Wrongful Suspension

gonzo1, ASN, RN · May 11, 2009

I would consider your conversation unprofessional and out of line, and demeaning to the resident. Remember, you are a guest in their home. Yes, you are being paid to take care of them, but it is supposed to be with respect and dignity.

You will soon find out that while you may feel very comfortable saying certain things, you must be very careful

There are always ears every where waiting to hear and report. I have learned the hard way that the only way to survival is too be very professional while at work and stay above reproach.

praying_mantis · May 11, 2009

It sounds to me like this was a case of a casual conversation being taken the wrong way. Who was it that complained to the head boss? the other CNA or the resident?

~Mi Vida Loca~RN, ASN, RN · May 11, 2009

From a Pt. POV, I wouldn't have been ok with the comment. I think it was out of line and unprofessional and if you felt the need to say it, it should have been to your Co Worker in private. Not in front of the Pt. I don't know the details as to what the Pt. did to "give you hell" but as someone that has been a Pt. before, we already feel like a burden, we are for whatever reason, not capable of taking care of ourselves in most cases or not allowed to, already feel humilated to have to have someone help us to do things such as to go to the bathroom. So to be made to feel like we are a burden (which that comment seems like) can be very hurtful.

As far as what action should have been taken and if it was to harsh, I have no idea as I don't work on the administration side to know the norm.

But just from a Pt. POV I would agree that it was unprofessional and inappropiate.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · May 11, 2009

I think whether or not the comment crossed the line depends upon the relationship you have developed with the resident. For example, if this is a resident that typically interacts with caregivers in a more formal manner, then yes it would be inappropriate to say such a thing. Such a comment might be embarrassing to the person and might compromise their sense of dignity. However, if this is a resident that typically engages in back and forth banter with caregivers and has a more casual way of interacting with said caregivers, then no, it would not necessarily be an inappropriate comment. Perhaps the resident is well aware that they can be a handful and has a sense of humor about it, or prefers to be treated in a less formal/clinical manner and takes no offense toward such observations.

Regardless, I still would never make such a comment unless the resident opens the door to that type of thing first, and only after having worked with them long enough to ascertain whether such a remark is compatible with their preferred communication style.

FireStarterRN, BSN, RN · May 11, 2009

If you take legal action, as you mention in your post, you will surely lose. No judge or jury will have sympathy for a healthcare worker who speaks like that to a resident or patient. Also, your employer is totally within their rights to suspend or dismiss you from your employment there, especially during your probationary period.

From the tone of your post I feel that you aren't owning up to your mistake. You made a very intemperate remark in front of both the resident and a coworker, basically shooting your own foot with your carelessness.

Good luck in the future.

oramar · May 11, 2009

Personally I think you must be a pretty honest person because I can tell you did not attempt to spin the information on the incident. Personally again, I think the incident would have merited a warning in person from your charge nurse. I think the people that contacted you about the suspension without first contacting charge nurse made an error. I don't think a suspension is necessary for first offense and either did she. I think you are more mad about the way the situation was handled than about the fact that someone called attention to what you said in that bathroom. I agree with you there. All kinds of voice messages do not substitute for one call into the office for a private conversation. Most of us have made mistake and most of us have had the little private talk with the boss. The person who left those voice mails does not know what they are doing.

bill4745, RN · May 11, 2009

That was quite unprofessional and I think you are lucky to have only been supended and not fired.

libnat · May 11, 2009

I've heard a lot worse, nice coworkers.

FireStarterRN, BSN, RN · May 11, 2009

I've heard a lot worse, nice coworkers.

The OP was extremely unwise in letting her hair down like that around a coworker with whom she was newly acquainted. She was only three weeks into the job and still being sized up by her employers and coworkers.

It's always smart to be on ones very best behavior in a new job. You have to gradually develop relationships. You can't cut loose until you understand the culture of the place, and what can or cannot fly... :coollook:

NursingStudent5548 · May 11, 2009

After reading several postings I think more information on the scenario is needed. No neither the Patient nor the other CNA made the report. It was the head CNA on another shift.

This is a resident whom suffers from dementia. She hollars inappropriate things. She disturbed my other residents on the night in question. I was very professional in dealing with her through the episode.

She is also a very open person. She is not afraid to tell you what she thinks of you. On the other end, she will inquiry about what you think about her. She expects on honest opinion and will call you a liar if you lie.

She is aware she is a handful. She loves to joke and has a dry sense of humor. She loves when I am working with her. I feel she is comfortable with me. It is obvious that she has a very open and comfortable relationship with me and most everyone in the building.

I am not saying that I was not wrong. What I was saying is the story told to the head boss had to have been extremely glorified. I am upset that neither CNA approached me about how upset they were by the comment. Neither did they take it to the charge nurses to confront me about if they felt uncomfortable. No, they took it directly to the administrator where they knew would be a harsh punishment.

From there I was upset the the head adminstator also did not confront me and get my side of the story. She knows this resident is a handful. In fact I am not the only one to have issues with her. Also honestly, the charge nurses plead my case and defended me. I must have given a very positve and professional impression on them.

In fact apparently the "Head CNA" doesn't have much clout with them considering she by passed them in the chain of command.

FireStarterRN, BSN, RN · May 11, 2009

Obviously the 'Head CNA' heard about this from someone. That was either the resident or the CNA who was there.

You are seriously miscalculating the existing grapevine at your facility, and as a new kid on the block you should have been more careful.