your courage to confide with this forum and seek support.

I've always respected the opinions and advice you share on this nursing bulletin board. It's really cool to know that the one who offers such well grounded advice also seeks the support of her peers.

Will buy November's issue of Self!

Ted Fiebke

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