Verbally and Emotionally Abused, then Fired

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hello Nurse Beth.

I am an RN. I worked in a children and women hospital in Alabama for about 25 years. About 4 months before I qualified to retire and after I was injured on the steps of the hospital which I filed for my losses and was ignored/refused.

I was verbally and emotionally abused by my manager on the job, and even though I reported the mistreatment to the manager's supervisors, in WRITING, nothing was done to help me and my family. I was over 50 years old, received injury at the job in which my leg still bothers me.

Since my husband passed I am the head of household and was then when I was wrongfully terminated. I tried and tried to get a lawyer who would take my case. They all declined, they admitted I had a case but they could not take it here in Alabama. My family has suffered and so have I. Is there any law to help nurses in at-will states that are abused after serving the community where they lived for most of their young life?

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Dear Abused,

I'm sorry for your loss and your situation.

At-will employment means your employer can terminate you for any reason, unless you have a contract, as long as they do not violate your federal rights. You cannot be discriminated against for your race, religion, age, or gender.

Most states are at-will employers, and you can read more about it here "What's the Difference Between At-Will and Right-to-Work?"

Hopefully, you consulted with employment attorneys, who specialize in employment law. But if you have tried and tried with no success to retain an attorney, then it may be a sign it's time to move forward. Only because staying in the place of being wronged and angry hurts you.

It's a shame when organizations do not show loyalty towards their employees, especially after 25 yrs. You can't change what they did, but you can change yourself.

Nurse Beth
Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

[mimibrown, ADN, BSN]

I don't have anything to add, other than to offer support and encouragement. Some employer's do not do the right thing. They push people out, not recognizing all the hard work you have done. I have gone through a difficult time with my employer recently, and it's a stressful experience. I wish you all the best and hope that you find a suitable job. You deserve to put your feet up and take care of you!

[RK694]

Yes, you can be treated horribly at work - even abused - and can’t do a damn thing about it if the company won’t do anything. The only legal route is if there is some sort of discrimination. Maybe she can look into being discriminated against and fired because of her age.

[workingmom, BSN]

This sounds like age discrimination to me. Your employers actions are reprehensible from what you've said. I would contact the ACLU, see if they can help you. the Attorney General's office may be able to help as well. Did you get a workers compensation attorney? It costs you nothing and is the only way to deal with workers comp. I would also contact my senator. Your hospital gets federal funding. Make some noise. Shame on them. I would try to get my story out there. Embarrace them into doing the right thing. Keep looking for a lawyer. Dont give up. You gave them your whole working life, got hurt, and now what?? You eat cat food in retirement?? Fight! Shame on them!!

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

I am so sorry. What horrible behavior by that employer! Have you consulted with an attorney that specializes in employment? Especially considering there is a workplace injury involved, I would think that would have some standing in presenting a case.

[brandy1017, ASN, RN]

I would check with the EEOC and see if you have any options. Also I would check into a workers comp attorney since this all stemmed from a work related injury. I would think you would have recourse through that avenue.

What was special about the 4 months? You should have been vested in your pension and retirement plans after 5 years. You still should have your pension even if they fired you.

I would go to the NOLO website they have more info on your rights and also offer an attorney referral service. Also they let you know if your state has any legal rulings re PTO, vacation pay. Generally you still should receive it, but sadly not always depending on the integrity of the company.

Definitely file for unemployment ASAP if you haven't done so. Even if they contest it you may still prevail. Consider COBRA, see if you and your family are eligible for govt benefits like food stamps and medicaid. As a widow have you checked into social security benefits for your children? You can claim spousal social security benefits at age 60 (for a reduced amount) rather than 62.

I wish you the best of luck.