Ruth
A trial is expected to begin today over a nurse's complaint against her former employer, Anderson Hospital in Maryville, in Madison County Circuit Judge Dennis Ruth's court.
Plaintiff Mary R. Pollard claims she was terminated from her position in the emergency room at the hospital on April 9, 2008.
Before April 9, 2008, Roxanne M. Tackett was a consultant for Compirion Healthcare Solutions, contracted by Anderson Hospital to review emergency room services, Pollard's complaint states.
Tackett also represented herself as a nurse, performing hands-on care to emergency room patients, Pollard claims, giving orders to nurses regarding patient care.
Pollard claims she learned Tackett was not a licensed nurse in Illinois, which she made known to Anderson Hospital and to Tackett, the lawsuit states.
As a registered nurse, Pollard claims she had a right to advocate for herself and her patients, without fear of retribution and to work in safe environment for her patients, according to the lawsuit.
Pollard seeks more than $50,000 for allegedly suffering severe emotional distress, lost wages, benefits, and for seeking professional help and treatment for emotional and mental injuries sustained, according to her lawsuit.
The defense denies the allegations.
Anderson Hospital claims that Pollard was not discharged from Anderson, but instead, voluntarily quit.
Compirion Healthcare also states the plaintiff negligently and carelessly failed to cooperate with suggestions made by her employer; negligently and carelessly resigned from employment and negligently failed to retain her employment.
Jason D. Johnson of HeplerBroom in Edwardsville, Ill. and Segal Skigen and Wayne D. Skigen of Beverly Hills, Ca. represent the defense.
John Hopkins of John J. Hopkins & Associates and Mary Albert-Fritz of Brighton, Ill. represent the plaintiff.
The case is Madison Case number 08-L-892.