Problem
Scenario
Over a period of 2 years, several female RNs and CNAs from the same unit have asked to be transferred to a different unit. Several nurses said they just didn't get along with one of the doctors. As time passed and more nurses quit or requested a transfer, you look into the situation and learn more from several nurses and nursing assistants who say they would rather quit on the unit because of one doctor's behavior. They describe the doctor as constantly making sexually charged comments to them or about them. They say he is constantly pressuring them to go out after their shift for drinks and that he has even cornered a couple nurses and tried to grope them. When asked why they had not reported this behavior, they all said they couldn't for fear of retaliation. The doctor is a very close friend of the hospital's head administrator and has been told they would be fired if they tried to report him. In addition, he is highly respected in his field and asks his victims, "Who are they going to believe? You or me?" You also discover one nurse and one CNA complained to the charge nurse and were fired shortly after. How do you handle this situation?
Task
1. Identify the applicable law/regulation that applies to that specific situation.
2. Justify why the law or regulation is applicable to the situation.
3. Explain how you as a nurse leader would address the situation and use the law or regulation to justify your response.
4. Explain the possible ramifications if the situation is not handled appropriately.