shana watson on "Looking for final justice"

shana watson — Tue, 13 Jan 2009 18:19:16 +0000

My name is shana Watson.. I am an African american female and registered nurse (since 1999). I reside in Poughkeepsie ny where I currently work as a intensive care nurse (since 10/07/02) at vassar brothers medical center. I do not have a library of fancy words, I would simply like to share a horrible racial incident( initially started in 2006 and the residual affect carried over to 2008) involving myself, two Caucasian nurses and administration. I would like to know what my legal options are. I was targeted by two nurses in the ICU because of the color of my skin. I have detail documentation of the incident and all the meetings that took place. I also have documentation of other racial incidents involving the same manager and other blacks in which she sided with the caucasions when they were wrong and how she addresses the blacks on the unit and even called a black girl a maget. I obtained a copy of a email from one of the married caucasion nurses involved in my racial incident talking about her incident at work when she was caught engaging in oral sex with another coworker and also talking about her other inappropriate behaviors. Her track record is horrendous. You will see how the hospital have neglected to follow their policies time after time when it applied to caucasions. If they were following polices my incident would not have occurred because one of the nurses involved in my incident would not have been there. The hospital is a very great place to work and has great working conditions but the rasism is out of control, you know its bad when the assistant dir of HR told my mother that she didn’t think vassar was racist anymore because there had been a lot of changes (when my mother shared with her that she also left the hospital in the 1980’s due to the unfair treatment of blacks).
I must first say that it was not my first encounter with one of the nurses involved who told me to my face when I started working there that she did not like me because I was too quiet(compared to her boisterous personality). I am a quiet person by nature and I was taking care of my dying father at home (which my coworkers were aware of) and having to report to work to more stress. My clinical coordinator approached me one day and told me to stand up to them because if I didn’t they would continue picking with me. Someone apparently reported the harrassment because I did not. The rasial incident was the only incident I ever reported because they had crossed the line.
Racial slurs and a threat were made directly to me by two cacasion nurses who works in the ICU and my manager made me aplogize for the incident and attempted to cover up the incident. I have a detail letter (which I will also email) that I wrote to the CEO of the hospital regarding the incident. I wrote to him because it was not resolved to my satisfaction by my manager, and later human resources.. In the initial meeting(2006) my manager was asked by the alleged union rep as the meeting was coming to a close if there would be a follow up and she responded no, my manager also made a comment that she did a good job wrapping up the meeting in 59 minutes. I had to aplogize to the nurses and she constantly defended them, nothing was said in my defense. I also had to report to work after the meeting but my manager allowed one of the nurses to go home who claimed she had a headache
The higher up the ladder my complaint reached (within the hospital)the worse I was treated in attempts to cover up the racial incident because Vassar is located in a highly populated minority area (which explains why my manager asked that we not share the incident with anyone outside the meeting). I was later given a corporate compliance handout prohibiting me from reporting the incident outside the hospital (after I reported the incident to EEOC which showed great interest in my case after receiving the intake over the phone and later mailing me a questionnaire). The EEOC eventually contacted me (months later)by letter after their investigation, stating that I passed their one year limit even though they were made aware of the date during the intake on the phone before they mailed me the questions.
My mother became involved and threatened to take legal action against the hospital because of the way I was treated by my manager (and later human resources) because no action was taken against the 2 nurses who remain working there, and my human rights as a African american was violated when I had to apologize for no reason other than being black. The dir of HR tried to convince my mother and I that the nurses were punished even though there was no documentation supporting this. My manager couldn’t produce any documentation nor could the alleged union rep and HR rep (introduced in the initial meeting by my manager following the incident in 2006 ). As a matter of fact I learned from the assistant dir of HR (after I requested their presence at a future meeting) that the union rep was not a union rep and they didn’t know who the alleged HR rep was, so I was also misrepresented. Like my mother told the dir of HR and his assistant had there been documentation they would have known who was present and what took place. Also if the nurses were punished why would my manager admit over a year later that she failed me as a manager, begged me not to leave (quit) because if I leave it wouldn’t look good on them and asked me what could they do to make me stay (sounds like bribery and guilt to me and why say this if they did right by me and punished the nurses). My manager also confessed that she treated me unfairly because I did nothing wrong. (My manager also talked about how rude one of the nurse is and how she also disrespect her as a manager), and why would administration and their lawyers prepare a defense if they were not guilty, and no way could a incident to such magnitude occur and there be no documentation unless they are trying to cover something up( my manager would have to have some kind of documentation supporting why the nurses were punished even if they couldn’t show me but there was done at all), the dir also assured my mother when asked about their policies regarding racial issuses that they have a zero tolerance for such behavior but he refused to show us a copy of the conduct poliy. I retrieved a copy and realized that the behavior of the nurses falls under vassar’s major violation which is immediate termination .
The CEO asked me not to leave because of the incident (when I entered his office he told me he checked me out good before I came to see him and the only thing he heard is that im one hell of a nurse, that’s why this bothers me so much not one bad thing could the CEO find because my behavior have been emaculate and that’s everywhere ive worked, Vassar had nothing on me that’s why I walked in his office because he had nothing to throw back in my face, however he asked me why I did not tranfer to another floor(as long as I didn’t leave the hospital), the dir of HR also suggested transferring to another unit because he didn’t feel comfortable removing the nurses (administration went from trying to appease me to name calling , the assistant dir of HR told me that I was sensitive and that it was my perception that the nurse threatened me even though the nurse admitted to her behavior, she also asked me in front of the nurses what the nurses in the ICU can do so they don’t have to feel like they have to walk on eggshells around me, she also said that their lawyers said it was all about perception and shared the example their lawyers shared with them about percetion. Moreover if it was all about perception and I was only being sensitive then why would they have punished the nurses as the dir tried to insist. They contradicted themselves throughout the whole investigaton. They were all over the place but nothing made sense. The dir of HR even initially admitted that the ICU have had problems over the years so I didn’t understand why they were trying to defend the nurses. What about what was done to me, I suffered emotionally (which I often seek support at my church) and physically to this day with stress related ulcer and gastritis which my doctor believes is emotional in nature because every other cause has been ruled out and she said she realizes that my symptoms correlates with stress in my life. I have been prescribed drugs for anxiety and I have to take several drugs for my stomach to control my symptoms. I am preparing to find another job which was difficult to do at the time of the incident because shortly after the incident to my surprise I found out that I was expecting a child. My pregnancy was complicated with preterm labor in which I was placed on bed rest and disability and deliverd prematurely. My son also had many ailments his first year of birth with all this going on it was very difficult to change job at the time. The sly comments continued by my coworkers in my presence because I reported the incident . I wrote down a few which was said within the last 8 months
I must also include that I contacted a union rep after I learned that I was misrepresented by a false union rep and she appeared at one meeting. She insurred me on more than one occasion that it would be followed up by the president of the union but that never happened even after I left several messages at the union headquarters (the calls were never returned). This was rather disturbing because the dir of HR told me that their hands were tied because the two nurses were supported by the union.

I was employed at Vassar Brothers Medical Center on 10/7/02. My initial impression of the unit was of a warm and friendly environment. I thought it had much to offer me, and I felt that I was an asset to the unit. I then encountered Jennifer Hall who blatantly expressed that she did not like me because I was too quiet. Jennifer also commented at another time that she did not have to like me to work with me. Jennifer admitted to me at a later time that she use to pick with me. Even though these comments where made, I never made a report about it because it did not affect our working relationship at that time. Secondly, people have the right to chose who they like. I even attended two parties at Jennifer’s' house and I had a great time. All seems tolerable until May 25, 2006, when an incident occurred involving Maureen Delong, Jennifer Hall, Michelle (an agency nurse), and myself.
On the night in question, Jennifer approached me stating that she thought Michelle was prejudice
because Michelle only spoke with the black staff. My response to Jennifer was that I did not agree with her because I witnessed Michelle engaged in a conversation with a Caucasian nurse. Doctor Aziz was present during this conversation with Jennifer a Jennifer stated that she was ignored when she attempted to speak to Michelle. That night was tension filled, due to Maureen and Jennifer’s' attitude towards Michelle and me. Negative comments were made openly towards us. For example Maureen made a comment to me stating, "if only my skin was a little darker." I in turn replied to her by stating, "if only my skin was a little lighter." As the night progressed Michelle received an admission and solicited my assistance. I was able to
assist because my patients were stable and asleep. During this time Jennifer made a comment to Michelle, stating, "it was not a difficult admission." Michelle requested my assistance because she was not familiar with Vassar’s' ICU admission policies. At the nurses' station while doing her admission, Michelle chose to sit in the corner away from the desk. When I asked Michelle to sit at the desk, she responded stating that she felt more comfortable sitting in the corner because Jennifer and Maureen was picking with her and she chose the corner to avoid confrontation. During this time Jennifer and Maureen’s became enraged and left the unit slamming the CCU door on their way out. While assisting Michelle I frequently checked on my patients. After I finished assisting Michelle I returned to my station.
As the night progressed, I solicited Maureen’s assistance with my patient. Due to Maureen’s negative nonverbal response, I requested the assistance of another coworker. Approximately 6 am while at the nurses’ station, Maureen who was verbally aggressive approached me. She came very close to my face stating "you better be more mindful of those pumps because I am not going back in that room, and remember you work here" I was astonished at her unprofessional behavior and enquired if she was referring to my pumps. At this time she responded " your friend's. Jennifer (who was present at the time) then turned to me and called me a troublemaker. I told Jennifer and Maureen if they had a problem with Michelle they should approach her and not to take it out on me. Juliet Bruce was present when Maureen and Jennifer made these comments to me. In the morning I brought this incident to the attention of Donna Krog (the clinical coordinator). Donna expressed that their behavior was inappropriate and stated that she would inform Carol Wilson (the unit manager) of the incident.
A meeting was held on May 30th at 6 pm. Carol Wilson, a union rep (brought in by carol), an hr rep, and Lynn (night supervisor) was present. Maureen, Jennifer and myself were also present. I did not request a union rep because it was a straightforward case. I also thought carol would handle it appropriately and fairly. Jennifer asked if Dr Aziz was working that night because he said he would attend the meeting. Carol responded that Dr Aziz was working but she did not request his presence at the meeting. Carol asked me to explain what occurred on the night in question. I referred to the statement that Jen made that she thought Michelle was prejudice because she only spoke to black people. Jennifer then interjected "I'm married to a black man and have a black child how can I be a racist" Jennifer also said "be careful Shana because I will flip this back on you because we felt like we were discriminated against. I enquired if Michelle and I made any inappropriate comment and they said no. They also admitted that I spoke to them on the night in question. It was then when Jennifer stated that she upset with me for sitting in the corner with Michelle. Jennifer then admitted when I asked her that she did not hear me when
I asked Michelle to sit the desk. Carol asked me if it ever occurred to me to direct Michelle to Jennifer and Maureen for assistance because they were also familiar with the admission paperwork. Carol also asked me who was watching my patients. I asked carol who was watching
their patients when they went over to CCU.
I told carol about Maureen making the comment about if only her skin was a little darker. Carol gave no response. Maureen began crying stating that it was a joke, although admitting that she was upset with me when I asked her. When I told Carol about Maureen getting in my face about the pumps beeping she asked we "well was Michelle's pumps beeping?" My response to her was
that everybody's pump beeps. Carol's response was "I understand that but was it beeping for a long time?" I responded that I did not know. Why was I even asked about Michelle I don't know? Michelle was not there to depend herself. Instead of telling Maureen that her behavior was
inappropriate, Carol diverted to Michelle's pumps. Jennifer expressed that she thought that we should stick together as a unit. Jennifer also asked me why I did not approach them if
I was upset with them about something. When Carol asked me how I felt about Jennifer's statement, I told her that Michelle did nothing to me and that I had no reason not to speak to her.
Carol stated that she agreed with what I said but then she asked me if it ever occurred to me to approach Jennifer and Maureen about their behavior. My response to Carol was that I did not have a problem with them; they obviously had a problem with me. I told her that they should have approach me in a mature fashion and not approach me they way they did. I felt that Carol was defending them so I said, "Carol they are the ones who said these things to me". Carol stated "they are not denying that they said these things, now what do you want?" I was taken back for a moment and then told her I wanted an apology. Carol stated, "Ok, and I think you owe them an apology." I was at this time that my biggest fears were confirmed that Carol was defending these girls. Both sides apologized. I do not know why Carol felt the need for me to apologize. The girls did not ask for an apology, nor did they say I did anything to them. I apologized because I was afraid that I would share the same fate as Michelle who was terminated following this incident.
Carol asked the others at the meeting if they had anything to share. Lynn shared that this incident could separate the unit and expressed that we could seek counseling. She also mentioned that maybe we could work opposite schedules. Maureen commented that the unit was already divided. Jennifer shared that she could work with anybody, and that she did not feel that counseling was necessary. The union rep asked Carol if there would be a follow up and she stated no. Carol then made a comment that she did a good job wrapping it up in 59 minutes (the meeting started at 6pm and ended exactly 6:59pm). Jennifer asked if she could work for Maureen
that night because Maureen had a headache, which was allowed by Carol. Carol then asked us not to discuss the meeting with anyone outside the meeting. It was very difficult to work that night. I was treated as if I did something wrong. I even heard Dr Aziz ask Jennifer if she was ok when we reported to ICU. It hurt me even more to witness this. If I made those comments to those girls I am positive that Carol would have made it clear that I was inappropriate, and it would have been a completely different turn out.
In the morning I told my mother about the meeting. Jennifer and Maureen shared it with people in the unit. My mother inquired why I apologized. I told her that thought Carol was defending them and I felt intimidated at the time. My mother notified Barbara Harris of the incident and asked her to investigate further. Eventually HR became involved. An HR rep contacted me to inquire about the incident and the meeting. She stated that Carol told her that she did not know what was going on because when we left the meeting everything was fine. Carol did not approach me the night of the meeting. Carol later contacted me and informed me that she informed Donna of the meeting and stated that Donna wanted to hear how I felt about it. The second meeting was held on 6/13/06 approximately 8am in the ICU conference room. ICU conference room with Donna and I. Carol was also present. I did not feel comfortable with Carol being there. Donna explained that she wanted to hear my version because she thought Carol was fair. I told Donna that Carol defended those girls. I must admit I said very little because there was not much Donna could do and she expressed that she thought Carol was fair. I basically thought I was there for damage control.
During the second meeting Carol interjected several times. Carol stated that Jennifer and Maureen were wrong and that she was glad that I reported it because things like this should never happen in a workplace. Carol also told me that she thought I did the right thing by not getting involved (yet in the first meeting she asked me if it occurred to me to approach Maureen and Jennifer if I sensed that they were upset with me, and she also ask me why I did not direct Michelle to those girls for assistance). I was helping Michelle in caring for her patient, I was not there to mediate, nor did I instigate. Carol stated, "I must admit it was not an heart felt apology (referring to Jennifer and Maureen’s apology). If Carol truly felt this was why weren't those girls corrected. Carol also stated "and just because she's married to black man does not mean she is not a racist". In the meeting Jennifer blurted out "how can I be a racist and I am married to a black man and have a black child").
Carol also told me to tell my mother that everything would be ok. She told me that the girls would be reprimanded but she was not allowed to share the details with me. Carol then asked me not to resign and asked me what could they do for me not to leave because if I leave it would not look good on them. (My mother shared with Barbara Harris that I was contemplating resigning because of the incident.

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shana watson on "Looking for final justice"