My heart ached when I read how Anne Mitchell and Vicki Galle were treated ("Protectors in Need of Protection," Editorial, June). I wasn't a whistleblower but I, too, found myself mistreated. I was forced to sign a paper stating I had practiced outside my scope of care-I hadn't-and then was walked out by security.
I have no regrets and know I did the right thing in an emergency situation, which was to deliver a baby in distress when the physician was caught in traffic. The Wisconsin Department of Regulation and Licensing subsequently sent a letter confirming that I'd done nothing wrong, but the people I'd worked with and for at this facility for 33 years never responded to the letters I wrote asking for further explanation of my removal.
I learned from lawyers that you can be fired in Wisconsin for any reason, but to be tossed out for saving a baby's life just doesn't make sense. (The mother and child went home-healthy and happy-the next day.) I should have been entitled to a hearing, and so should every nurse.
Making a scrapbook about my career and typing up my thoughts about this experience have been very helpful. Robert Enright's book, Forgiveness Is a Choice: A Step-By-Step Process for Resolving Anger and Restoring Hope, was lifesaving. In the end, I chose to forgive all involved.
I work at a long-term care center now and feel fortunate to have another wonderful job.
Klaire Blunck, RN
Oconomowoc, WI