Whistle-blowing now i'm the bad guy!

[FWNATURIST]

I am a male LPN in long term care and recently reported the DON to our parent company for harassment of staff. I was aware that she could be a bully at times and after hearing of an RN and our medical records person being left in tears after being spoken to by the DON I started asking questions. The morning that I was prepared to submit papers to the parent company, the DON entered the medical records office yelling and screaming and using the F word repeatedly. Now, this director had already exhibited classic harassment by definition in our handbook and I was reporting it as I was required as to the handbook. Even with this additional over the top harassment, the parent company did not discipline her. Instead they informed her that I had sent the note and faxed her a copy. There was a witness to the extraordinary harassment because the medical records door was not closed. This person has not made a statement because her husband recently lost his job and she fears losing hers if she speaks up. Oh, did I mention who does the hiring and firing?

The Bad Guy in Lake Geneva

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

There should be an anti-bullying, harrassment, workplace violence, etc. clause in the company's code of conduct. Get a copy of the code. If you are fired you can use that as a type of "contract". However, you need legal counsel to advise. Does your state have a whistleblower law for nursing (or workers in general)? I wish you luck as this is bound to be stressful.

[LynnLRN]

I agree with the above poster. Look for the anti-harrassment policy and go from there.