Flu Vaccine Incident Making Me Angry -- Even in Retirement!
I knew I would always care about nursing, but I really
didn’t think that I would get as riled up about stuff now that I’m retired. Oh,
did I mention that? Finally, after 44 long years working in hospitals, I
retired December 31st, 2012. And I turned 62 yesterday. Hello Social
Security and AARP, goodbye The Joint Commission and satisfaction scores. I was
all ready to sit back and say, sorry, not my problem, UNTIL I read this story
from ABC news about a
nurse getting fired for refusing the flu vaccine.
Read it carefully. There’s a little more to it. I thought my
head would explode by the time I finished the article. First of all, it appalls
me that an RN’s 22 year career at the same facility can hinge on something as
personal as choosing not to take a flu shot. It is also ludicrous that her
hospital would use that as a reason to terminate an experienced critical care
nurse. Did you notice the word “veteran?” That’s who the hospital fired for not
taking the shot. Veteran nurses. Veteran is merely another word for expensive.
Do they really think we’re too stupid to know that? I hope these nurses sue for
wrongful termination, because I believe they would win. I hope someone, some
organization, or just some wonderful law firm will finance this case, because no
one, especially nurses, should be treated this way!