Ottawa, IL nurse fired

Alloramadai · May 15, 2005

Has anyone seen, heard or read anything about a nurse being fired from an Ottawa, IL nursing home after reporting insufficient staffing and resident injuries to IL State authorities?
My mom told me there was an article in the local paper (The Ottawa Daily Times), but I can't access their website without paying a registration fee.
I don't want to give the name of the facility here, but I have a friend who used to work there, and recommended the facility. She retired a few years ago. I't sad to see how quickly things can go downhill, especially in LTC.

"Safe Harbor" is available in Texas - is it not nationwide?

kadokin, ASN, RN · May 20, 2005

"Safe Harbor" is available in Texas - is it not nationwide?

what is safe harbor?

Alloramadai · May 20, 2005

We were taught that, because you are the only person who is able to protect your license, you must be diligent in your efforts. When you are being asked to work in an unsafe situation (not enough staff, unsafe equipment/facility), you may claim safe harbor. You are then not required to work until such time as you have been provided with the adequate tools to accomplish your job. If staffing requires three RNs and four support staff, and you come to work finding you are the only RN who is going to work that shift you are putting your license in jeopardy as there is no way for you to provide the care as outlined in your liencse.

Trauma Columnist · May 20, 2005

I live near Peoria, IL and have not heard of the story. I searched the Peoria Journal Star archives without sucess.

suebird3 · Jul 13, 2005

Ever try Illinois Dept. of Public Health?

If there are any problems with nursing homes, it would be through this site. Maybe this would help.....

suebird3 · Jul 14, 2005

I asked around, and believe that the incident may have occured at a different location. Am still checking. :chuckle

Jolie, BSN · Jul 14, 2005

Thanks everyone for checking. I spoke to a neighbor of my mom's who was familiar with the situation. Apparently it involved a social worker who was dismissed after reporting allegations of the facility diverting a resident's funds, as well as other unacceptable conditions within the facility.

Again, so sad, as this was once a well-regarded facility.

mattsmom81 · Jul 14, 2005

I wonder if she is considering a lawsuit for wrongful dismissal?

Safe Harbor protects your license in Texas...not necessarily your job.

LPN Soon · Aug 16, 2005

I have heard that Illinois is an "At Will State" meaning that you can be fired for no reason and there is nothing you can do about it. Anyone else from Illinois that has heard the same thing?

z's playa · Aug 17, 2005

I have heard that Illinois is an "At Will State" meaning that you can be fired for no reason and there is nothing you can do about it. Anyone else from Illinois that has heard the same thing?

What an awful place to live !

live4today, RN · Aug 17, 2005

What an awful place to live !

Z.........unfortunately, many of our 50 states are classifed as "At Will States". And yes, it is a shame that employers can do this to people who give many hours of their lives to helping the employer(s) live a comfy lifestyle. :stone