One year ago, as an RN working in Psych, I received an unjust disciplinary measure regarding the fall of a Pt. Although the fall related to my shift resulted in no injury to the Pt., a subsequent fall in the morning resulted in a fracture and Sentinel Event. I received a three day suspension without pay, loss of PTO. None of the other staff members received similar discipline. I fought this through my union & received my benefits back, with discipline reduced to a written warning. The tone of the “concession” letter from management was very negative, without apology, and basically was a “better watch your back” type of tone. Since that time, I have had the feeling they are watching my back, and in fact, have had staff tell me verbally to “watch out”, “they are looking for something to pin on you”. I did not realize what a toll this had taken on me, until recently. My co-workers are hostile, my team members are insuboordinate, the “in group” “out group” mentality is rampant. Recently, I had an incident with my Program Director which has “put me over the edge”. I have had to see a mental health counselor, see a medical doctor, start medication, have been unable to work, and it is unknown if I will lose my home due to financial loss. I will add that the Unit’s Practice Standards are abhorrent. The standards for patient care are very sub standard, and cause me a great deal of stress. There are unethical issues, poor management issues, borderline, if not outright legal issues. How do I trust the leadership in my corporation, who were ready to hang me from the highest limb? I recently did submit my concerns to a person in leadership there, but the reply from the leadership was to “meet with my directors”-the very people who had caused much of this grief! I am willing to do what is necessary for myself as well as the Pt’s, who I have a duty to protect. I am well aware that this may cost me my job, my income, my home. Integrity, moral & ethical right come at a high cost.

- Dee, MN