Whistle Blowing and Retaliation

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i know that i am not alone in this, but i'd like to hear from others who work in an environment of hostile managers who thrive on retaliation towards whistle blowers. how can we survive/thrive in such toxic environments (especially when we live in small communities with limited jobs)?

i reported a narcotic theft last year to my superiors; was "punished" (given a letter of reprimand in my file) for bogus charges (which my employee assn. rep fought and won) and i have endured a year of retaliatory hell from the individual who admitted to taking the narcs......btw this individual is now my boss. (i love the message from this ordeal...steal drugs and get promoted. huh. who knew?).

the employee assn. advises me to just "do my job", lay low and document, document, document. each day brings new, exciting adventures in ways to make my work life miserable. is this karma at it's worst?

what are your experiences? advice?

thanks for listening........:banghead:

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Specializes in Mental and Behavioral Health.

Hold fast to your integrity. Keep doing what is right. Doing the right thing pays off in the long run, even when it does not seem to right away. Keep your self respect, and if possible, get another job. Keep documenting, and taking it up the latter of command. Blow that whistle, celticwoman61!

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Can you file a hostile work environment complaint with your Employees Association? Have another meeting with them and see what they say.

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What's happening to you is not fair at all, & I suspect more people aren't 'whistle blowers' due to the situation you describe- which is definitely a hostile work environment. I would probably be looking for another job.

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Specializes in A myriad of specialties.

What a load of crap you've been dealt. So sad that the thief was promoted to be your boss. Is there any way to transfer to another department within your facility? I'd look into it. By the way, my hat is off to you because I KNOW that I could NOT put up with that kind of situation for a whole year...unless I had a rx for some antianxiety med!

Yes, we also have a retaliatory manager on our ward. She's been there 20+ years so isn't going anywhere soon. Those who've tried going to HR with complaints against the manager are found out because the manager has informants(aka pet nurses) who keep her apprised of what's being said. Those who complain are then guaranteed poor performance reviews, a bad time at work, or suddenly find other positions in the hospital. You really can't trust anyone on any of the shifts on our ward...it's truly sad.

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Specializes in Critical care, tele, Medical-Surgical.

Your experience shows why we need whistleblower laws with FINES!

In my state the healthcare facility pays $25,000.00 and the INDIVIDUAL who retaliates pays $20,000.00.

It is a great deterrent.

I think we need it in every state or as a federal law.

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Specializes in psyche, dialysis, community health.

Someone who admitted to stealing narcs is now your boss? And you have documented proof of this?

Start looking for another job. Any other job. That culture of fear will only tear you apart. And you'll have to endure watching your coworkers go through the same thing. This is not a pretty picture. Yes, it's possible to survive, but you're not gonna thrive. You see it. And your patients will see it. It's your license on the line.

By the way, what's this "employee's association"? Is that some kind of arbitration entity setup by the company to handle worker complaints/concerns? Do they have any teeth? Who do they answer to?

dig

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Specializes in Utilization Management.

I'd have to leave. My sanity, my reputation and my license are far more important to me.

Situations like this are what make me very glad I have . I've seen some really good people get badly hurt.

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Specializes in ER, TRAUMA, MED-SURG.

Celtic - Hey - I got your pm about the older post about this, and I am sorry you are still having to deal with this. It's just ridiculous that you are the one doing the right thing and she is the one who should be disiplined and she gets promoted?! OMG! I couldn't deal with that. I'm with Angie - I would have to pack my toys and get out of Dodge.

What you are having to endure is a nightmare! Good luck to you, and keep us posted.

Anne

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My advice? Leave. The sooner the better.

My experience was bad. Reported a nurse for multiple screwups, many of them dangerous. She ended up being "friends" with the supervisor. The tables turned and they went after me.

Sometimes you can win. There is no reason to stay in a toxic work environment.

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Once you have obtained a new position, it's time to find an attorney and file a hostile work environment lawsuit. I think this is something you really should seriously pursue.

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Specializes in NICU, Post-partum.

You would think that any hospital would have a no-tolerance policy for employees stealing narcs.

You are right...I don't understand how she got promoted...I also don't understand why she wasn't flat-out fired and reported to the BON.

People don't steal narcs unless they have a drug-problem...it may not be the level of addiction, but when you put your license and your entire career on the line for a pill, when there are Dr. Feelgood's on every street corner, to me, that is a serious drug problem.

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