What can I do if I am being discriminated against at work by another employee?

Full question:

As a medical professional a nurse filed a complaint because I did not agree to see a patient right away. The reason was I had another patient deteriorating quickly. A month later without warning I'm told to come to a meeting with VP of medical affairs and VP of nursing along with the aforementioned nurse. The meeting is to discuss medical care. The fact is the patient was fine and my care and timing etc. was appropriate. However, this aspect is glossed over. The nurse starts crying and exagerating the circumstances. No one at the meeting does anything about it so I told them I was done talking and walked out. Is this harassment or slander because my reputation and integrity are very important to me?

  • Category: Employment
  • Subcategory: Discrimination
  • Date:
  • State: New York

Answer:

The following are New York statutes:

§ 240.25 Penal. Harassment in the first degree.

A person is guilty of harassment in the first degree when he or she
intentionally and repeatedly harasses another person by following such
person in or about a public place or places or by engaging in a course of
conduct or by repeatedly committing acts which places such person in
reasonable fear of physical injury. This section shall not apply to
activities regulated by the national labor relations act, as amended, the
railway labor act, as amended, or the federal employment labor management
act, as amended.

§ 240.26 Penal. Harassment in the second degree.

A person is guilty of harassment in the second degree when, with intent
to harass, annoy or alarm another person:

1. He or she strikes, shoves, kicks or otherwise subjects such other
person to physical contact, or attempts or threatens to do the same; or


2. He or she follows a person in or about a public place or places; or


3. He or she engages in a course of conduct or repeatedly commits acts
which alarm or seriously annoy such other person and which serve no
legitimate purpose.

Subdivisions two and three of this section shall not apply to activities
regulated by the national labor relations act, as amended, the railway
labor act, as amended, or the federal employment labor management act, as
amended.

Harassment in the second degree is a violation.

This content is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Legal statutes mentioned reflect the law at the time the content was written and may no longer be current. Always verify the latest version of the law before relying on it.

FAQs

A nurse should respond to a complaint by remaining calm and professional. It's important to listen carefully to the concerns raised and acknowledge the patient's feelings. Document the complaint accurately and discuss it with a supervisor or manager. Follow the facility's procedures for addressing complaints, which may include an investigation or a formal response. Maintaining open communication and a willingness to resolve issues can help in addressing the complaint effectively.