RN Disciplined While Waiting On Covid 19 Result

Nurses COVID

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I am an RN working full time in the ED. Every shift I am subjected to below par PPE standards. Asked to re-use N95 and surgical masks for multiple patients, covid or not. So it was not to my surprise when I got a call informing me a patient I had provided care for later had a positive covid 19 test. I was informed to contact our employee health if I developed symptoms. A few days later I had a cough, sore throat, HA, fatigue and sneezing. I contacted my employee health as instructed, a test was ordered, I was instructed to remain at home til I received my results. Unfortunately I am still waiting......

My issue with the situation is that my employer has already let me know the repercussions of a negative test, should that be my result.

I will receive an occurrence for missing my shift while awaiting test results. (The quantine was orderd by employee health)

I will have to use my accrued PTO to cover any hours missed while in quantine awaiting my test results.

I will also have the weekend shifts I miss counted against me while in quantine awaiting results. Meaning I can have less weekend shifts off for the remainder of the year.

As an employee I have always helped when it comes to providing for our adopted Christmas family or the food drives. As an ED nurse I am in the frontline of this pandemic, caring for those in need, risking my own health for lack of PPE. This has been extremely difficult for me to understand how the hospital I work for can treat me this way as I await my results.

The community has been amazing and supportive of our ED staff. They have given snacks, meals, encouragement and thanks this entire time. However, the hospital I work for can't do the same. It is shameful to work for such an organization.

Is this OK? Is this fair?

Specializes in neuro & cardiac stepdowns, vascular access.

This hasn’t happened to me yet, but my hospital has the same policy that you’re describing. If you’re awaiting test results, you need to stay in self quarantine while using up vacation time, and if the test result is positive, then you remain in self quarantine but you can apply for Workmen’s Comp.

2 Votes
Specializes in Pediatrics.

I think there are going to be a lot of lawsuits when this is over against hospitals. You contracted this virus from work due to inadequate PPE. File an L&I claim so you can get paid leave.

I would also contact your state department of health via email about your situation. I would then cc the complaint to your supervisor. You may get fired, but it sets you up for a whistleblower lawsuit.

If you can, contact a labor attorney. He/She can tell you what steps to take to set up a lawsuit in the future.

10 Votes

It’s in the community. How exactly will anyone be able to prove they got it at work?

2 Votes

I recieved notification of a pt I had cared for that had tested positive. The pt did not meet the covid 19 screening on the first visit, but did the next. So by exposure. They are not allowing all nurses to claim workmans comp. My situation does qualify. But yes, it would be hard to prove otherwise.

2 Votes
Specializes in Pediatrics.

Anyone can file for workman's comp. If the hospital is against it, you will eventually get sent for an IME ( independent medical exam). They cannot deny you filing a claim.It is your right to file a claim.No IME physician is going to rule against you due to the history of inadequate PPE and massive exposure to the virus.

Nurses need to fight back. If the hospital does you wrong, immediately contact a labor lawyer.

15 Votes

#1. This is so wrong.

#2. I agree with Wuzzie. I too have seen multiple coworkers abuse Work Comp and FMLA. This is one reason I left a job in the past. I got so tired of people calling in sick and scheduling surgeries that conveniently connected to the holidays, then go on vacation while recuperating.

2 Votes
Specializes in Tele, OB, public health.

so not okay! Call the media, immediately- drag those shameful people!!

2 Votes
6 minutes ago, dinah77 said:

If I didn't NEED my job.......it would be different. Still waiting on results.

0 Votes
Specializes in Tele, OB, public health.
4 minutes ago, INDY RN said:

I totally understand. But bear in mind they need you more. I'm not sure of your situation, but try to remember that especially in the coming weeks, hospitals are gonna be begging anyone with any amount or experience to come work for them

4 Votes

That's the most frustrating part!!! I WANT to work. I call constantly checking on the status of my test! It is taking longer than usual.

1 Votes
Specializes in Neurology.

Times of crisis and out of the ordinary events reveals what has been there all the time. In these times, you discover your true value to your employer. In the last last 4 decades, it has become apparent that your real wages, benefits, and working conditions are of no real concern to employers. It is apparent that corporate America will not settle for fair and just profit. - We won't settle for being Rich (millionaires) we must be super rich (Billionaires) It's not new -

7 Votes
Specializes in Neurology.

Nurses need to fight back. If the hospital does you wrong, immediately contact a labor lawyer!

Not every nurse can afford an attorney an in many AT Will states they can fire you for any or no reason. the legal system is costly and inefficient.

We need to become locally active and put pressure on state governments to strengthen state labor boards and labor boards

7 Votes
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