Reporting coworkers

Specialties Ambulatory

Published

I am an LPN in a very small family practice office. By very small, I mean a total of 9 employees and that includes the providers. Two years ago, the state came in to our office to inspect newly installed x-ray equipment. During their inspection, they uncovered that the other LPN, who is also our office manager, and the x-ray tech had let their licenses expire. The x-ray tech was allowed to renew her certification however the other LPN was subject to disciplinary action by the state board of nursing. The action taken was a large fine. She had a year to pay her fine or her license would be suspended. The year has obviously passed and it is public record that her license was suspended. The supervising physician was also hit with disciplinary action on her license by the state attorney general. The x-ray tech's newest certification has recently expired. I'm not sure the physician knows any of this.

My problem is that I know. These two have a long personal history with each other and are often bullies in the workplace. They also have a long personal history with the physician. I do not feel that I could approach any one of the three without some sort of retaliation in the office. I know that I have to report this to the licensing board. I'm not sure I can trust their confidentiality statement.

I love the doctor that I work for. I love my job and my patients. I do not want to see the doctor get into trouble for this again, but I don't feel I can approach her with this information without keeping it confidential given the history she has with these employees. I have been searching for another job to no avail. Do I have faith in the licensing board to keep my information confidential?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.

Whether you have faith in the licensing board to keep you anonymous, you are obligated to report. By not reporting, you become complicit in their acts- practicing without a license/certification. You could then also face disciplinary action. What is your best option? Remain silent and potentially risk you license (and thus your ability to hold a job and earn money to pay for the necessities) or report it and possibly have to find a new job, even if it means a long commute or relocation?

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sounds like it's time to walk. Just don't get involved. It's the regulatory agency's issue to find and solve. If you'd like, you can send info anonymously to the regulators. Additionally, if you do get involved, you should put it all in writing and e-mail so it is very clear what you are communicating and when. Additionally, record conversations on your phone when you have them with coworkers/management as evidence. They will try to push you out and destroy you if you report and are identified...

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.
On ‎4‎/‎9‎/‎2019 at 9:07 AM, joe007 said:

Sounds like it's time to walk. Just don't get involved. It's the regulatory agency's issue to find and solve. If you'd like, you can send info anonymously to the regulators. Additionally, if you do get involved, you should put it all in writing and e-mail so it is very clear what you are communicating and when. Additionally, record conversations on your phone when you have them with coworkers/management as evidence. They will try to push you out and destroy you if you report and are identified...

This was from 2016 ?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I hate it when old threads pop-up. I've responded to a few and feel like a fool.... thanks Allnuerses ?. I do enough stupid things during the day.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Let's hope this person walked and found a better position!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment