workcover discrimination

[greatshakes]

Hi all

Can anyone tell me if there are any procedures for people who are being bullied and discrimated against by employers because they are on workcover? I am not the subject but am asking because some of the workers at a facility who ended up on workcover due to inadequate staffing

have been bullied by the organisation so that even if they are sick they are too scared to take time off. This leaves those others taking on additional work as well as their own if the staff aren't well enough to cope. I believe that in nursing, the pressures are great enough without additional management coming down on their shoulders for legitimate claims.

Because of the many problems arising and staff requiring support I have made my feelings known re certain issues: ie the EENs, while very capable were singly in charge of the floor on two consecutive days and concerned about the outcome should a problem occur when there was no RN available. I had asked to see a registered nurses but on both occasions none were present. When I questioned the legality of this I was told the manager was the RN in charge and she was in the office but one day she wasn't in the area at all. I was fobbed off. I offered to be a support person and mediator for the nurses and residents but because I am the wife of a resident I was told the staff must not burden me. I replied "It wasn't a burden and I'd initiated the confidence of some staff members". Management advised the correct procedure was to go through official channels but I brought up the fact that management was downright intimidating and staff needed to have someone to vent to. I do not regret my action in offering to help these staff members. They are fabulous. They deserve to be supported but again they have been disciplined and bullied into shutting up and just getting along the best way they can (and a note in the communication book to say that they are forbiddent to say anything to rellies or residents re work situations). I have put in to date two incident reports and some complaints due to inadequacy of the staff numbers and reiterated that the staff werevery good but were unable to assist redidents more, due to fewer numbers in staff. The QNU has been told on several occasions of staff concerns and bullying and has done nothing. Has anyone else had this happen and what is the advice you'd offer? Thanks. It goes without saying that while I am still waiting for a job that none will be offered to me by this facility. Oh dear!!!

Thanks:o

[nambour51]

I can appreciate your sense of frustration. However the problems you perceive affecting the staff employed at the institution belong to the staff, and despite your good intentions to help, it is really up to them to determine what to do about it. If you are concerned about the care your husband is receiving then you have legitimate grounds for complaint about his care. By all means be an advocate for the residents if other families are supportive of you acting in this role, but be very careful about getting involved in staff related problems. Some situations are complex and difficult to resolve, and require a skilled negotiator with a sound knowledge of the rights and responsibilities of everyone involved. I wish you well with your search for work.

[greatshakes]

Thanks Nambour51 for your post. Yes some staff issues I agree, can be very complex but it just seemed so unfair.

[nambour51]

It can be difficult to come to terms with things that seem 'unfair' however there are a lot of 'unfair' situations in life. We have do learn which ones are our responsibility to address and which ones aren't.

[Grace Oz]

Here's my two bob's worth. For what it's worth! ........

My advice would be to abstain from becoming involved in advocating for staff in a facility in which you are not employed, unless you are their legally appointed representative.

Whilst you are visiting your loved one in that facility, you are NOT a staff member and it's not your place to involve yourself in those matters, no matter how unfair you perceive things to be. This may sound harsh, but it's factual.

Furthermore, the staff should not be confiding in or involving a residents family member about such issues. That's plain and simple UNprofessional! They have the appropriate channels by which to take their grievances.

Your role in this situation is to be the visitor/family member. Leave it to those actually involved in the situation to address it. They have rights and there's people who can advocate for them, those are the people they should be seeking counsel with. Not the relatives of their patients.

Wishing you all the best in your job quest.

Cheers........

[greatshakes]

Thanks for your posts. I have been behaving and not getting involved with staff matters and have taken any concerns re husband's care right to the DON in charge. I have noticed that I am being consulted more openly about his care which is good although I simply wish they checked on him more. I know he's nearing the end and it is so sad. I don't want him to die alone. I keep trying to remember the motto? about the alcoholics anonymous, changing what I can, accepting what I can't and having the wisdom to know the difference. I guess death of a loved one is never easy for any of us and I feel as though I am on a tightrope and sort of waiting for a call to say he's gone..and being me I'll beat myself up about it if I'm not there at the time. Although is it possible that sometimes dying people need to do this on their own terms and maybe they feel they can't pass on if someone is there..Anyone have any experience with this that they'd like to share? I'd really appreciate it thanks.

[nambour51]

It was good to read your update about the situation. I am pleased that things seem to be improving. I feel for you at this time though. You are already going through a grieving process and you are hurting. We like to look for the signs when death will occur but death takes its own journey. Tell your husband it is ok for him to go when you are not there and tell yourself the same thing! You may feel more comfortable with that process if you pray for someone to be with him when he finally departs this life. That someone may be you or may be someone else. I will keep you in my prayers.

Jo