Workplace Issue

Nurses Professionalism

Published

A nurse who is my mentor and someone I look up to for guidance was suspended after she reported an aide for elder abuse. The aide in turn retaliated and stated that the nurse was the one abusing residents. The aide didn't get into any trouble, and many of our residents are complaining about her and really dislikes the way she is treating them, and I found out today that she cannot take care of certain people because of her attitude towards them. I feel because this aide has picked up so many hours to cover a lot of shifts since we are really short staffed that the DON has favored this particular aide.

This bothers me a lot, guess I'm just looking for advice. I only stay at the facility because of the residents, they need to know that at least one person is on their side and someone to take care of them.

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If others feel as you do about the nurse who was suspended, you can all be bold and brave and mature and support her to management. If she has been reported to the BoN, write to them. If it's just you, think about where else you can work and then decide if doing so would endanger your job. I'd still do it, but I'm notorious for having a big mouth and an overdeveloped sense of fairness in that regard.

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UPDATE: the nurse mention in this discussion was fired and there still has been no investigation into the allegations of the aide involvement of abusing the residents. A particular resident is calling state officials in as well as an ombudsman.

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You can do that too. And you know what can really get administration to sit up and take notice? A little phone call and visit from the local newspaper. I recommend that you look them up and ask to speak to the city desk. You can do it anonymously.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Grn Tea - I like your suggestions.

Suggestion to OP - make your phone call from a payphone. Everyone has caller ID nowadays.

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Specializes in MedSurg, OR, Cardiac step down.

There are pay phones still? Sorry couldn't resist..

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There's got to be more to this story....

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There's got to be more to this story....

I agree. There almost always is.

Remember that the powers that be (the DON, HR, etc.) have access to info that you don't. You say there was no investigation, but it's entirely possible there was an investigation that the floor staff knows nothing about. Maybe this nurse has past incidents in her file. Remember, these sorts of things are supposed to be confidential and private. If there was an investigation you shouldn't know anything about it.

I wouldn't say or do anything unless I was absolutely sure I knew all the facts. As in evidence and everything. Never take that step based on suspicion alone.

DISCLAIMER: The above is more my reflection on general concepts than it is on the OP's situation in particular.

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Specializes in retired LTC.
There are pay phones still? Sorry couldn't resist..
Check the local Acme - its where I last looked for a payphone.
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I've only provided the facts that I know, and only enough not to divulge too much incase someone online here is someone I work with This was my first ever topic and was looking for advice. As for the investigation I know I am not suppose to know, but unfortunately the word "confidentiality" is something that needs to be worked on....

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