When the Board of Nursing is out to get you....

Nurses General Nursing

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I'm not posting this asking for advice (although any you give me would be most welcome) I'm posting this to VENT my anger!

The other day I was called into a meeting with my supervisor and Chief of Security (COS) present. There was some concern that there had been four claims against me of sexual harassment within the past 4 months. I should add that since I am one of the few male nurses, I get referred the majority of genital and anal complaints from the female nurses. I ALWAYS have a witness with me when I'm doing this type of exam and carefully document everything. All the allegations have all been proven to be FALSE but the COS was concerned that "something was up," since there were so many in such a short time. His tone was very harsh and nasty and he treated me as if I was an inmate instead of a staff member. He made several comments such as "I would say what I'm thinking, but it wouldn't be appropriate in this meeting." and "If it were up to me I would let you go."

As if that wasn't bad enough, he then asked me "Do you know what a sexual deviant is?" I came completely unglued and had I not been gripping the arms of my chair for dear life I would have jumped across the table and strangled him. He then went on to say that I am showing signs of deviance by telling the inmates, "If you're uncomfortable with this type of assessment, we don't have to do it." Ummm...and all this time I thought I was offering Informed Consent. His qualifications for assessing and diagnosing sexual deviance? He attended a workshop.

My supervisor, who is a coward, did and said absolutely nothing during the meeting. In fact, she has been cold and distant instead of supportive or even concerned. Yes, I want to leave, and will, but if I quit now, it would make me look guilty of something. As I said, I just need to vent, but any ideas, suggestions or even a bit of support would be greatly appreciated.

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I'm not sure what to tell you, except I'm sorry that this is happening to you.

Don't flame me for this, but I've heard and experienced that kind of treatment from "higher-ups" in nursing. That is, being treated like a criminal based on a suspicion from someone else, or being blamed for something that isn't your fault. It's a shame because it runs the good nurses away. You get chewed up and spit out, then you're expected to act like it's no big deal.

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Play your cards right and you might be a rich man...after your lawyer provides them with an educational moment!

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Specializes in IMCU/Telemetry.

Maybe the prisoners are playing a game. I heard that prisoners often accuse staff of abuse just to cause trouble. Maybe a few got together to gang up on you. And since you get the majority of genital and anal complaints, maybe they are trying to get rid of the only male nurse.

As to what to do, I would start recording (in writing) any meting you have, starting with the last one. Use a note pad, and time and date everything. This is then a chronological record. These have a lot of power. After a few of these, you might pre sue a case of harassment. Keep getting your witnesses, and document everything well.

Good luck, I hope all works out well.

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Specializes in Psych, Med/Surg, LTC.

Im sorry you are going through this. You say you always have a witness present for exams. Would they speak to your supervisor? Inmates don't have anything else exciting in their lives. I guess it gives them something to do by creating chaos and drama in someone elses life. Im sorry that you are the target.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I agree with Zenman, I would be contacting a lawyer - this is harassment by your employer.

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Specializes in Geriatrics.
Play your cards right and you might be a rich man...after your lawyer provides them with an educational moment!

36_1_11.gif I totally agree. Sorry you are going through this though, hope things turn out okay for you!! :icon_hug:

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Maybe you need to look at this from another view. These men come in c/o these problems and expect a woman to examine them. They've been without female companionship for a long time and this may be their way of getting a little female "hands on" attention. When you do the exam it defeats the purpose of the visit. They get angry and make false accusations. I'm sure the female nurses don't feel comfortable with these assessments but maybe if you were the witness and let the inmates know you will not tolerate any comments on their part it would stop any future complaints.

As far a what has already happened, your boss deserves a big kick in the behind. Document everything and see if your witnesses will back you up. If you haven't had witnesses before, never do an exam again without one.

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Sorry, I just reread your post and you do always have a witness. Won't they back you up? If not then they aren't very smart. If you are no longer there then they will have to do all the exams. Maybe you should get a job where co-workers will back each other up.

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Specializes in Case Mgmt; Mat/Child, Critical Care.

I'm sorry this is happening to you...I agree, I think the inmates are looking to "mess with you". If I were you I would

1)Document everything, and I mean everything from times and dates to complaints and findings etc including witnesses present, not revealing pt identity at this time;

2)Get to a lawyer, take all of your documentation, including documentation of the meeting.

Good luck!

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Specializes in ED.

Well, I've never been to prison but isn't most of it under serveillance? If not, I'm sure the documentation and witnesses will back you up. It usually upsets me when I see sue-happy people looking to make a quick buck, but this is something that's actually worth suing for.

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Specializes in Case Management.

This is one area of nursing that I am totally confused about. I would never want to work in this type of nursing job. But I am in agreement, the witnesses have an obligation to back you up, seeing as how the female nurses are probably the ones in attendance. If you are not there then they have to do it.

In fact, I would say to the other nurses from now on we do this another way. whatever comes in we take turns, and if you have to look at a member or butt-hole, then so be it.

It is time for you to get some back up or change things up, and let the female nurses experience what you have been doing for them. Then maybe they will get a backbone and help you out. :rolleyes:

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