Pennsylvania Nursing Home Abuse Lawyer Blog
A nurse at Northampton County’s Gracedale Nursing Home has filed a civil suit against the facility, claiming racial discrimination and retaliation by the nursing home for filing a complaint at the state and federal levels.
LehighVallyLive.com reports that the nurse, an African American female, claims when she reported to her supervisor that a resident’s family member called her a racial slur, that the supervisor told her “maybe you should try being nicer” and “get over it, it’s just a word.”
The nurse also claimed that she was retaliated against when she filed a complaint with the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. She said other employees were granted time off, but when she requested a day off to celebrate her anniversary with her husband, her request was denied.
In the lawsuit, the nurse is seeking back pay from the period she was terminated; reimbursement for unused sick, vacation, and personal days; and tuition reimbursement for a class she took.
A county-owned nursing home, Gracedale has been part of a tug-of-war between those who believe selling Gracedale to a private company will mean more quality services, versus those who are afraid a private company may discriminate against those who cannot afford its services.
It’s never an easy decision to place a loved one in a skilled nursing facility. But when that decision is made, we place our trust in the facility and its staff. If you feel your loved one is not receiving the care they deserve, and may be neglected, you need someone who will be on your side. Contact the nursing home neglect attorneys at O’Connor Law for a free review of your case.