I work in a hospital setting which is notorious for not holding employees accountable for unprofessional conduct. Recently I was interviewed by HR representatives about the way I interact with patients- these "numerous complaints" were not specific, I was not given any examples of specific misconduct other than the way I came across to patients. I have since discovered that an employee that I used to supervise appears to have registered some form of complaint about me with EEOC. The position was since eliminated as it was considered a "luxury" position and the company seemed to treat me fairly, they did not cut my pay. It seems as though it might be some form of harrassment complaint although I have no rights ( that I know of) to defend myself from specific charges leveled by this employee. This employee has had a history of very unprofessional behavior (on one occassion a combative patient spit in his face during a restraint and he spit back in the patients face, he was not terminated!) This employee has turned in allegations of inappropriate behavior (seems to be coaching patients about this) which were quickly recanted by the patient however I was not even informed of the allegations and allowed to work with the patient for 2 days not knowing this! My issue is this: I have had an impecable work history for 7 years with this company, I have served on committees, received numerous awards and recognition, and have had nothing but top rated annual reviews. Now because of this vendetta from a disgruntled employee I have to defend myself from vague charges of misconduct. What are my rights to be protected from this employee? What obligations does the hospital have to protect me and my professional reputation? This employee seems angry enough and unstable enough (2 separate witnesses observed a restraining order being served on him in the lobby of our hospital on one ocassion) to possibly go "postal" if he is ever held accountable for his behavior. Does the hospital have a "duty to warn" if I request it in confidence? Is this some form of harrassment or reverse discrimination? It seems that as a white employee I am receiving some form of coaching but others (non-white) are not held accountable for consistent performance issues. please advise!

Based on the information that I read, it doesn't appear that there is any discrimination, reverse or otherwise. Nevertheless, it is unfair of your employer to not talk straight with you. They should have investigated the complaint of discrimination. And, they should have told you the results of the investigation, one way or another.

My employer is currently investigating the issue and should be speaking with me soon-all indications are they have found no wrong doing with my job performance. What protection do I have from this employee in the future? should I talk with the HR rep about my concerns or just let it go?

The employee is not permitted to retaliate against you, just as you are not permitted to retaliate against him/her. Talk with your HR Department and express your concerns. They can provide guidance to you.