I am an LPN and was doing pediatric home care. I was recently terminated over a policy issue regarding paperwork. We have to have papers signed at the home by our Clients and I had to drive to the office to drop mine off, mailing it caused it to be late so I just drove. We were not allowed to fax. So before I was terminated my Supervisors told my clients I was under investigation and then ultimately that I had been terminated. Is that allowed? I have been a nurse for 25 years and never a reprimand other than late paperwork.
This sounds fishy to me. Had an agency that would accept faxes, but 'lost' the original paperwork.
Re: the investigation bit? Sounds even stranger. How do you know your supervisors told the clients you're 'under investigation'? (Meaning, who told you this?)
BTW, welcome to the site! You've found a good refuge, and friends, too!
Privacy Issues
I talked to my Clients family. I have worked with the same families for 3 1/2 years. They got phone calls that I would not be there for my shifts, and in the process they were told I was under investigation, another wastold I was under an internal investigation, and then they were told I had been terminated all of this occurred before I even knew what was going on. They (clients) actually called me to see what was going on. I have never had any complaints from any of my families, I have a clean record and they were all upset and could not believe it. I just thought it was unethical of my employer to attack my integrity like that. And it was really just a paperwork policy. Not nursing notes or documentation its crazy and devastating. And THX for the reply and the welcome im glad to be here.
Something does sound weird. If only you can get statements IN WRITTING from your clients. What is your next plan of action, anyhow?
Im not really sure what to do. I spent all weekend angry and then sad . I didnt sleep well. I did write a letter to my boss and expressed how I felt, at the time she fired me I was an emotional wreck and was afraid I would say something I might regret later. Earlier that morning I had been at court with my husband. He had a wreck and was drunk, he blew a .204 on the breathelizer. This is his 2nd DUI so he is looking at some jail time. That was another thing she (boss) said to me "I guess you have had a bad day but unfortunately its not going to get any better". I thought that was a pretty flippant remark to make. As far as getting a statement from my families I wouldnt want to jepordize them losing their nursing agency beaause these kids are terminal, and I dont think they need anything else to worry about.
Hi gma2017...It sounds fishy to me too. If there is something going on and they are going as far as to tell clients what is "sort of" going on, then you deserve an official, written reprimand. It appears from my end that they are merely using a small technical mistake as an EXCUSE for firing you. I would insist on more information...from Human Resources if you have that department...they are well aware of the legalities involved in termination and divulging your information when they haven't even explained it fully to you.
Good luck, please keep us posted and and allow us to support you in this traumatic time...and Welcome. I am fairly new here too.
Steph R. RN, MS
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