Components
The Death Shift
Rumors were that Genene Jones, a licensed vocational nurse (LVN), might be hurting the pediatric patients at Bexar County Hospital, but Dr. Kathy Holland did not believe it. She had worked with Jones and found her to be a particularly good nurse. Holland reviewed the investigations conducted by Bexar hospital staff that found fault with the management of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Subsequently, however, the hospital decided that only RNs could work in the ICU and offered the LVNs other positions. Jones was offered a position outside pediatrics, so she quit. Needing an affordable nurse for her new pediatric practice in nearby Kerrville, Dr. Holland hired Jones. Immediately, emergencies began occurring again. Kerrville doctors were quick to make connections, and Holland lost hospital privileges. Jones may have killed some of her patients. How could so many people have missed this? How could she not have seen the truth about Jones?
In completing this assignment, students should be able to:
1. Identify the stakeholders in this situation.
2. Discuss the nature of cognitive dissonance and its role in workplace behavior.
3. Describe and identify cognitive biases and how they impact decision-making.
4. Assess how a case for wrongful termination could be made.
5. Judge a situation for the elements of negligent retention liability.
6. Evaluate the appropriateness of a hiring decision.