Wrongful termination

[Janelle1313]

I am a registered nurse in california and had been working at a skilled nursing facility for approx 15 months. I reduced from full time to part time in December because my family and I moved about 50 minutes away from the facility and I had found out I was pregnant. I worked weekends for about 6 months. I made my DON aware that I would starting disability leave in June, I am a type 1 diabetic and was put on bed rest with my first child at 32 weeks. My doctor and I decided it would be best to take it easy after the 30 week mark. My DON had inquired on May 22 if I could work some days in June, I told her I would speak with my doctor. Last week on May 28th my DON texted me asking how my appointment went, where I told her the disability claim had already been submitted to start on June 1st and I would not be able to work. The next evening she again texted me and asked that I come in to work in the morning to discuss a matter with her. I was unable to on such short notice and did not have a sitter for my child. The next morning she called and told me that because I was unable to come in she had to do this over the phone and told me the company was letting me go. I asked for the reason, she stated I had a family member of a patient complain about wrong information about a sliding scale of an insulin. I informed her that I had shown the family the eMar and order and attempted to contact both NP and MD regarding their concern over current med orders (the patient was a newer admission and the hospital had mad changes to the patient medications before discharge). After explaining this to my DON she responded that my overall performance and bad attitude was the cause. I have had no write-ups, no disciplinary problems, and have even asked for feedback regarding my performance recently because I only work weekends and do not receive feedback generally. She told me I was doing fine and had no other comments. So, I did file a complaint with the department of fair employment and housing but I'm contemplating involving the California board of registered nursing as well. I contacted them and was told I could certainly submit a complaint with them and they would investigate. I feel it is extremely unfair for my employer and DON to make these claims about me, I had worked very hard for them and I feel my performance was exceptional and to not be able to leave there without a good recommendation will have lasting consequences on my career. I will now have to report being fired to future employers which may cost me to lose future opportunities. Overall it's harming my livelihood. Again, I am almost 8 months pregnant and has caused a great deal of stress and loss of sleep to say the least. I don't want to be vengeful but I feel it is misconduct of my DON to cause this trauma on another RN, especially when knowingly unsubstantiated. I am right to take this to the board or should I leave them out and let the DFEH handle it only?

[Ruas61, BSN, RN]

I would leave the BON out of it at this point. Good luck.

[sweetdreame, BSN, RN]

Review the mission of the state BON. They are not there to protect you, but the public. There is no harm being done to the public by this situation. I completely understand you wanting to pursue all avenues for justice at this point, but I don't' think filing a complaint with the BON is going to help... at all.

I think you do have a pretty strong case for wrongful termination, especially if the events happened the way you say they did. I am so sorry to hear you are going through such a hard situation while pregnant to top it off. Being fired is like a slap in the face, especially if you have worked hard for the company. Good luck in the job search, maybe you can just take the time to enjoy the new baby first though!

[lllenjolll]

I feel you. I got terminated on an incident I'm not even present. Prior to that event, I didn't have any disciplinary

actions, written ups or verbal warning. All my reviews from peers are superb and full of compliments.

I worked hard for a good career and this is what we got. It's just SO unfair employers doesn't give a damn about what you contribute to them. :