Scape Goat

Nurses General Nursing

Published

I have been requested by the facility I work at to write a statement that I verbally reported. When I verbally reported the situation, to my knowledge no action was taken. Several days later, after a series of events...they terminate this person. Now they want me to put my verbal report in writing. When I verbally reported what I had seen, the DON stated to me many reasons why my verbal report was basically not credible. I do believe this will go to court...and I do not wish to put anything in writing for many reasons. I know this is very vague...but I need to be very vague. This situation has been going on for several years at this facility, and many staff have been affected by this. The facility is trying to blame this one individual for the final outcome of their denial of the situation and not taking the appropriate measures years ago. If I put anything on paper in will be the truth, the WHOLE TRUTH. This will be very bad for the company. I explained I am very uncomfortable....but got the dagger look. What should I do, I have been told my job is in jeopardy if I do not write this.

Specializes in A myriad of specialties.
this is what happens to people who report wrongdoing. punished more harshly than anybody who was involved with the illegal or unethical behavior.

exactly! retaliation is what this is: that facility is essentialy telling the op :"write this up or your job will be the next one eliminated." i wonder if the op belongs to a union? best get a union rep. and a lawyer. fear of retaliation is exactly why epople don't turn in abuse and/or neglect cases. this is so very sad and wrong.

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Oh, that stuff just kills me! :flmngmd:

Something has gone sideways for your employer and they are looking for a way out of it. Are you union? If not, do you have an attorney? Your higher ups are creating a hostile work environment by threatening your job if you don't comply with... what? Turning a verbal statement that was not credible into an equally not credible written one, sealed with a kiss by you? What's going on here? They CANNOT fire you for refusing to be bullied.

My spidey senses are tingling. You're being set up, dear. Don't write that statement. Keep your mouth shut about this at home and at work. Start looking for a new job, but don't quit this job. Please take this to the Department of Labor (I suspect the terminated party already has).

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Specializes in Long Term Facilitly.

This is a non union facilitly. I have done nothing wrong and I am not quiting my job just because they think they can force me into doing something I told them I do not wish to do. If I write what I know, the heads will roll and they should know this. They said "don't be elaberate with your statement". I am not writing anything to help the facility dig themselves out of hot water...nope....not me.

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I don't think you should quit before you find something else but I do think your employment there is essentially over one way or another. I'm not saying I think it's fair or something you deserve, but I do think they will get rid of you however they can even if it takes lying to do it. Unfortunately this happens.

I hope you do contact an attorney for some advice. A little guidance could go a long way here. Get an employment lawyer and let them know they are threatening your job.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

Even if you don't want to quit, the special expertise of a lawyer's advice can at least help you avoid the pitfalls they will certainly string on your path and it is much easier to avoid than dig out of. They will not keep the gloves on. You shouldn't either. Best to you.

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Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

:eek:

I would NOT put anything in writing. IF this does go to court - careful about being made the sacrificial lamb - they will and would not even have to think about making it your fault. Sorry. As the amazing caliotter3 pointed out - this job may not work out in the future for you.

I know the market is tough - but, consider the situation and the amount of trust and respect you have for these folks and ASK yourself - IF you feel that practicing in an environment like the one you describe is worth it?

I have seen many good folks get thrown under the bus in 19 years. Rats will abandon a sinking ship every time.

Good Luck

;)

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Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

You could also tell them that you are discussing the matter of providing the "written record" with your attorney! You can admit that you feel "uncomfortable" and need advice considering the potential liability of the situation. You will let them know what your attorney advises.

Also, depending on the laws of your state - you might consider carrying a pocket recorder when you converse with these bozos. Most states only require that 1 party knows about the recorder (that would be you). ;)

Also, you need to make notes (keep 'em secret) about specific events/conversations/parties present - your memory will be tested.

You can bet your bum they will find a way to crucify YOU if and when this goes to court - your peace is NOT worth being taken by these a-holes.

Wow - be sure and look 'em in the eye when you tell them - the look may be the only satisfying thing to come out of this for you.

Sorry this has happened.

Be tough. ;)

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Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

.

sorry one more thought. i'm sure am riled up - :eek:

someday when all the nurses are gone and folks are being cared for at home or dying in the streets - i hope that someone finds this thread. the fact that there is any confusion as to why this career sucks at times is often the only thing that confuses me!

:dzed: :dzed: :dzed: :dzed: :dzed: :dzed: :dzed: :dzed: :dzed: :dzed:

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You could also tell them that you are discussing the matter of providing the "written record" with your attorney! You can admit that you feel "uncomfortable" and need advice considering the potential liability of the situation. You will let them know what your attorney advises.

Also, depending on the laws of your state - you might consider carrying a pocket recorder when you converse with these bozos. Most states only require that 1 party knows about the recorder (that would be you). ;)

Also, you need to make notes (keep 'em secret) about specific events/conversations/parties present - your memory will be tested.

You can bet your bum they will find a way to crucify YOU if and when this goes to court - your peace is NOT worth being taken by these a-holes.

Wow - be sure and look 'em in the eye when you tell them - the look may be the only satisfying thing to come out of this for you.

Sorry this has happened.

Be tough. ;)

i agree with this entire post.

i would only add, that IF you put anything in writing (which is not an unreasonable request, btw), i would also write that you fear retaliation for your whistle-blowing actions.

it certainly worth to pay for an attorney consult, at the very least.

or, tell the story to the lawyer and have him/her write the letter on your behalf.

either way though, it probably doesn't look good for you.

however, if they did terminate you, you could then sue for wrongful termination, esp where you told them you saw this coming.

best of everything.

i've been where you are.:hug:

leslie

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Specializes in Long Term Facilitly.

They have yet to bring this up again with me. I think they understand that by bringing this up after I have told them I am uncomfortable with their request would not be in their best interest. The person they terminated was terminated unfairly when the facility knew this situation and they are at fault for allowing it to go on for years without doing the right thing from the first incident. I wish I could just tell you all what it is cuz it would put a different light on it. And the person terminated was a victim as well of their denial. Not only once, but many of times. I feel very sorry for this person, it is not fair this has happened. They say only unemployment is what this person could get but I disagree. When I turned this in verbally it was to say "look this is happening", "you need to be honest" but they instead said "this person is the cause of it all" "terminate"! I wish I had some balls, I feel terrble.

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Specializes in Peds/outpatient FP,derm,allergy/private duty.

It does sound like a mess of a situation just from the little bit you've said. I try to operate my life expecting people to be ethical and do the right thing. It sounds like that is what you thought too, and the consequences hurt someone unintentionally on your part. Every so often, life gives us a big clunk on the head. . . oh yeah-- there really is wrongdoing, or "evil", if you will, that motivates some people. It's a sobering reminder going forward, but you can't change what has already happened to your co-worker.

I only hope that (without knowing details) the person they terminated is exploring every angle of his/her rights and not intimidated by these people also. Hope things work out for both of you. Reality really does bite sometimes. : (

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...I feel terrble.

BusyBee, I know you feel terrible and want to get it off your chest but please don't tell us anymore. When I told you to keep your mouth shut about it at home and at work, I meant online too. There's a good reason behind not posting anymore about it here, believe me.

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