Unprofessional surveyor

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I am curious the thoughts/advice of my fellow members.  
During medication preparation, I was approached by a new surveyor whom interrupted me several times during med preparation.  While trying to remain focused to prevent med error, I answered surveyors questions about another patients medications (what would I give him and what does he take?) naming the medication only.   
The surveyor must have been offended that I didn't engage in dialogue mid med preparation but rather maintained a visual of the medications I was preparing so not to lose where I was on the med list and commit a med error.  The surveyor told my employer that I was 'rude and curt', even admitting she shouldn't be interrupting me.   I was punished severely, despite never receiving any warnings in 7yrs employed here.  I received monetary damages by my employer and employer set me up for next step termination (overlooked disciplinary processes).  My employers administration is toxic and creates hostile work environment for most all staff.  
Included was not performing a fire drill outside of my shift (no policy but was told 'it's known' which I have yet to find a coworker that is aware of this). 
I was planning g retirement from this employer but appears now destroyed and my employer is targeting me.

My reputation has been damaged by all of this.  And the most insane is that the state surveyor is now stalking my Instagram and Facebook, 10mos later, as someone I may know.

I am appalled by all of this, I can't make this stuff up.

I am wondering if anyone has any suggestions or advice about this.  I have been grieving the process.  I have never had problems with other employers throughout my nursing career nor had the reputation that state surveyor and employer are painting of me.  I know that I should have stopped and told surveyor I was in the middle of med preparation and would get to her questions when finished; hindsight is 20/20. 
I would appreciate any advise.  Thank you.

 

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Specializes in tele, ICU, CVICU.

As a surveyor, they should most def not be asking things WHILE pouring/administering meds.  That is basic common sense & you cannot be blamed for trying to remain focused on the task at hand.  Yes, in hind sight you could've said "I'm not trying to be rude, but could you save your questions until I'm done with patient ABC's medications?"   

Is your employer they were asking questions DURING med pass?  not waiting for a moment in between patients?  

the fact you said the surveyor is stalking social media pages is concerning and makes me wonder if somebody is out to get you, that just sounds REALLY odd.  Are you sure they aren't just being populated automatically by FB, due to mutual friends?  I know mine does this... 

Sorry, no advice really, just ensure your employer is aware of the ENTIRE story... As long as their are no sentinel events or signifiant patient safety concerns, I don't see how employer can simply bypass the set disciplinary proess.  However, if you ask HR about that, I'd worry they will somehow retaliate.... sorry for the crappy situation. 

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Quote

 I was punished severely, despite never receiving any warnings in 7yrs employed here.  I received monetary damages by my employer 

OP, can you clarify this? What do you mean you received monetary damages? Was this in the form of unpaid days off as part of your discipline or some sort of actual fine or...?

Very sorry you are going through this. It sounds ridiculous. 

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Specializes in Psychiatric and Mental Health NP (PMHNP).
JKL33 said:

 

OP, can you clarify this? What do you mean you received monetary damages? Was this in the form of unpaid days off as part of your discipline or some sort of actual fine or...?

Very sorry you are going through this. It sounds ridiculous. 

If you can prove the surveyor is stalking you on social media, then report them to their employer!   There are ways to track where the person is posting from, even if they are trying to disguise themself.  In fact, I'd report the whole incident to their employer, given they  were interrupting you in the middle of preparing meds, which is outright dangerous.

Also, talk to an employment attorney ASAP.  Find out your rights and how to protect yourself.  This sounds like potential wrongful termination.   The first consultation is free.  These attorneys usually work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if they win the case, so you don't pay them directly.  The attorney may also go after the surveyor and their employment for compensatory damages.

Carefully document everything and save every email, document, etc.

Good luck

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My employer bypassed 4 levels of punishment and had given me the 5th level with the 6th being termination from the report and citation received for not locking the computer and cart, which I did while she had distracted me.  The surveyor claimed I repeatedly did so, which I would have to have been stupid to continue to after catching my error.  The instances she said I had my back to the cart, unbeknownst to her, I would not have been able to d/t my medical condition.  Another nurse failed to lock the computer and cart, as well, and no mention was made to her by management. 
The 5th level allowed management to deduct 15% of my pay over 6wks for this.  And now I have been set up for next step...termination.  I have had no level of punishment since employed 7yrs ago.  
I had tried to get an employment lawyer but have had difficulty.  I am not sure if being employed by WA state is a reason I cannot find an attorney to meet with me to discuss these issues

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