What is the best course of action to take when a patient tells a false statement about you and your employer doesn't speak to you before they let you go?

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

I'm sorry you are going through this. It sounds incredibly unfair.

If a patient tells a false statement about you and your employer doesn't speak to you before they let you go, here's what you can do:

• Document everything. If you haven't already, immediately document your version of events, including dates, times, and details of any interactions with the patient and your employer. This can serve as a record if you need to defend yourself later.
• Request a meeting. Politely request a meeting with HR to discuss the situation. You have the right to hear about the concerns, clarify the facts, and provide your side. Make sure to stay professional and calm.
• Present evidence. If possible, provide evidence supporting your version of events (e.g., witness statements, written records, or any communication logs). This can help your case and show that the claim is unfounded.
• Check your rights. Review your employment contract and state labor laws to understand your rights. You may have grounds for legal recourse if you are unjustly fired based on false accusations.
• If you are unionized, contact your union rep.

At-Will Employment

In most states (including right-to-work states), employment is considered "at-will." This means an employer can terminate an employee for almost any reason, except for reasons that are discriminatory or violate public policy.

Limits to At-Will Employment

There are exceptions to the at-will employment doctrine:

• Discrimination. An employer cannot fire you based on race, sex, age, religion, disability, or other protected categories under federal or state laws (e.g., Title VII of the Civil Rights Act).
• Retaliation. If you're fired for complaining about illegal activities (like reporting a safety violation or illegal workplace practices), it's considered unlawful retaliation.
• Violation of contract. If you have an employment contract (even an implied one), the employer may not be able to fire you without breaching that contract.
• Public policy violations. An employer can't fire you if it violates public policy, like firing you for taking a legally protected leave of absence (e.g., FMLA).

Seek Legal Advice

Consider consulting a lawyer if you feel your rights were violated or the situation escalates. They can help you navigate the legal aspects, especially concerning defamation or wrongful termination. Even in at-will states, employers can't fire you for certain protected reasons, but the rules around wrongful termination can be complex, so it may be worth getting legal counsel to see if your rights were violated.

Summarize

If you believe you're being terminated for a false accusation or an unjust reason:

• Document everything. Keep a detailed record of events, conversations, and evidence supporting your case.
• Review your rights. Look into whether there are any state-specific protections for workers in your situation.
• Seek legal advice. Consult a lawyer to explore potential claims, like wrongful termination or defamation.

Finally, stay professional. Regardless of the outcome, always maintain professionalism. If you're moving on from the job, try to leave on good terms, and be mindful of the impact this may have on future employment.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth