" In the August 29, 2008 edition of the Tomah Journal, there was an article letting the public know that Jerry Molnar had been named the new Director to our Tomah VAMC. Mr. Molnar speaks of one of his "personal goals", as being being that of "customer satisfaction." He includes under the umbrella of customer's, as being patients, employees, volunteers, and the public. It also goes on to mention that he does not want to make "unnecessary changes." When I was still working at the Tomah VAMC, I happen to remember his signature being on some of the papers that had to do with my being fired. He must have changed his way of thinking, since then, as, if he believed in customer satisfaction, and also, not making unnecessary changes, he would not have signed those documents. But yet, he should have spoke with me, directly, as also, Stan Johnson, should have. And if they would have done that, and really delved into the situation, I would still be working there. Probably not as a L.P.N., but in some sort of job, as the reason I was let go, was they informed me they had no place to put me to work, that would meet my limitations. And, I fought this for many years, following being kicked in the back by a patient. All, I wanted to do, and still do, is to work, and for them to acknowledge a work related injury, not fire me because of my condtion worsened. It probably would not have gotten worse, had they acknowledged the injury, as OWCP did. I don't know how they get away with this, and also with not acknowledging the rights and wrongs of other staff. Also, I rather doubt that Mr. Molnar even would have been able to put my name with my face, when he signed those documents. And, he still wouldn't, unless someone pointed me out to him. Sad, isn't it...that people like that can have that much control. Maybe I sound very bitter. I guess I am, when I see these things happen. But, I am definitely not a bad person. In listening to one of the speeches, given at the Presidential Conventions, I remember hearing that "if we believe in something, than we need to stand up and fight for what we believe." Well, I am standing up. I am fighting for my beliefs, for what is true, and for the goodness of employees wronged. And for continued good care for our veteran's. Rita. "

" I continue to follow along with the comments. I do wish people would not be afraid to sign their names, but, I "do" understand. Retaliation is out there. In my one week short of my 25 yr. career at the Tomah VAMC, I went from being a quiet employee, that would not speak up...but, I was happy, working there, for the first many years of working there. My first Head Nurse, as they were called back then, was absolutely wonderful with her staff. She worked right alongside of us, when we needed help. She respected us, & considered us all her friends. But...she was respected, as our Leader. I remember, a nurse telling me once, that I needed to be more ascertive. It was accepted as a appreciated criticism. I worked on it...& low & behold, the next evaluation, I was now too voicetrous in my beliefs. I continued to speak up for who and what I believed in. I felt that it was necessary, to stand by my beliefs, & to continue to promote the good patient care I felt I and my co-workers gave. Later in my career...all of a sudden, I, and other's would realize, that if we stood up for our beliefs, we would be targeted. I have to wonder what changed, with our mgt., during those years. And, as far as our Union helping out a fired, or in trouble staff member...it didn't happen. I had no assistance from the Union, even after paying in a few thousand dollars in dues. They were too afraid of losing their time in the office, & possibly losing their jobs. Retaliation, once again. I only wish that Lin was in the Union position she is in now, back before I was let go. From what I understand, she is not afraid of mgt., like prior leaders of the union were. Lin, you were once my Nurse Mgr., & I know you know of some of what I went thru. I can't even use the Union now...as when I left, I was told I was no longer a member. Oh yes...I also want to say something that most people do not realize. If you are forced to retire...most people would think...well that isn't so bad...you will not have to work anymore, as you can live on your retirement. Well, do you know how very little one's retirement can be, when you are forced to leave? If you only knew how difficult it is to live on such a small amt. And, in my case, I should still be working there, as I did nothing wrong. So, I am happy to see people express their opinions, even if some think it is bad for the VA, which I truly do not believe it is, as when it comes right down to it, we all want it to be the best it can be for our veteran's. Rita. "

" I have been at the VA for many years and I agree with the fact that management does not care about SOME of their people. I work in a service line that has a few employees that do not care & will tell you that they do not care. We have put the patients' care in their hands and I have often wondered "WHY"??????
I know for a fact that manangement knows about a particular employee is not doing their job. They have been told time and time again. They go after the wrong people and it is not fair. I have been in the union office more in the last year then I have my whole entire VA career. Management is pathetic. We have a supervisor that does not like to deal with confrontation. What kind of a supervisor is that??? I mean how can this person do their job efficently and effectivley if they do not deal with the kinds of problems that we are having?? I do nto understand how they can let one person get away with so much and then yell at another person for doing their job??? I do not get it!!!! I hope that the congressmen and senators come in and clean house.

As far aspeople making the comment- "If you dislike it so much, then quit" they need their heads examined. Why should the caring employees quit and let management get away with not doing their jobs. I say stay & fight. I bleive that if manangement would be fair to everyone then we would not have the problems at the VA that we have today. So let's all stick together and fight for our veterans-just like they have and are still fighting for us. "

" Simone I have read your opion and I agree that if people like that are employed there. They should be terminated. I have been in nursing since 1986. I have 10+ years at the V.A. I recently left. Managemnent is very poor. They have no clue as far as what is going on. As a C.N.A. we were qualified up until recently to to do some treatments. Know the Nurses have to. I quess when don't have the know how. When we are ready with a veteran we have to hunt down a nurse(certain ones). They feel like it is a burden. We are with these residents,hands on. On a daily basics. The veterans are like close family to us. It hurts alot when someone passes away. Management needs to be looked at seriously. There is a HIT LIST at the V.A. Five people where on it I was one of them. So I left. I quess speaking how I felt and stating my concerns put me on this list. In my own opinion I was a threat to management,so lets get ride of the problem. Now to me where is managments priorites? It isn't in the best interests of the veterans. I am very good at what I have been doing since 1986. The V.A. just lost another good employee. Leaving was very upsetting to me let alone my family members.THEY COULD NOT BELIEVE IT.!!!!!!!!!!
They Feel I should return to the V.A. because it is a part of who I am. Helping the Veterans is the least I can do for them keeping our country free. Feel free to comment. "

" Camille, If you don't work at the V.A. perhaps you need to keep a open mind. As a former employee........ I am going to speak for the employees that are still employed at the V.A. There are very exceptional workers there. They give very wonderful care. Management does target employees. Especially when they are willing to stand up for what is right and wrong. This is a threat to the Big Wigs and then you are targeted. The Big Wigs sit behind their desks have know clue what is gong on. Example: You can have a big wig visting the wards with a black lamb in a diaper verses attending a LPN meeting that is Right!!!!!!!!!!!! What was this person thinking. LPN's leave the ward to attend this meeting and they don't show. Management doesn't have their priorites right. "

" Managment is also questioning Medical documentation on employees. Who are they to judge. Employees do get ill and have a right to be treated by their Doctors. Yet some managers will not except the documentation. And in return put people on Leave restictions. Some have worked there for years. One was just recently put on leave cert. after years of employment. To me that is just a slap in the face. Some employees on the other hand can call in and be granted sl or fl and they are never questioned.
This is not right. Nursing coordinators have also been known to target certain employees. They have also been very rude and uncompassinate when a employees have called in. And when others do it is just fine. Example: Someone calls in fl and goes to a game to watch their kids. What is wrong with this picture? "

" I started working at the Tomah VAMC, in Sept. of 1977. I ceased working at the Tomah VAMC, approximately 1 week prior to my 25th Anniversary there. I was a Good, Hard-working, caring, nurse. I enjoyed my job...for several years. I worked long-term care, Acute care, Acute Psych, and Long-term Psych. I was involved in far more emergency situations, than I could ever have counted, over those years. I received a L.P.N. of the year award, and was the Coordinator for the Tomah VAMC Critical Incident Stress Management Team. By now, most of you, that worked there when I did, know who is writing this. The majority do not know why I left. In caring for veteran's, often times, situations happen, where a staff member, will become injured. Obviously, having a large psychiatric population, this was, and still can be, a great possibility. I was one who was injured, while caring for our veteran's. Did I take 30+ days of worker's compensation? Or did I work thru almost all of it? The latter. I felt it necessary to be there to take care of the veteran's, and support my co-worker's. I remember, most employee's worked thru their pain. I held many a dying patients hand, as they took their last breath...often alone. I listened, and again, I cared. But, what happened? Management, being as they were, refused to acknowledge my work injuries, (even though the Office of Worker's Comp did acknowledge them.)and to make things shorter, refused to place me in a different job, as stated by the director, "He did not have anyplace for me to go." He gave me the option of going out on a medical retirement, or being fired, setting a deadline for me to make the decision. I had filed an EEO complaint, which I know angers them, as it is a process which brings about an investigation. I also had filed a complaint regarding another staff member, which I also know they did not like, as it also brings about an investigation. I did "nothing" wrong. I was placed on a ward, where there was a "history" of staff being fired. Also, staff that just plain wanted to get away from the persons doing the dirty work of coming up with a bunch of "junk", to make life just as hard as they could, to make staff want to quit, or to get them fired, one way or another. I could go on and on. I was wronged. To the people who did this to me..."you must live with what you did, and do." I have never written about this...and I have never spoke to media about this, as these 2 people have. I Thank you...for making the statement that has been for so long, needed to be made. I am ready now, to tell my entire story, if only to make things better, not only for the wronged staff member(s), now, or prior, but to make things the best they can be, for our older and new veteran's. I was a "Good L.P.N.". The person these articles are written about, is a "Good N.A.". Better than many people that are still working there. I didn't get to receive a 25th Anniversary pin...I did put in for the retirement, on time, but was also fired, by the "then" director. I continued my case, with or without a lawyer...it is no one's business, but no one can say that a fired employee will get all their money back in the end. Have you gone thru it? If you haven't...don't make the comment. And don't say it takes an act of Congress to fire an employee...because it only takes a few people that think knowledge is power. And, in my case, you know who you are. Shame on you for taking good, caring nursing staff from our Veteran's!! "

" I was a employee at the V.A. I feel management is targeting certain employees. This is unfair. Especially when it comes to a co-worker you have know for years informing you of what a nurse manager was overheard saying about you. terminatinon was put on the certified time for all the co-workers to see. This former employee felt no choice but to reisign. Nursing has been my profession since 1986. I Love this line of work. The veterans are wonderful people to care for. After all they fought for our country so we could be free. It was my duty and honor to take care of their needs. I believe management needs to be looked at closly. To take building 407 and turn it into more offices is terrible. Where are our veterans now serving this country going to go? Former employee "

" To disgusted veteran:
I AM a provider that gives EXCELLENT care, just ask any of the veterans under my care. I used to smile on my way to work and look forward to Sunday night, because it meant going back to work. Management here has become abusive to me and all the other providers here...... ask ANY of them!!! I know one of the new providers (about 2-3 months) is only still here because the nurses are begging him/her to stay because we need more caring providers.

Gradually, over the last 5+ years, it has gotten unbearable. Why not leave??? Ridiculous question..... My family now has roots here; we have friends, church, a house, the kids are in school, etc. Why should we all have to try to sell our house and move because we are being abused? Why can't we just fix the problem????? "

" I have worked at the Tomah VA for a few years now and I can truthfully say that if it wasn't for my residents, I would quit the VA in a heartbeat.

When I began my VA career I LOVED my job. I actually looked forward to coming to work to help our wonderful veterans who so proudly served our country or are still serving our country. Over the last couple of years, due to poor management and bad treatment, I have started to hate my job. I dread going to work because I know that we are understaffed, we have poor morale, and we are treated like gum stuck on the bottom of a person's shoe. In my position, we are the first line of direct patient care and more than once we have had to fight to get help from our supervisors. It's not fair to our wonderful veterans and it's definitely not fair to us.

Also, I don't believe that it's fair that some staff work their butt's off day in and out and don't receive any recognition, but some people can SIT on their butts all day and get pay bonuses and raises. It's also not right that management is blind to some people, but are super keen to pick up other people's mistakes. "

" I am so saddened. I have always heard that the Tomah VA was one of the best facilities in the VA system. When I've visited, the nursing staff employees have been kind, polite, and gone out of their way to help my husband and me. There may be a bad apple or two working there, as there is in any facility. We've never experienced anything bad from the workers.

The upper management is just that. They are "up" in offices, with closed doors, guarded by secretaries. I know several people who worked for them in those secure offices and they couldn't take it. They had to get other jobs. They told me of such pettiness as being yelled at for 20 minutes over using the perceived, wrong colored folders when delivering files in one office, then, changing the color and being yelled at in the next office for changing the color. This is just one example of many I've heard.

Many, many employees do quit. Many stay because they can't afford to quit. Besides, if they all quit, who will take care of our veterans? Certainly not those managers who are getting their huge yearly bonuses, guarded in their secure offices.

There is a huge problem. And, it isn't the day-in, day-out staff that is the problem. It's probably not the first line supervisors either. It's those managers in the head offices. It's time to clean house at the VA. The walls of the upper management offices need to come down. "

" This one is actually directed to the management in the store at the VA in specific... How is it ok to treat all of your employees like dogs except for one, you kiss her rear(bet your wife doesn't know that one) Anything she says you jump, anyone else says the same thing, you snap at them. Shame on you. I have witnessed it several different times while I was shopping.If someone complains about you, you are nice for a couple of days but them you start being a jerk again.You have no idea what these veterans are capable of, some ore controled only by the medication they are one.I do know you aren't a veteran yourself, so you can't even fathem how far NOT to push them.The treatment goes not just for the employees either, but to alot of us veterans, you have treated us like the dog crap on your shoes, you don't have time to answer a simple question.I don't have a lot of choices to go anywhere else to shop due to the fact I live at the VA and I get to see and hear more than you can possibly imagine. As far as why people don't just quit, why should they quit a job they used to love until management started getting a big head. People have bills to pay and are just not able to just change jobs like the younger generation. People also have alot of time invested in their careers. It isn't that easy to just deal with it. Why don't you try on the shoes for a day see how you like it. "

" I retired 10 years ago after serving in the US Marine Corps 23 years. I have been an outpatient at the Tomah VA for most of the time I've been retired. The service I have received there has been nothing short of outstanding. Those "disgruntled" employees whose comments I've been reading here seem just that--"disgruntled." Without good leadership there wouldn't be good, organized and appropriate care. I wonder why most folks didn't put their names in. I'm sure there is a whistleblower program at the VA like any government agency, why use a public forum to whine and complain? The reason I'm not including my name here is that most of you people sound vindictive and unprofessional. Quite frankly, you people disgust me. If you dislike the people you work for so much....quit! Join the private sector, give up your excellent benefits and great pay. I know that I'll still receive great care long after you all are gone. Hopefully that'll be soon! Your management may not be great, but folks, there's a hell of a lot worse--GET OVER IT!!! "

" Act of congress? Almost impossible? Well guess again, I almost lost my job for just answering a guestion my co-worker asked jokingly. One word was taken as a threat and I was on the carpet and my job on the line after 36 years of service. "

" I agree that the VA managemtn should be investigated. Some of the practices are questionable and since we are funding the VA with our taxes, we have a right to know what is happening. Raises, promations and disaplinary acitons are not always based on work performance, but all to often on rummurs and half-thruths. If someone is reported for a wrong-doing, the may or may not be consuled, depends on how well their supervisor likes them. I am sure all bussinesses have these types of issues, but since this is a government instilation, I feel we have a rigth to know. "

" We need to have a full investigation starting at the top. Our jobs are on the line every day we go to work. Threats that never seem to stop, even if what were told to do is wrong we have to or be fired. Which include patients rights being violated. The moral is low and gets worse everyday. Management likes it that way. Why is there allot more office jobs now then when we had over 1,000 patients we only have around 200 now. If your high enough on the totem pole and get in trouble a job is created for you and no questions asked. The VA Management is out of control!!! Many new people don't stick around to long once they figure out what is going on. Look at the turn over. Why are all the Doctors leaving both medical and mostly Psychiatrists. Some are here for a couple of months the Patients like them and all of a sudden were told they are leaving. There is much going on that the public doesn't know about but should. We need a house cleaning. "

" I am also an employee at the Toamh VA. In my time here I have met many great people that take exceptional care of the veterans. Management is, in my opinion, doing a very difficult job...and without a director we are floundering somewhat. I also feel that if there are so many disgruntled employees out there maybe it is time for them to move on. No one is forcing you to continue working here. Move on if you are all so worried about the poor conditions. There are many providers that I here complaining about management and how overworked they are...seems like a great deal more time is spent complaining than actually caring for the veterans. This types of comments are disheartening to me...and by the way I am not in a management role at the VA, just a worker like most of the others. I say out with the old and maybe then we can get some new faces that actually like what they do and provide some positive attitudes for the veterans that we care for. "

" I have worked at the Tomah VA for a few years and the general public would not believe some of the things I have seen. Some employees have done things that not only sould have gotten them fired but they should have had criminal charges filed against them or lost their licence. The managment's response was to transfer them to another unit, sometimes with a short period of disapline by working in the Education Department. If anyone is thinking, "why don't you just quit?" it is not always a solution if your spouse has a good job in the area and you need to work. "

" I am not am employee at the VA but know plenty of people who are that hold different positions and have various lengths of time in service at the VA. When multiple people (that don't necessarily know each other) are talking about how the VA is currently managed; it's very troublesome. Some of the remodeling that has gone on in recent months was more for appearance than in the interest of both the patients and employees. As one post put it... employees are being told to "deal with it". I won't go into details but have heard comments from enough VA employees to think that a full fledged investigation is fully warranted and hope it happens SOON. For the sake of our veterans and the employees who are really the back bone of the VA. Anyone else out there heard about the black list? If a name is on it they have either been fired or are in line to be. I personally think all these dismissals should also be reviewd. "

" I worked at the VA for over thirty years and know that working conditions for the ward nurses and cna's that work directly with our veterans have gotten much worse over the last dozen years or so as management has promoted only those who do not question any decisions that they make. To many competent individuals have been passed over for promotion because of this mentality which leads to workers who feel undervalued and not appreciated for the job that they do. Managers get to many cash awards for just doing their jobs and then take credit for improvements they had nothing to do with. The management style at Tomah VA is do as I say and not as I do and promote fear and discontent among the workforce. Almost all frontline workers that I have known over my thirty plus years there loved what they did and took great pride in the Tomah way of doing things but I fear we have lost this work ethic due to the mistreatment of the working staff. As far as the UNION is concerned workers can be fired as long as management follows the contract and the person involved has been given the oppertunity to improve. Tom is not a sexual preditor for those of you that have mentioned this possibility. Good Luck and peace brother. "

" Sounds like they need to start from the top first instead of just hiring new employee's that quit right away because of working conditions. Granted, the pay may be very good there but when you hate your job because of management, that has to affect patient care. And then people quit. Good employee's that are treated as dirt, will leave, and many have. As a veteran I know several good employee's that have "disappeared" and found out later that they were harrassed till they quit, I find the atmosphere at the VA Madison better. I am sure they have some of the same problems but I've never witnessed management "yelling" at an employee in front of veteran's as I have at Tomah VA. That is just wrong. Where is the respect for people?? Kindness goes a lot further than a threatening environment. If Tomah VA closes, thank management for that!! Not the employee's!! I encourage all of you with personal knowledge to notify the IG and document EVERYTHING. No one should have to work in a hostile work environment and no patient should witness such behavior from management....it looks BAD. "

" I too have worked with this individual, what a true veteran advocate. He was the one that would take the difficult residents outside, walk with them, talk with them, make sure they would be clean and fed. Many of the new employees we have sit and watch. Watch what I am unsure. Many times RN's would ask them to do something and the nurses get I don't know how or I am not doing that are you kidding. When I was a CNA I would never have thought of refusing the RN unless it was really bizarre. Management every since S. Johnson has had little to no respect for nursing and you can really tell. Seldom do we get the recognition that I feel almost everyone at the VA deserves, nursing and otherwise. Yearly we get a list of bonuses or awards that upper management get and they are in the thousands and when we get an award it is usually less than a thousand. This man was a star at the VA but few people seen it because he did not like to blow his own horn. Let me tell you I am blowing his horn and doing a little dance. "

" If I lived in a small community and was fired, I wouldn't tell anyone why. I would let them believe whatever they wanted and would let them defend me and spread the story (just like you're all doing) He knows why he was dismissed. You all obviously DO NOT. (just as it should be) "

" I've worked at the VA for a few years now, and I've met a few too many people who SHOULD be fired. This guy had to have done something horrible to get fired because it is near impossible for anyone to be fired. I think if it were easier, than people would work harder at their jobs, but since they can't be fired, they don't do their work. And I've heard many stories of people retiring in a few months so they just don't care anymore... and they haven't been fired. Why are they still working?? They aren't doing anything! I think it should be "out with the old, in with the new". Maybe if we get new employees, and people actually do their work, the morale will be up! It is very sad that good people are quitting the VA because they don't like it there. I agree that there is poor management, and something should be done. But what? What can we really do? "

" As a veteran myself,
I have witnessed management's abuse of the staff, and not just in the medical section. There are other public accessable areas that have extremely poor management situations that are not addessed. Since when is it ok to be married and blatenly hit on one member of your staff in particular? While the rest of the employees are busting their rumps doing their jobs and get yelled at for something that isn't even in their job description. I personally have witnessed an employee getting screamed at about a television that was missing and come to find out it was never missing, but yet no apology to anyone. This manager knows whose desk to hide under apparently. The list goes on and this is only one more department that REALLY needs investigating. These people used to enjoy going to work everyday, but now they dread it, they still go because they have bills to pay and we all know the gas prices will never go down. Who can these good employees turn to? The union is up to their eyeballs dealing with other unjusts going on in the world. They can't save everyone. It is too much. "

" It DOES NOT take an act of congress to get some one fired. all it takes is a LIE or an ACCUSATION of weather it was a lie or just an "i am not sure that is what i heard or seen, but...." to get someone fired. I only wish it took an act of congress to get someone fired. "

" I hope that there is a full investigation of the Tomah VA from the top on down. Please consider contacting Senator Feingold's office, the IG or JCAHO with any concerns involving mismanagement and patient care. Our veterans deserve the best. "

" I have worked at the VA for over 25 years as an inpatient caregiver and have never seen the morale as low as it is right now.


























I have worked at the VA for over 25 years as an inpatient caregiver. I have never seen morale so low in all those years. We have 3 upper management personnel that have some real issues with power and control and the result is chaos. They are only concerned about what looks good on paper. Every day I get told we need "new blood". I take care of some of the same veterans as when I started, the "old blood " must have done something right. We need a good house cleaning but it's not with the hand on hand caregivers, it's with management!!!!!!! "

" Just to clear up a misconception as far as the individual that was recently fired-this has nothing to do with patient care (no abuse, neglect, etc). Actually this is one of the nursing assistants you DID want taking care of your loved one.
Let me shed a little light on this particular individual. I worked with him for about four years as a nursing assistant. He was the person that you looked for when you needed some assistance with a veteran, even the veterans would look him up either just to say hi or to talk about issues they were having on a particular day. He did the little extras that were not expected: plant tomatoes, cook pizza, grill out, go fishing, etc. Much of this was done at his at his own expense, he didn't care, he just wanted them to have some enjoyment in life. When this individual has his heart surgery, many of the veterans would stop me in the hall and ask how he was doing, when he was coming back, etc. And these veterans are STILL asking where he is and when he is coming back. They are sincerely concerned about him.
Now having said this, my question is: does management really care how the veterans are cared for? By firing this individual, it is obvious that patient care is not the #1 priority. They will terminate a good employee that cares and voices his concerns,but keep an employee who is lazy, rude, and just shows up for the check.
Where is the justice in this? "

" I to have worked 30 years at this VA Hospital. I applaud the Supervisor for having the guts to do his/her job.
I believe most greviences come from the Nursing section as they are the largest dept. out here.. I have seen many many wonderful people taking great care of our Veterans, on the other hand, I have seen just the opposite.
It almost takes an act of Congress to terminate an employee. This person MUST have violated some policy for this strict action to be taken. If this employee is innocent of this, then he should get a lawyer and fight. If he knows he can win, then his cost will be reminbused, maybe that is why is hasn't taken this avenue.
I agree that we need leadership out here.. we have been without a Director for to many months.
I for one am thankful for this hospital for it has given my family a wonderful life.
Where else can you get the type of benifits you get out here...
If you as employees would look around and be trueful I believe you just might see that Management wasn't in the wrong.. we want our Veterans to be safe and well cared for. "

" "I have worked side-by-side with the person who was fired. He is missed not only by fellow co-workers but he is also missed by the patients as well. He has used his right to have an opinion and voiced it. His number one concern has always been for the patients. Alot of times he was their voice when they did not have one or were not heard. As we have found out you are not allowed to have one when you work at the VA. Not when your on the bottom of the heap anyway, just do as your told. He has been one of the best I have worked with and is great with the patients that is why he is missed by so many. There is nothing right about any of this. "

" I truly believe that the VA is in dire need of some new management!!! I feel that management does not care about the veterans or our employees. I feel that some of the managers are only there to collect a paycheck. I have been at the VA for over 20 years and I have had some great times and I have had some very lousy times. Lately the more people I talk to have become more & more dissatisfied with their jobs because of our upper management. I was told a very long time ago that the VA does not open up new positions for people... They are all full of BEANS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! They have shown favoritism to certain people. I believe that if we all take a stand against all of the people who do not care, we will prevail!!!!! "

" I am a CNA at the VA and I have been doing this type of work for many years (not at the VA) although I am thankful for having a job I can honestly say that I have never worked at a facility where the staff is treated so poorly. We are not allowed to have an opinion much less voice it and if we do speak up and disagree we will have to face the repercussions. That is exactly why most of the employees say nothing. We are to be seen and not heard and we had better be seen doing what we are told weather we or the patients themselves think it is right. That is also exactly why there are so many disgruntled employees. Management is really clueless as to what really goes on outside of their office walls but lets have them keep making all of the decisions, after all why would we want to ask the employees that are working one on one with the patients because "until we have letters behind our name what we have to say dosn't matter" and I'm not talking CNA, (and YES, that is a quote). Now I do not care where you work everyone likes to feel that they are appriciated and valued as an employee you will not get that at the VA from management. You will however get it from the patients and that is what keeps us all going. "

" This is in regards to the Tomah VA Medical Center. To the people who are yelling at a person who wrote this article...shame on you! this person may not work here, but the person she was writting about happens to be a family member she has known all of her life. she has known about this persons ups and downs, his trials and tribulations. His good times and his bad times. She also knows that he was a dedicated worker to the vets whom he has served for many years. she knows of his case quite well and was upset enough to speak out. what happened to him could happen to you!!! so be careful! and do not pass judgement on someone you do not even know. and do not pass judgement on a case you know nothing about. as i said, this could happen to you. when this does happen to you, will you want someone to speak unfaily about you like you have about these people? If you are working at the VA, BE WARE!!! DO NOT TRUST that you will have your position for ever!!! nothing is as it seems! "

" I never implied that I had first hand knowledge of the climate at the Tomah VA. My comments were about the rights of employees (AFGE and EEO) Federal Employee rights are the same everywhere. If they were fired, the agency had to have more than enough reason to do so. If they want to take it a step higher, they should appeal to the MSPB.

For those who hate working at the VA in Tomah, I say, move on. I wouldn't want such disgruntled, angry people caring for my loved one. I think Wal-Mart is hiring... "

" I am the friend os someone who had a Dad at the VA (he died just recently). Every time we went to visit him, everyone was so nice. So, I've been interested to folllow this whole discussion. I know that at least 2 of the people fired were convicted of being sex offenders. Their cases were even posted in this paper. I don't know about you, but I wouldn't want MY dad in a place that would tolerate soemone that worked with them being a sex offender - especially if he was confused - WOULD YOU? "

" a provider was expected to testify in front of Congressman Kind's office staff, but he has been mysteriously detailed to another facility. And he's not the one getting the bonus either!!! But I'll bet someone is! "

" the rampant overuse of narcotics and polypharmacy on the inpatients. JCAHO has commented on it in the past, yet it continues!!! "

" Things have gotten HORRIBLE at the VA. It goes so far beyond a few people getting fired just before retirement. New providers RUN when they figure out how bad it is. They work providers to death. The better they are, they more they shove on them.... to the point where stupid mistakes are made. Solutions have been provided to various levels of supervisors, service line managers and even front office staff. The servant leadership principles taught in the class (and I've been through it) are NOT put into practice. It is a complete FARCE!

It's interesting how new positions at higher GS levels are created and filled or vacant positions are filled without posting and competition. Or Job qualifications are so specifically tailored that only one person qualifies. And can anyone figure out how someone with a high school diploma who has never worked in a medical clinic become a GS-13 Service Line Manager in charge of degreed providers/professionals? This should never be!

I have actually started telling people that if they call and find out I am 'no longer with the VA' they need to call their Senators and congressman. We have begun documenting all communications with management, including printing them and taking them home with us at night. We are micro-managed to the point where it is virtually impossible to do a good job anymore.

The abuse of staff goes FAR BEYOND firing, or the one management official referenced below. It needs to be investigated. "

" Ever wonder why union membership is growing in the federal sector? In AFGE alone, the union that represents workers at the VA in Tomah, thier membership grew over 1500 members last month alone.

Membership at the VA in Tomah is well over 60% of the workers eligible to belong to the union. And it grows.

Bad management in the federal sector costs more than a few bad employees. And don't get me wrong, I am not saying the employee in question did anything wrong. I don't have the facts in the case so I can't comment.

What I can comment on is the long standing history of a anti-union, anti-worker mentality by management at the VA in Tomah. There are some reasonable people who suspect this type of management runs clear to the top of the VA food chain.

So who suffers? The Veterans, the workers, and the tax payers.

I'm not saying there aren't some good managers and supervisors at the VA in Tomah, because there are some. But those steering the ship of health care for Veterans in Tomah need to be looked at very seriously. "

" I know at least one Chief that works at the VA and he is outstanding. He does a great job both there and other places. I just hope he doesn't get red in the face from embarrassment after I talk him up so much though. "

" Camille, if you don't even work at the VA, you haven't a clue!! Kind of hard to comment on an issue if you are out in left field about it!! "

" The continued problems at the VA fall on the pathetic shoulders of management. The acting Director is exactly that (he acts). And together with his cronies continue to allow that medical center to go to manure. If managements intent is on forcing the older employees out, then they need to be first in line. I'm sure there are others out there who can probably fill the present void that is in charge of the Tomah VA.

If there are hostile work environments it agains falls on the incompetent shoulders of the leadership (if you can call it that). This so called leadership just sits in their offices and dream up worthless rules and ideas to weed out those close to retirement while EEO's, grievances, and letters to congress continue to mount up.

Those who can mediate to solve some these problems, won't because they protect management as well (EEO). The union is being taxed due to this pathetic administration of slugs.

And it continues to cascade down as management filled some of the service lines with incompetent service line managers who allow these problems with staff to grow by looking the other way or not addressing any issues at all.

The only way that this will be fixed is when Fed or State Reps come and investigate. Keep sending those cards,letters, phone calls, and emails to our elected officials. They will have to address this if enough employees take a stand and force change. "

" It is time for an intense investigation at the Tomah VA. Veterans and employees have suffered enough. Professionals are unhappy and many work in hostile working conditions fearful of unfair discipline, being fired, or losing their licenses due to one hostile management official. This individual has caused our facility to lose many good Medical Doctors and Psychiatrists who will not tolerate the abuse. Other top management officials including our Acting Director allow the conditions to continue and many managers will do whatever this professional asks. Until you work under conditions where you are yelled at, humiliated, disciplined, treated unfairly, or work in unsafe conditions; you have no idea how devastating this kind of environment can be. As an employee, I beg you to support an investigation so our facility can return to a safe, happy place to provide optimal care for our veterans. Even if you do not care about us employees, think about the veterans who have served our country and deserve the best possible health care. This includes healthcare in a calm and peaceful atmosphere versus one of yelling, hostility, or sitting by an elevator hoping to talk to a psychiatrist. Our employee veterans deserve the support they may need when they encounter difficult times versus punitive actions causing them to be disciplined or fired. Discipline and removals are done on hearsay and not by fact finding and investigation. "

" I never expected this kind of managment. They just see it as power. There is real no compassion for the employees. When we try to voice our opinion they say there are plenty of transfer sheets you can go to a different building.We have voiced our opinion on pateint,staff saftey. The Doctor says deal with it. Unfortenatly when something bad happens to a patient'(s) or staff it will be to late and then it will be all over the national news. All Department heads need to be looked at by a fine tooth comb. "

" In my opinion there are to many chiefs and not enough front line workers at the VA. Tons of cushy office jobs making decisions for the nursing department and the patients needs when in fact the people making these decisions in the best interests of the patients don't even know who the patients are and or what they really need. I think the management staff at the VA needs to lean on the front line workers (CNA's and NURSES) There the ones who do all the work and actually care for the patients without them there would be no VA But it seems at the VA these peoples opinions are the ones that matter least and that is truely a sad thing for everyone. Maybe the management needs to work a few shifts on the floors to see exactly what this great group of people actually does for our veterans in a day. "

" I have worked at the V.A. for many years. I have had great times and horrible experiences also. Honestly, the times are getting worse as a VA employee. There is much less honesty and ethical behaviors from management and this extends from our local leadership all the way up to the White House.
We don't see management on the patient care units,and when we do they don't want to hear about the heavy workload due to decreased staffing, or the fact that the lead provider taunts some patients and harasses nursing staff. Reporters should talk with some of the nursing staff on the acute mental health unit if they want to really learn what is happening with veteran care and how staff are being treated.
I don't think it's fair that people speculate that others have gotten treated fairly when they have gotten fired. You cannot possibly know all the issues involved. I know the Union officer who worked on the case in question, and know that the officer worked many hours tirelessly to find the truth. Management did not want to know the truth, and the employee got unfairly fired. Other's are also being unfairly set-up for punishment, having multiple charges brought against them with supposed events that occurred 4 - 12 months in the past. That is hardly fair at all! And, this is happening to the older employees - those close to retirement eligibility.
The public may not want to hear what is happening at the V.A., however, we are all taxpayers and this is where some of our hard earned dollars go. Why should our tax money be spent on managers who break the law and don't abide by contracts that their own bosses in Washington, D.C. signed?
Management needs to be held accountable for their actions. And, this is way over due! "

" I knew it was a man because she said "I am the wife of one of these employees..." I stand by my comments, employees don't get fired for no reason. Investigations are often kept confidential to protect those who testify and also the accused. Most employees would not know all the facts behind a dismissal. Just because it's not common knowledge, doesn't mean it wasn't justifiable. There's a mob mentality at work here. And, by the way, I don't work at the VA. "

" I would like to address the individual that has been here since 1972...let me guess, you are management, if not why so many different jobs at the va? I can guarantee you are not in nursing. Obviously, you have your rose colored glasses on or just prefer to hide your head in the sand. I can say that I am proud to work with the veterans here, but NOT with the management that we now have. And as far as not using the media, maybe the public needs to know, and yes, this WILL and does affect patient care. "

" I am not an employee, but I know those that work at the VA and there do need to be changes made. Employees abusing patients, supervisors not at work when they should be, employees with alcohol on their breath but nothing is done; should I go on!!! I do believe an investigation is necessary but like mentioned in other postings: the employees are protected by the union and when the bad apples are let to continue working this is wrong. Like it was also stated - we need to call into the VA & voice our concerns. When this is done & enough concerned citizens have voiced just that something hopefully will be done. As for the fired employee explaining why they couldn't go on vacation - DEAL WITH IT. I have never been able to take my kids on "vacation" & I don't have to explain a thing. They know that as long as they have clothes on their backs, food on the table & a roof over their heads, toys to play with - get the drift!!!!!!!!!!!! "

" Sounds like your husband isnt telling you the whole truth. Its pretty difficult to get fired from the VA. Bottom line, if you do your job and do it right, you have nothing to worry about! "

" Before we start judging the VA, remember there is ALWAYS two sides to a story. I'm sure being fired is not a pleasant experience but I have been an employee at the VA for ten years and although there may be some management issues.. like there is EVERYWHERE, it really takes a lot to get someone fired. There have been some instances where people should be fired and because of the union they are still there. Before we cast judgment, remember there are always two sides to a story. "

" what position did this fired individual maintain? "

" Camille how did you know it was a man? Sounds like the Tomah VA management has taken the time to write a comment but would not take the time to investigate fully the issues going on in this facility. The one who wrote that they had a great working environment, good for you but you had better watch your back, you could be next. "

" Local management has nothing to gain by dismissing employees close to retirement. VA employees are protected by the Union and by the EEO office. Age is a protected category. If this person was fired after years of employment, I'll bet he had it coming and couldn't defend what he did (or didn't do) Tell the whole story. What reason did they give for his dismissal? "

" I thought their all encompassing servat leadership program now being instituted at the high school by the sperintendent's wife would take of all workersatthe VA? Sounded like a scam last year when the high school went to it.Sounded a little to cozy if you know what I mean and now we hear that they are boting folks out very close to retirement/ Wonder how that fits into the servant leadership program? "

" Federal employees have more rights and avenues than most to keep their jobs. Many are kept on that shouldn't be because they are so protected. If these employees were fired, there must have been a good reason that couldn't be defended. "

" This is not unusual for this VA. They do not have respect for veteran employees or their service connected disabilities. Management wants staff to do more with less and less, a penny saved is $1 in their pocket. They get all the bonuses for what the employee's do. It is from what I hear a hostile work place, good people leave because of poor management, mostly on the medical side. Many good doctors have left after just a short period of time. Seems the medical director may be the problem. Writing an article isn't the answer, call the hotline with your complaint for an investigation. If enough call, something will be done. If you remain silent, they will continue to abuse staff. "

" What poitions and/or service lines are being managed this way? Were they members of the union? Who is doing the firing?? "

" I have worked at the VA since 1972 and have had many different jobs and supervisors. I can honestly say that I am very proud of our hospital and what services we give our veterans. I don't believe that any management person or supervisor has any intention to fire employess right before they can retire. If that was the case, I sure would be on the list because of the number of years I have worked at the VA. According to VA regulations and laws it takes alot to get fired and they have to be very serious charges.

I think that it is in very poor taste for anyone to use this media to express their thoughts which can and will be misunderstood by many of our veterans and employees. I don't believe that patient care or services have been or will be affected by a few employees not being happy.

I am very proud to say that I am an employee of the VA Medical Center in Tomah. "

" I am also an employee at the Tomah VA. While I agree that we have major issues with management, I have to ask, how many disciplinary actions have been taken against these people being fired? Just wondering.... "

" I am an employee at the VA and yes, something needs to be done. Many of us here are fed up with the way we are treated. Individuals on the outside may think this place runs smoothly, they are sorely mistaken. Management can make it look good to the public, but this is not the case. We need some assistance at the VA. "

" I am the wife of one of these employee's that have lost their job. These people do not know what they have done to my family by choosing to fire my husband. The bills keep piling up and my daughter is the one paying for their decision. Do you know how hard it is to explain to her that we can't take a vacation or pick up something that she wants because we can't afford it? This has a large impact on my family and I agree that someone should look into this matter. How would you feel if you went into work one day and they told you that you were fired? "