INTRODUCTION

About three months ago we published what now has become Part I of An Insider's Report.

Since that time there have been some radical changes on Mrs. IW's life. She was kind enough to give us an update given the fact that we had published her original communication. Once again, with her permission, we are publishing her letter since it expands on the original theme of An Insider's Report - A Hippocratic Oath or a Hypocritical Oath - Part I. (3)


PURPOSE (as stated on Part I of An Insider's Report)

We have chosen to reproduce the entire letter of update from one of our readers, a professional in the health care system of the US. We know that this update will also "speak" to many of our readers at many different levels.

The title - An Insider's Report : A Hippocratic Oath or a Hypocritical Oath - of course alludes to the health care profession but it also applies to all professions and trades - to all of us. We all must make sure that, through the Grace of God, we truly live what we claim to represent.

We must remember, at all times, that:


When we truly live what we represent, God will be at our side upholding us as we uphold His Word through our actions.

Mrs. IW has been gracious enough to allow the publication of her letter in its entirety, just as she wrote it, for the benefit of all.


From (Mrs.) IW @ US

I wish to update you on what's been happening pertaining to my nursing vocation since my previous communication about it.

After much soul-searching (and with my husband's support), I made the decision to retire from the work force. Circumstances in my life are such that I had to retire now, instead of waiting until I am 65 years old. Significantly, my last day at work was on July 13, the Feast of Rosa Mystica.

High on my list of reasons for making this decision at this time is the very real fact that I am completely burned out from all of the stress I've been subjected to at work since I revealed major wrong-doing, as referred to in my letter-turned-document, "An Insider's Report" (3).

Prior to my "blowing the whistle", I read articles which dealt with repercussions whistle blowers in the health care environment are subjected to. Most are so maligned, ignored and mistreated by either their peers or their superiors that they suffer severe emotional, mental and even physical conditions which are very difficult for them to deal with. Some are forced to leave the work force because they can't endure the meanness anymore. Actually, a better word which describes what they are subjected to is "bullying". And, as a result of this terrible mistreatment, many can't cope and they actually commit suicide.

I was appalled by what my research revealed. Yet, in spite of my fears and trepidation, I also knew I had no choice but to reveal the blatant wrong-doing that was occurring in my workplace. It was my moral obligation to do so. It was the toughest decision I ever made in my life.

What has been the result of my decision to "whistle blow"?

I have known first-hand the mental and emotional anguish of being persistently mistreated by certain individuals, especially administration, who are the ones staff is supposed to be able to count on for support and guidance. When the stress was at its worst, I actually experienced a cardiac "event". I also understood the intense pain of rejection and betrayal, especially when caused by those I least expected this mistreatment from. I can honestly say that, at one point, I understood those who despaired to the point of wanting to commit suicide. It is by the grace of God, intense prayer, and the support of my family that I did not succumb to this terrible temptation.

There is only so much abuse a person can take. There comes a time when a drastic decision must be made. Primarily for the sake of my overall health, as well as other personal issues, I have been forced to prematurely leave my nursing vocation, which I loved.

I did my best to serve my hurting brothers and sisters for over 35 years. If my best wasn't good enough for my guilty superiors and coworkers, so be it. In God's eyes, I can but hope and pray that my efforts were good enough. If they were, then that's all that matters.

My heart goes out to all those who are forced to do their own "whistle blowing". It is an extremely difficult decision to make, but with God at their side, along with Our Lady and the Angels and Saints, they will be able to endure the difficulties. On their own, never, ever can they succeed. But with Heaven's help, they can, and they will.

My conscience is clear. I wonder if the same can be said for those guilty of wrongdoing.

In Jesus and Mary,

Mrs. IW


Answer. Well done, good and faithful servant: because thou hast been faithful over a few things, I will place thee over many things: enter thou into the joy of thy Lord. [Matthew 25: 21 & 23]



NOTES              

(1) The Hippocratic Oath: an oath historically taken by physicians and other health care professionals swearing to practice medicine ethically.

(2) Hypocritical: adjective of the nature of hypocrisy, or pretense of having virtues, beliefs, principles, etc., that one does not actually possess.

(3) An Insider's Report - A Hippocratic Oath or a Hypocritical Oath - Part I



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