I am an RN in Oregon and have been terminated 3.5 weeks before my 180 day probation after filing a serious compliance concern about a senior manager. I have had perfect work performance, am I able to claim benefits?

(oregon)

I was witness to inappropriate sexual touching/fondling by my senior manager. I was a new employee still in (180 day) probation period . I was involved in reporting the behavior. The outcome of the investigation was that my senior manager was "dealt a serious discipline; which was monitoring for 12 months" This outcome of his investigation was delivered to me the day before I was fired (3 weeks prior to my completion of my probation) because I had not offered information re: a reprimand on a work license which had occurred before I was hired. I was told by the licensing committee that I could apply for and attain employment and that my license was not restricted, suspended or revoked in any way. During the application process, I had completed every question accurately and followed policy , but was told 3 days before being terminated in an unrepresented meeting with my manager and the same HR rep who interviewed me regarding the compliance complaint that "it is not a question of policy violation or work performance but a question of ethical principal." I had perfect work performance reviews, excellent peer referrals from previous and current employment, and positive comments about my ongoing work performance which I have email documentation of. The sexual behavior/acts committed by my senior manager were so graphic I have chosen not to include them here but had caused me extreme humiliation and discomfort that I was forced to continue meeting with that senior manager and at no time was he placed on administrative leave. To make matters worse my termination meeting was initially to be held in his office (I have emails documenting request to move location). In the meantime, the union has filed an unlawful act of not allowing me union representation for my initial meeting which ultimately ended in my termination. I do not know how to proceed, I fear this may harm my future ability to work.(though I am looking actively)

Can I claim unemployment while I seek work?
Does my case need representation?


Hi Anonymous,

Yes, I think you would have a very good case to attain UI benefits.

I think you should have representation because what you described to me is a blatant act of retaliation .. and unlawful to boot.

They apparently were not satisfied to just choose some innocuous reason to fire you,they decided to assert it was for "questionable ethics".

In my mind, the only reasons an employer would choose to do so is because they are either stupid or they think that the reason may damage your credibility should you decide to pursue the a wrongful termination suit.

Yes, if I were you, I'd would definitely talk to a lawyer and file an EEOC complaint or whatever other complaints people in the medical field have available to them.

I have a question of you.

In my experience, I have developed the opinion that the "medical field" is one of the most treacherous fields of employment to be in .. and I'm not talking about needles, germs and viruses.

Is this an incorrect perception on my part?