Hospital overreacted by firing the nurses

The recent firings of nurses at Bonner General Hospital have found most people surprised and wondering what goes on. Unfortunately, I was not surprised at all. I worked at BGH about five years ago, and even then there were things happening that I can see were just precursors to the events happening now.

It seems that the management of BGH is one of destruction instead of construction. I was told to keep quiet about something I had said that offended someone. I went ahead and apologized, (even though the person had not been offended) and got in trouble for that. During a difficult time with a nurse manager, everyone was afraid of speaking out for fear they would be in trouble or fired. The director of nursing would seem to listen to you, but nothing was ever done.

I know two of the nurses who were fired. They are both excellent nurses, very knowledgeable in their field and I would be proud to work with them again. It seems a simple question of asking them about their time cards would have been more appropriate than a firing.

In this day and age of continued nursing shortages we should be thinking about keeping the great nurses we have. I am lucky. I found a job where hard work and an independent mind are appreciated. I encourage the community to speak up on behalf of these nurses. BGH has been a family and community-oriented hospital for years. Don't let management change that.

COLLEEN LEWIS

Sandpoint