Fired nurse's aide claims retaliation for reporting neglect

VIP Manor of Wood River, a long-term care facility, is being sued by a former employee who claims she was fired for reporting neglect.

In a suit filed Aug. 30 in Madison County Circuit Court, Jesse Busse, a certified nurse's aide, claims she was fired Oct. 20, 2004, after helping a resident who lacked sufficient oxygen and for reporting another incident of neglect to a nurse. The incidents took place on Oct. 6 and 7, 2004.

"Plaintiff's actions in reporting these incidents to her superiors were and are in accordance with the policies of defendant's long-term care facility, and are also in accordance with her duties and requirements of Illinois law concerning the reporting of resident neglect or abuse," the complaint states.

"The termination of plaintiff's employment was in retaliation for plaintiff reporting incidents of resident neglect perpretated by one or more of defendant's employees upon one or more of its long-term care residents."

She is seeking in excess of $50,000 in compensatory and punitive damages to compensate for loss of income, employment benefits, humiliation, embarrassment and emotional disress.

Busse is represented by Robert H. Gregory of East Alton.