Ashvegas reader: Hospital security averts tragedy by taking down woman with weapon

| December 22, 2010 | Comments (91)

Here’s a note from a concerned reader:

Please help. Wishing to remain incognito and can’t find a way to post this:

Security at Mission Hospital (St. Joseph Campus) averted tragedy today by taking down a female who had drawn a loaded weapon on the floor of the psychiatric unit (Copestone).  Without their intervention this could have been a disaster. 

With all of the State budget cuts, Hospital alienation, poor management, terrible staff morale, mass exodus from the unit and a recent suicide, this is yet another harbinger of concern. 

Anything you can do to air this would be appreciated by many.

I’ll start working on getting details. This note raises many questions.

Category: News

About Jason Sandford: Jason Sandford is a reporter, writer, blogger and photographer interested in all things Asheville. View author profile.

  • Dig

    Happened Tuesday. As a nurse on this unit, help is needed in a big way. Nursing VP, Director appear immune to the problems.

  • http://birdonthemoon.com jaybird

    I work in this field, and know a number of people who work at Copestone. This must have been an awful ordeal for them, and hats off to hospital security; these folks are often under appreciated. I agree that the various "cuts" across the spectrum of MH services have lead to an increase in acuity- across the board. Add to this declining incomes, increasing prescription drug abuse/dependence, and the overburdened remnants of the system, and the despair quotient rises exponentially. My thoughts go out to all involved.

  • Miss Daisy

    Seriously, how does this stuff keep happening?

  • Media Watcher

    This appears to be an important local story. Why haven't any of the local media covered it?

    • ghost nurse 1

      Local media are in cahoots with local media, ie: ever notice the constant Mission Hospital routine segments on the local news station?

  • craggybender

    because it would mar asheville's reputation as a tourism destination. it's the same reason no one hears about violent crime, rape, and other stories that are swept under the rug to make asheville seem like the great place to visit or live. but don't feel left in the dark alone; other cities like ours do the same thing. ash seems to be the only one interested in bringing all the news. keep it up ashman.

  • anonymous

    Thank you to the original poster for drawing attention to this event. I saw the WLOS report which just regurgitated the most basic facts without any significant digging. "Misison hospital declined comment…" Oh well, guess theres's no story.

    The fact is that if there's any investigative journalists out there looking for a career-maker, the story writes itself with only the slightest digging. Mission hospital's psychiatric unit Copestone has sunk into a pit of horror….

    Here's the basics…

    People who come into the E.R. with any psychiatric complaint get filtered into the P.E.A. (Psychiatric Evaluation Area) where they stay until someone can figure out what to do with them. The P.E.A. is a subhuman detention center where folks wait in tiny, malodorous, fluorescent-lit, windowless rooms. Hospital staff checks in with them periodically but the entire process is destructive. It does not improve mental health; it worsens it. Many wonder whether it is night or day; there is no reference point. The suffering often drives individuals – who are already in a form of crisis – to tears or outbursts of rage at the detestable conditions. Those experienced with the jail system will often threaten violence so that they may be taken to jail instead. This is common. It seems to be universally preferred to the P.E.A. Take any well-adapted and functional individual, place him in there for 24 hours and it will drive him to the point of insanity. No one who has worked there will argue that point.

    This is where the broken mental health system worsens the problem, because for the majority there's nowhere for them to go. Broughton State Hospital continues to downsize and it's very difficult to admit them there. Days, often weeks go by before that's an option. If there's any suspected unseemliness to the patient then Copestone won't admit them to the inpatient unit, nor will any other hospital. Often patients are stuck in this holding cell for one week or longer. That's routine. Many folks wait two weeks. That's not uncommon. The current record holding period is 21 days! Sadly this will almost certainly be broken again.

    This is without any due process, access to legal representation, and the most bare-bones form of "treatment" which basically consists of coerced medications or forced injections. The food is detestable, often causing illness itself, and there is zero fresh air. It's stuffy and the custodial staff barely has time to do a basic wipe-down before the next victim gets crammed into a cell.

    The social workers who check in on them do the best they can with hardly any tools to help. Most of them have quit, and all the ones who are left want out desperately.

    This inhumane treatment is compounded when you look at how Mission addressed the problem. They recently spent hundreds of thousands of dollars at "renovating" this area – which basically gave more room to staff members. The patients are allotted limited access to a cramped "day area" which allows a very limited exposure to indirect light without any visualization of the outside world.

    What is guaranteed is that Mission hospital will continue to ignore the problem. Mental health is an unattractive field for most private hospitals as it is not a good revenue stream. Mission prefers to hold its nose, look away and pretend that everything is ok. Maybe they will ramp up security staff to address this specific incident. But they have shown no attention to the inhumane conditions its psychiatric patients have been exposed to for years now. Nor is Mission active in any capacity in working with the state system and its local representation, the Western HIghlands L.M.E. (Local Management Entity) in working to improve these conditions. There is no network.

    What is lost in the story is that this recent gunwoman was a former patient herself. She was attempting to protest the inhumane conditions at Copestone. Two of her friends had passed through Copestone with only nominal "treatment". Likely their mental state was worsened through the process, as this is how many patients feel. These two friends of hers tragically ended up committing suicide after they left the hospital. The gunwoman was overwhelmed by grief, and was protesting in her own misguided and dangerous way.

    Will it require another such incident before we see change?

    Where is the Asheville Citizen-Times? The Mountain Xpress? Clearly WLOS has no interest in the truth. We need a journalist to step up and expose this inhumanity before a tragedy occurs. All of the Copestone staff agree that it's a question of when (not if) this powder-keg blows up in violence. The near miss that happened this week should be a wake-up call to action.

    This story is far from over. Only whether it's an exposure piece or a tragic post-mortem is left to be determined. Stay tuned.

  • Wvler

    Anonymous, Are you willing to go on camera with WLOS or do an interview with the paper or MtnX spelling out all your complaints against the hospital or do you want to remain just as your posting name says, anonymous? Maybe someone stepping up with complaints and going in front of the local media with them will get the hospital to respond and make changes. It's great when you can go on a blog and complain anonymously without retribution, but are you willing to make your complaints known in print and on TV? If the conditions at Mission are so bad, why haven't more people, such as family members of patients or staff at the hospital, come out and complained? Are you one of those staff or family? Why aren't you standing outside the Hospital on the public right of way protesting the "subhuman detention center" that these people are kept in? Are you writing letters to your congressmen trying to get things done and the laws changed that take care of the Mentally Challenged? You can b**ch and complain all you want to, but unless you are willing to act and go public, nothing is going to get done.

  • Outsider

    Mission has ignored the mental health crisis? "Mission prefers to hold its nose, look away and pretend that everything is ok." What a foolish, and short sighted comment. Which hospital stood by the mentally ill when ALL of the other mental health facilities closed in Asheville? That's right, MISSION. If you want to see things really change then use your time wisely and take this issue to Raleigh. The state has cut mental health funding and forced local hospitals to pick up the pieces. None of you appear have any idea of what it takes to run a ed/inpatient psych unit – although some of the comments sound like they are written by employees of Copestone/Mission. Disgusting. I also see some of the same people commenting here that were very active when Mission was all the rage on Ashvegas. You all seem to have some vendeta against the hospital – whatever.

  • give me a break

    anonymous cannot come out because if he/she does, they won't have a job. Simple as that. They are telling the truth, leave em alone Wvler and Outsider. You all sound like part of the "system" at Mission!

  • Dismayed

    The situation at MMH did not magically right itself with Joe Damore's departure. There are many corrections yet needed and several of Damore's people are still in place.

    I don't see how any person actively employed at MMH could come forward to offer their observations and experiences – not if they want to continue working at MMH.

    The Copestone incident probably does not reflect a perfectly specific administrative problem but more likely should be seen as a tiny symptom of a much larger problem.

  • Concerned Community Member

    Ashvegas, who is following up on the story? The hospital should be glad to speak to what preventative steps they are taking to ensure something like this does not happen again. This is their opportunity to refute the claims that leadership is ignoring the many problems.

  • Miss Daisy

    In September of 2007 my brother committed suicide while an inpatient at Copestone. After my brother's death, the hospital did some mean stuff to my family, sending clothes covered in vomit, not releasing information we needed to make arrangements, etc. In Mission's favor: they did care for my brother before his death in spite of his inability to pay. I did contact Heath Shuler's office at one point regarding the mental health system in our area, or lack thereof. That's my 'vendetta'. I know that mental health services are cut to the bare bones everywhere. I don't know if it's any worse/better/different here. I chose not to go public because I value my privacy, because this is a small town and Mission is essentially the only hospital, and because I work in a health related field. And because we wanted to make peace with a very painful situation and move on.

  • Dan

    You really think WLOS would say something negative about the Mission Hospitals? They are probably their number one sponsor.

    If you count on WLOS for news you are missing a lot about Asheville. Buy a police scanner you'll be amazed at what they or Citizen times don't talk about. This isn't the sleepy little town people want to make it out to be.

    Like someone said before this town along with the help of the local media don't report a lot of crime that goes on. Because it would hurt the tourism.

    As for the Mission hospitals, they are horrible. Horrible care, horrible staff, horrible doctors. But hey the new buildings look great.

  • believe it

    There are a number of problems with the new Environmental Services Mgt Company.Four employees have been to HR and all were let go within 3 to 4 weeks, for reasons you wouldnt believe. The Employee has no representations.

  • Bewildered indeed

    Knowing first hand with what goes on at Mission hospital I have seen many of the atrocoties that are spoken of in these remarks. The reason these incidents do not get press coverage to the public is because the hospitals public affairs office is a master at being a spin dopctor and cleaning incidents up before they hit the street. The bottom line is, they will do whatever it takes to quell a negative image in the eyes of the community.

  • enough is enough

    The atmosphere on Copestone is "Fear." The majority of staff are afraid to speak out, because of retaliation by Copestone leadership. Many staff members have voiced their concerns about unsafe staffing levels, which directly relates to patient safety. The leadership of Copestone does not want to listen to these issues. These concerns have been made to the Nurse Manager, Director, and even the Nursing VP. All disciplines have been affected by this poor management team-not just nursing.
    Now, we find out the nurse manager has a rap sheet…HA! Does Mission want these leaders representing "their merit values and managing a unit?" What a joke. Enough is enough!

  • Thanks

    Can I just thank Ashvegas for allowing true reporting to occur! Also, I'd love to hear where this information on mr. Benfield can be found. Talk about exposing a problem. Wow!

  • hellomoto

    I just want to say, copestone is a awful place to work. It is a bad enviorment for staff and even patients. They are poorly staffed,and have two new supervisors with hardly no mgt experince or even none! The nursing manager is awful. He fired two nurses for no REASON except heresay!! one was adol nurse,which was an excellent nurse who has lots of experince with all units. and a supervisor who would go out of her way for her staff and patients. She got fired for making sure a patient was safe! How is that even possible?IThis also happened after an event on the unit. Which she warned the nurse manger about this,becuase they were poorly staffed.I cant belive mission would even hire someone like Rick benfield! He has been DWLR and also caught using drugs! Does the board of nursing even know?! Also I heard he had sex with his boss at broughton! Wow mission what a great choice! So if I wanted to be a manager All I have to do is this? you should see morel on the units! alot of people are quiting and looking for transfers out! Who wouldnt? People are scared to do anything? and now to make it even better they have spies! omg?! Wow, I went to school for this? So if you want to go to copestne better think twice and watch your back. and patients,bring you own food,becuase the unit is getting so cheap,they are cutting snacks? What about diabetic patients? and GERI patients? They need a boost throughout the day.This is so crazy.I never heard of such things! anyways,thats what I have to say.Thanks!

  • LOATHING

    Might this be getting through to those in authority or will they hope this just goes away ?. I also wonder who in "positions of authority " have read these posts and deny to each other and "Their subordinates " they have done so?.. Like it or not, with all its variety of truths, this is the present way of journalism. Admitedly in its infancy but at least its HONEST

  • Scared Stiff

    Maybe someone should write to the new CEO and give him a chance to make some changes on Copestone instead of 1st going to the media. I agree with most of the posts; there needs to be a major overall in Copestone's management team who protect themselves instead of the patients. "Safety" is a very bad word on Copestone andif you bring it up,Beware of Retaliation…Scared Stiff

  • LOATHING

    Unfortunately the attept that this all blows over hurts all. Just deal with it

  • couldseeitcoming

    I first noticed the crumbling away of Copestone, when Mission appointed a new Director. Let's call him "Ted". Ted was already employed by Mission (money saver), although he had never worked in the mental health field, we were told that "he was good with finances". Well, I knew right then and there, that he would never catch on to the "workings of the minds", of the Copestone psychiatric unit atmosphere/staff, let alone the patients, Psychiatric units everywhere are unique. So, in his absence of not having a clue on how to run a psychiatric unit (besides cutting costs and "patient snacks"!), he relied heavily on the direction of a former nurse supervisor, that was already power hungry and not very well liked by her co-workers. Let's call her "Penny". Penny had been assigned the role of Interim Nurse Manager, until a new Nurse Manger could be hired. Well, Ted and Penny became very close, powerful entities, within their marred way of thinking and approach. By staff recommendation, Penny was not offered the role of permanent Nurse Manger. A new position was created, so Penny could stay in close contact with Ted. Supervisors who had much more experience, education and background in mental health, were barely allowed to voice opinions, without retribution or retaliation. Staff no longer felt secure in their jobs. The obvious "power play" became contagious and several nurses took it upon themselves to join in and "fix things even more", caused trouble, began pointing fingers and "turning in" other staff, that "they" felt weren't living up to their own, "at the moment" standards. Or, basically… they simply wanted to make trouble. "Yes Veronica", there are nasty nurses….. Well, Ted and Penny allowed this behavior to continue, brew and "the wall started crumbling". Finally, after a very long period of time, a new Nurse Manger was hired! The staff was anticipating "a new start", fresh ideas and someone who would bring the staff together and lead Copestone in a positive direction. The person they hired, let's call him "Rick". Rick had come from another Asheville mental health Rehab facility, from which he was fired…. Well, even though HR must not have done a very thorough background check on Rick, nor HR must have not seriously considered his level of education or experience, Rick accepted the position and it didn't take him long to "climb aboard the power trip" that Ted and Penny were already on. It also didn't take Rick long to begin making changes and causing trouble on the unit. Whether that tactic was from the direction of the Ted and Penny team, or from his "experienced" assessment skills of staffing needs/issues, only the three of them know the truth. Some of the very best nurses and support staff members have been belittled, threatened and many eventually fired or demoted by Rick, since he became Nurse Manager. The safety of the unit and what respect Copestone may have had in the community is gone. I just could never believe that SOMEONE, anyone in upper management couldn't see what was going on, after nurses, etc. began quitting. They were told plenty of times. Then, after Rick became Nurse Manger, watching him "hatchet" one nurse after another, demean and harass other staff members, I am surprised there has not been a class action lawsuit filed. Mission, you have let down "your mission", to serve the community and protect your patients and staff. Having staff/nurses complete meritous measures and goals to "be the best of the best" of hospitals, means little or nothing, when you allow a critical unit, such as Copestone, to deteriorate to the level that it is at today. "The walls are a crumbling down"…. Also, I am a former employee, but I have no reason to be bitter. That is not why I am writing this. I am just very sad for the patients, the staff and very concerned for the Asheville community as a whole, when it's leading hospital allows this type of management behavior to continue, for almost 3 years. Either upper management doesn't care or they themselves are afraid for their own jobs. "What wicked webs we weave".

  • fear and loathing at mission

    I understand there was another incident at copestone where police had to be called and staff member hurt ?

  • Jack Spratt

    Due to Mr Rick Benfield's awkward behavior regarding his own "core values" the nurse on the adolescent unit and the Supervisor that was fired; they should get their jobs back and with a red carpet admitting them through the door. Many people that don't even work at Mission have been mentioning this situation. They and I feel give them back their jobs. NOW!!!!

  • give me a break

    To all the negative posters, keep posting! I can truly say Mission Hospital is probably the most dangerous place in Western North Carolina. That is not just Copestone but the whole hospital. Having been a patient there many times, the nursing mistakes are horrendous and they almost killed me. Just had a relative die there the first week in December and it was because of a mistake that Mission Hospital made. Until there is some competition around here, nothing is ever going to change. Mission acts like they own all of Asheville and they answer to no one. Employees get fired after years of service for no reason, patient's are ignored and Copestone………what a joke. My relative was on Copestone and released the day of the attempted shooting. I can tell you nobody breached security because there is NO security. There may have been a security guard that happened to just be there, but on a general basis there is no security. You ring a bell and tell them who you are and who you want to see and they let you in. They don't check to see if you have any weapons of any kind, they don't even check to see if you have signed in. One day when I went to visit, my relative wasn't in her room and they had no idea where she was even though they told me she was in her room! The whole Mission monopoly needs to be brought down but that won't happen until another hospital is brought into this area and I doubt that will ever happen. They are nothing but abunch of crooks!

  • hellomoto

    I just want to know why nothing has been done about Rick? Misson must not care about core values,patient safety,and staff. I am just so unhappy about this. This is like something you see in a movie. I can understand why one of the supervisors stepped down. I do want to mention he was a great supervisor,mentor,and KEPT ALL UNITs SAFE AND CARED ABOUT THE PATIENTS!!!! I MISS THAT.I always love going to work and know things were as safe as it could be. The night supervisor that got layed off did the same thing. She kept the units safe, made sure patients were safe and staff was happy. I love to work with her and I miss that postive attidude she has always brought. I had patient ask" wheres the night nurse supervisor that was so good to me and made me feel so good when I had noone?" I told the pt she was no longer here, and said,"they lost a great nurse" So yeah mission..You would rather have a drug addict,and that care less about patients run the unit? and oh yeah that LIES ABOUT EVERYTHING!! makes me wonder…no offense,but did he have sex with the higher ups there too? One day Rick,karma will come back to you for your lies and having a cold heart,and to be clear,I dont wish that on you,but you need change. Also, I agree,you need to Roll out the red carpet for the adol nurse and supervisor,give them back PTO plus all the ones they lost for these months,a raise,and double gift card they didnt get for christmas! Thanks Also sorry about grammer,I have alot of typos when I type fast..Haha. Godbless everyone! Thanks Ashevegas!-Hellomoto

  • fear and loathing at mission

    I read these posts with renewed hope to see that there are people who take the time , energy and still care and have yet to give in to the despair and cynicism that comes from the rule and application of irrational fear and ignorance by these less than enlightened human beings that pretend to know what they are doing. To be aware and keep each other aware has always been the way and its own reward … To those people drunk with "Power" Does Hubris mean anything to you ? P.S Thanks for the space …Goodnight Chet..

  • watchawaitingfor

    There DEFINITELY needs to be stricter requirements for visitation and strict monitoring systems in place, before allowing any more visitors to walk onto the Copestone Unit. What are you waiting for, a mass shooting? Having been on Copestone, at time of visitations, the #1 SHORTAGE OF STAFF and lack of organization, creates an unsafe environment and potential for serious violence. Sounds to me like complete reorganization and immediate, cross-the-board replacement of current Copestone upper-management, is a necessity…not a choice!

  • Truthbetold…

    Facts.
    1. Copestone had some of the worst staff satisfaction results in 2009. The results from 2010 have not been shared with staff despite a promised delivery date of October 2010. Why spend the time and energy to conduct such a survey if the results are hidden?
    2. Some of the best staff on the unit have already left the building. These include Supervisors, Dr's, Nurses and Techs. The trend appears to close the door on those who actually care about patients and employees. Turnover is costly in more ways than just financially.
    3. This is a Hospital unit designed to take care of people. Who is taking care of the staff?
    4. The Director sets the tone for the unit. He camps out in his downstairs office, unplugged from the reality on our floor. He does appear to be competent but lacks the skill set necessary to make a positive change in the workplace. As a dictator; he rules by fear, intimidation and the belittling of those who dare question him.
    5. If anyone cared to explore the truth further, a simple survey or private meeting with any/all of the stuff would generate enough concern to warrant change.
    6. This article could well be written point by point about the Director in question:

    http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2102539/5_signs_of_bad_management.html?cat=3

  • Letthelightin

    Thank you Ashvegas and all the posters so far. This is the best staff meeting Copestone has enjoyed in years. It's time to address the problems and not continue ignoring them (Director, VP, HR). Divulge the staff satisfaction results. Review the exit interview information from previous employees. Comply with Hospital policy regarding relationships (Doctor and Nurse). Staff the unit safely. Talk with staff in a neutral environment and discover the truths many are afraid to share. Stop the petty terminations and focus on teaching not mistreating. Generate change at the top, set the example for leadership. Oh yes, and next time we have to sleep on the unit due to inclement weather. Consider the attendance of our Nurse Manager who is absent more than the ones he terminates for the same reasons.

  • new to nc

    I just moved to NC and after reading the posts of this hospital, I am horrifed to have seen the lack of care here. I beleive in patients being taken care of when they seek medical care with staff that cares. Not people playing with others lives at no matter the costs. I hope the CEO will investigate the corrupt and carless treatment of patients and the staff. I am very disheartened to have read that the patients are doing without to make the department heads look good. In the meantime, people who have come and sought help are treated like criminals. Why would someone FIRE staff who were actually caring about the safety and well being of the patients? I am horrified to know that I moved into a city that has so much corruption in the healthcare that I pay for!! It sounds like the "fat cats" who are running the place think that they are God and are ruining the good people who do work there. The "fat cats" also DONT CARE about patients. I am friends with a Senator and will report this neglect and carefree attitude so that this problem can be rectified. I hope the CEO has been informed of his "TEAM". I am sure there has been no action taken to keep patients safe and even forbidding them a snack. I am appaulled. Nice job on letting go of some of the caring staff and I am sure now the staff that is left is under complete distress over their own jobs. Prepared to offer my two cents in this and help lead this matter to right city officials. I think we neeed to go to the top. If the CEO refuses to investigate the corrupt management, then the "REAL BIG CATS" will!

  • new to nc

    I just had to follow up on this. I read the article this morning and feel compelled to follow up. Wheels are being set in motion. The president of the hospitial, CEO or whomever be forewarned; I hope this will help out the patients and the remaining staff who actually care. I made sure the correct officials know that Rick Benfield, as I recall, has been found with what appears to be crack and DWOL. He will check into the court records to verify these statements are accurate. Other names mentioned was Penny and Ted. I still am flabergasted to think of the patients being denied snacks. I bet they would not tolerate that if it was their loved ones. That too was brought to attention. I think the whole upper management needs be cleaned out. Let them suffer the pain that they have inflicted on everyone involved. I really dislike the fact that a drunk crackhead is a leader. WOW! I hope my efforts help with improving the hospitals safety and security of patients and staff. God Bless the poor staff that is being subjected to these evil people. God Bless the patients that are being mistreated. i hope there are no more potentially life threatening safety issues for everyone involved. They need to bring back the drs and nurses who gave a damn!! Anyways, I will keep following this. I feel it is my MISSION! ..so sad.. "crackheads" let loose and people with "god complexes" dictating healthcare.

  • some who still cares

    .the best supervisor -ever- is now working nights as a staff nurse. he was replaced imo by a grossly overweight control freak that apparently the people in HR like a lot. it seems she likes to report people for things which she herself does- for example she endlessly hangs out on the web reading topics unrelated to her job like home decor, or talking to her husband and relatives on her cell phone which is not allowed..
    it seems that the good people have been fired or have left.
    the pts. seem to be an after thought – a source of payment.
    the pts never get fresh air; this sounds worse than jail to me.
    the staff seems afraid for their jobs, which makes for a tattle tale heaven.
    imo there is one nurse ,who smiles all the time- as she reports people..
    i think there is a pecking order that makes psych techs sub human.
    imo techs, who work the closest with the pts, have the least input.
    there are a few nurses who will not be fired and walk around touting "i am a good nurse", but it seems the pts do not say the same report. it is hard for them to know when their nurse is in the nurses' station touting their virtues.

    imo the knowledge of pain meds for pts with addiction issues appears to be punitive.imo, the dual diagnois group imo is a bad joke.
    the best exercise for pts apparently is walking up and down the halls.anyone knows in some addiction issues excercise is imoerative after being cleared by a physician to excercise.

    imo the aforementioned 'ted and penny' strike terror in the hearts of many. i think too many good people who really cared have left or been fired; while others are under the protection of poor management. there seems to be a "good old girl" benefit that excuses poor self serving management.

    imo "rick', seemingly a caring man, has a heart of ice. rick imo offers conselling for those he likes and fires people who mean nothing to him.
    i would rather send a friend or realtive to "Brother Wolf" than copestone. Brother Wolf, a dog rescue org.. imo cares about what they do without exception.
    imo, copestone is a sham . imo. it was once a wonderful caring pt. oriented unit.. there was once laughter and love caring and help in the halls.of copestone.
    how long can copestone ride on yesterday in the eyes of a watchful community like Asheville?
    imo. now friend turns against friend just to keep their job.
    as you can see i have been careful to express this as only my opinion because that is the fear that copestone breeds.

    the people who have been fired , wait appox.two months for unemployment to kick into place. the cobra benefit is totally unaffordable. there is good reason to be afraid for ones' job in this economy.
    i know for sure, there is at least one innocent fired person who ran out of food and gas,,after pawning everything possible to keep the lights on and the water flowing while they waitted for unemployment.. no help from as it is called " The Copestone Family",- IF- this staff is a "family", it is dysfunctional at best..

    NO ONE CARED,abt. this person, except one "real nurse" who offered to bring thanksgiving dinner.

    "cobra" medical insurance ? over a thousand dollars a month! and absolutely no help. and what was Joe D.'s serveance?

    God Bless this miserable situation and may this post make a difference esp. for some pts who have no choice because they are committed.
    may "ted and penny and rick" read this and take heart to restore such a vital need in this community to offer care to the still suffering mentally ill. my prayers are for a better copestone. peace to you, i remain just another casulity

  • Soup

    Onwards Titanic! CEO still not living up to his comments made about departments with low staff satisfaction results. HR still ignoring their own policies. Leadership have guidelines "to provide and promote a safe, healthy and drug free workplace" and to "reflect integrity"
    Unacceptable behavior policies; how many apply to parties named above?
    Would the real board of Directors please stand up.
    Would the real HR folks address these issues.
    Throw a rope, a beacon, a signal, something to let these poor souls know help is coming. Mental Health Care is in bad enough shape without Copestones leadership making a further mockery of it.

  • M<ission just does NOT care

    The train is careening to the station with a drugged up conductor. Nobody seems to be able to stop it. WLOS will not even touch this issue (afraid of Mission?) The Board of Mission and CEO/CFO are just hoping this will go away. Where is the Nursing Board? Where is the Mission Board of Directors? Will it take a major disaster for them to wake up and see what is happening. Is Rick still driving on revoked licenses? Keep pushing, maybe someone can get the Doctors involved (they got rid of Joe). Let your representative know about this, make some LOUD noise!

  • fear and loathing at mission

    How true! this is the only staff meeting Ive gone to that accomplishes anything.Those that are scheduled are done to cover tracks for their own neglect , ineptitude and for obtaining power.Disgusting is a mild word for how pts are being treated with the bottom line being "non profit".Repeatedely Psych is commonly refered to as " It makes no money". You can call a pig a chicken but its still a pig. Pts are being stripped of rights and dignity in the name of maintaining safety and keeping staffing ratios down.The supposed leader( the unseen V.P of Nursing) bears a great deal of the responsibility. Lets not kid ourselves. "Those people that are mentioned are really quite lame" Just a primitive power grab by v.p and others by placing the inept with little courage to stand up for the supposed "Merit values" they purported to possess prior to obtaining their present ,and ultimately time limited roles… Certain realities have to be dealt with regarding Health care in this area and Country.To be there and observe the primitive hehavior these power trippers are on is pathetic.Obviously there is a lot of overcompensating going on for personal issues. That in itself disqualifies for positions of responsibility . To Dr Paulus: Take a look at the definition of Decadence. Thats what is happening……To those with resposibility…Sleep well !

  • My 2 cents

    Mission Hospital wants to obtain Magnet status. Good Luck! You need to retain staff and have good staff satisfaction results. Copestone's management team will make sure you don't! acheive it. The senior leadership needs to wake up and smell the coffee, and make some changes in the administration on Copestone.

  • fearful&afraid

    I have a comment, cut the budget for pt snacks, BUT MISSIONS PROVIDES FREE SNACKS, AND HOT SERVED MEALS IN THE DOCTORS LOUNGE. How can we justify giving free food to doctors, with paid staff whose only responsiblities are too provide and serve the rich while cutting oumost snacks for Copestone pt.btw, my copestone pts are ages3-12 ….yrs. aaagood job taking hold of the budget!!$

  • Ashevilleconsumer

    Too bad JAACHO, Medicare or another legislative body can't come in and shut down Copestone, pending investigation.

    What happened "quickly" to Bank of Asheville, should occur within our local Mission Hospital, if lack of proper and protective management is evident, as it outwardly appears to be. The ethical treatment of the mentally ill is considered the hallmark of decency, in the American society.

    A independent cousel should be requested to investigate, monitor and reorganize Mission Hospital's Copestone mental health structure and leadership sytem.

    Throughout the many testamonies/blogs of the Copestone staff, former staff, family members of patients, etc. , I hear desperate crys for help, to the Asheville community, since Mission Hospital to date, it seems has not made the changes necessary to protect their safety or have not addressed their concerns, in a straight-forward manner. Mission's HR does not sound like it has been effective, in receiving and negotiating the staff's concerns, without fear of retribution or retaliation. Too many people are voicing concerns to the Asheville public, via the Ashevegas site! Something is very wrong, when employees begin doing that.

    If any of the hospital units should be understanding, nurturing, kind and a place where staff works together as a solid team, it should be a place such as Copestone. Psychiatric nurses, doctors, psych techs and support staff are trained to bestow those very virtues onto the patients that come to them, who are at critical moments in their lives, feeling depressed, lonely, fearful and overwhelmed. This sounds like how the staff is feeling themselves!

    Overall, Mission Hospital has become an organization more concerned about expansion and recognition, and our community hospital truly has it's priorities way out of sync.

    I will definitely be talking to my own personal physicians/specialists and request other options, besides Mission Hospital, when needing inpatient medical care. I will also advise my family and friends, to do the same. If the event my family would ever need counseling or psychiatric care, I would tell them to "avoid Copestone", until we clearly hear of positive changes.

    I am glad I came across these posts, otherwise if there came a time I needed to make a quick decision, for my families care, I would not have known about the current concerns and conditions at Mission Hospital.

    I do hope that this situation is resolved soon. It is very disheartening to read about. I am an RN and work in private practise, and I know that "if it isn't a good place for nurses and others to work, then how can it be a good place for the patients".

    Also, as history will show, staff dissatisfaction and leadership that is not held to the highest standards, becomes like a virus….it spreads to all the other areas of the hospital as well. You will see not only staff dissatisfaction, but more importantly, that "virus" will infect the patient's health, overall dissatisfaction, quality, lack of good care, etc.

    Our community deserves better than this!

    Mission Hospital CEO and Medical Directors, etc. need to find quick resolution for this deteriorating and disheartening problem!

    So, time to get out of your offices, the four walls, your comfortable chairs and get busy, do something about this!

  • Wake Up

    What is Magnet status? It sounds like something the higher ups should be adhering to and are not. If staff satisfaction is a criteria, look out Copestone. They can have all the staff meetings they want, but they won't get the staff to tell them how it is with all the fear they induce. Yes, they need to wake up and smell the coffee.

  • formerstaffrn

    I was shocked to read that Alexander is now working on the night shift, as an Adolescent Unit RN! While I worked at Copestone, I worked with Alexander and he was one of the very best supervisors, I have ever had in my 20+ years as an RN.

    Alexander was one of two Supervisors, that actually you could trust to "KEEP THE UNIT SAFE" (his #1 priority and "saying")! That means "everything" on a Psychiatric Unit. After awhile, you would get to know, the side of Alexander that was very caring, and very concerned about those that he worked with. The "return patients" looked forward to seeing him. They knew he was "tough", but they learned from him and appreciated his genuine nature. As a Supervisor, Alexander was "very tough" at times, but those that knew his motive in keeping the units orderly, keep on task and stay safe, understood and appreciated the wisdom and direction, shown by him.

    I have read the many blogs and have to agree with much of what was said. Other things, not knowing much about, as I no longer work or live in the Asheville area. Rick, I do not know, but if he could force or change Alexander's position and fire Lisa, without just cause, he must have felt threatened by the quality people there are, their higher level of psychiatric experience and leadership, higher levels of education and their keen ability, to understand the needs of a psychiatric patient, and the solid leadership they provided and projected.

    I worked with Lisa often and saw first-hand, how well she worked in an often difficult, psychiatric environment. I know first-hand what type of nurse and supervisor she is (I did not sit in an office and wait for others to "tell me") and she would NEVER put herself, a patient or anyone else, in an unsafe postion. That is not Lisa. She does not lie, she is a truthful and honest person. Lisa was always "calming" to the unit. Lisa's #1 commitment was to the patient's welfare and their progress. She and Alexander were alike in that way. Lisa is a wonderful person, gave everything she had, including her heart and even at times the risk of her health, to be there for the patients and her co-workers. The unit also was always very safe "if Lisa was around", because she could act immediately and appropriately in a crisis and kept the unit very safe, as did Alexander. In fact, the safest and "smoothest" evenings and nights were when both Lisa and Alexander were supervising the units. And now, they have both been removed from their positions! Was this coincidental or "well planned"?

    There were other staff members on the unit, even at that time, that always "like to stir up trouble". I would hear it and just walk away. I think many of them are still there! It just makes me wonder, if it wasn't jealously in some way, that is responsible, for bringing so much down around Copestone. Also, I could see that the "new management" wasn't working, when I left. Guess the "big problems" were just beginning then. One big reason I resigned, was because of the discord.

    It is just really sad for me to read about, the great staff that have been fired, "for not the best reasons" or no reasons at all.

    The negative attitude, that without doubt, is picked up on, by the patients that are there themselves, to get help for their own miseries! Psychiatric patients especially, pick up on negative cues, from the unit and staff!

    Alexander and Lisa are two nurses that deserve the "Best of the Very Best"" Copestone Psychiatric Leadership Recognition of Merit Awards. (if they existed!!!) They both persevered, and worked at Copestone for many years, meritously showing their dedication to their patients and Mission Hospital/Copestone !

    And now "this happens"? "What the heck" is going on?

  • AMASES

    Whatever happened to the Staff Satisfaction Survey that was to be released in Oct ? Perhaps they got lost and new ones need to be done.And since they are getting rid of those that know too well the lack of proffesionalism perhaps the hope is that the next survey will be better because the newer staff wont yet realize what is going to hit later rather than sooner… Oh well!

  • someone who still cares

    short and sweet, Alexander was a remarkable evening supervisor- the best-. so why is alexander working nights as a staff nurse ?
    this man is top of the line.he followed the rules and was replaced by , according to the still exsisting staff, someone NO ONE even likes ? it does not get better better than Alexander SO WHY REPLACE HIM ?.

    Lisa RN , is an experienced, KIND, patient- centered night supervisor who knows her calling from the cuff inside out. why isn't Lisa there?
    is rick certain he did the right thing in regard to pt.care ?

    how can rick do this ? what pressure is he under? why does he take the word of frightened people who want to please him?
    did "Ted" give him a pass on his "rap sheet" ? Why, is it because everyone spoke against "Penny" and wanted "rick" to be nurse manager? who is making "ted's" life hard ?

    who is really at the bottom of these changes ?

    how can these people justify "penny's" salary $$$$? when "ted" wanted to take the aquarium off the Geri unit because it was "too expensive to maintain". and now i hear "no snacks" for patients ,who are locked in and not allowed off the unit ?
    i heard that they only changed the pt handbook that stated pts. were allowed off the unit, when they found they did not have to include that right with a Doctor's order in the handbook. before that it seems it was included as a "mistake"or they needed a Doctors' order of course they go off unit for tests but only tests . let us see two order for the gift shop in the past few years!
    if pts.have no one to bring them snacks. they are out of luck – except for the vending machine- IF they have the money . i heard from "ted" the one and only vending machine, not available to all the patients, is "too expensive" to maintain.

    what are good the people of Asheville getting? when it seems people who care and speak up are fired and cheaper help without experience are hired ?

    this psych unit was once a growing- caring place what happened?

    i do not know for sure, but i have heard that two fired staff tired to take their own lives. one directly after they were fired and one returning. Hippa? how do we know this ? who is sill working there?
    is that how they practice responsibility to people and the community they say they serve?
    swept under the carpet and forgotten am i, bereft of the only support group that could have helped me with a work related issue . did anyone care ? yes 3 people.
    i imagine, i like everyone else, who was fired that i have become an outcast -someone who could threaten their job. this is psych? where are the doctors ? why isn't one of them saying foul? i believe that only one Doctor quit . i believe his patients are fortunate..where is this person sending patients?..take heed.
    .
    i am certain the rally to bring "good people" back is sincere,but who would want to work in a pt /staff toxic environment? as a nurse i took an oath to do no harm

    is anyone listening? i remain afraid of the power behind all of this;. But, I am old and have a long rewarding psych career and have never been fired until i worked at copestone. i was a Merit employee the same month i was fired with not even a verbal warning and only had good evaluations. somebody with bigger power needs to look into this.
    THANK YOU ASHEVAGAS. – staff meetings are useless

  • concerned citizen

    Where is Kathleen Guyette's leadership in all this? As Chief Nursing Officer at Mission Hospital, she is paid a lot of money to know what is going on and how to fix major problems. If not, she should be replaced.

    Morale and quality of care has been degenerating for years at Copestone. It is hard to give excellent care to patients when nurses feel unsupported, even diminished and dishonored by their supervisors.

    Given the ongoing issues on Copestone, Mission’s “magnet” status is a sham. Copestone exemplifies that all the money and effort poured into attaining magnet status, at least at Mission Hospital in Asheville, was a meaningless exercise.

    While disagreement, even conflict, is inevitable from time to time in any major workplace, it does not take a rocket scientist to know that if leadership is destructive it should be changed. How ironic that the mental health of Copestone leadership is ill!

    Hopefully, the nursing staff at Copestone will figure out how to have their concerns and issues respectfully heard by people who are in a position to do something about it (probably not anyone in Human Resources).

    Advocating for patients at Copestone may be the ticket, for the nurse owes the same integrity to self that is owed to patients.

    The Code of Ethics for Nurses states that “the nurse owes the same duties to self as to others, including the responsibility to preserve integrity and safety, to maintain competence, and to continue personal and professional growth”.

  • Uncovering Truth

    As a former Copestone employee, I find little fabrication in the majority of comments written above. In retrospect, the current environment was a predictable unmanned train on the tracks and played a role in my departure.

    There is an old adage in psychiatry that one can not always tell the patients from the staff. That said, I worked with some exceptional supervisory and "charge" personnel. Alexander immediately comes to the top of my list of truly responsible and concerned managers. I believe his "demotion" (or whatever) truly threatens the safety and welfare of units previously under his purview. There are some serious choice flaws downstairs.

    My Two Cents: The Copestone leadership style IS one of fear. Management by intimidation is NO management at all. Hostile environments and a cowering rank and file have significant negative (and frequently dangerous) consequences. Any first year M.B.A. student knows this. Perhaps this is part of the problem. In my experience, the vast majority of nursing managers have little or no leadership training. Being a "good" nurse, frequently the basis upon which nurses are promoted into upper management, does not automatically confer great principal wisdom, people skills, or even adequate supervisory success. In reality, since being a good nurse often relies on an obsessive-compulsive personality, a leadership position may only compound the syndrome. And few obsessives, combined with nursing's traditional CYA mentality, function well in directing subordinates.

    Finally, it is often the goal in nursing to get as far away from the patient as possible. Nursing management is the escape mechanism for this. Pouring over policies and procedures (and attending meetings) ad nauseam gives a wonderful impression of doing something with largely nothing (but a higher pay grade!). The ideal model for Copestone (or any nursing unit) is to put the doctor-nurse-patient relationship at the central focus of ALL activity. And ALL other personnel in a surrounding circle of dedicated supporters of and to that relationship. My experience has usually been the reverse… patients and staff exist to support management.

    It is regretful that Mission/Copestone leadership cannot join this conversation. Unfortunately, and regardless of institutional policy, it takes courage. He or she could remain anonymous (as have all contributors here), but publicly search for constructive answers. Where are you guys?

    • Anonymous

      They’ve been here…

  • Purged Nurse

    Money. It is all about money. I was a victum of the Ted and Penny purge also and it has nothing to do with good or bad nurses and/or supervisors. It is about who is at the high end of the pay scale. The well paid experienced nurses can, in the minds of Ted and Penny, be replaced with new nurses who are at the bottom of the pay scale. I did not take it personally as it had nothing to do with me. But it has alot to do with the destruction of Copestone as a provider of quality care to our clients who suffer with mental illness. People are talking and beginning to wonder if Mission has not grown too big. I fear the worst is yet to come. And this is a sad and scary situation.

  • curious

    This information is public: for the year ending June 30, 2006, Kathleen Guyette earned a bonus of $34,188, when she worked at UNC Hospital in Chapel Hill. What do you imagine her bonus at Mission Hospital this year will be? Wouldn't that be interesting to know? Why do you think this information is virtually impossible to get?

  • new to nc

    I just wanted to post something to let people know that I am a person of my word. I wanted to update everyone that the allegations against Mr. Benfeild has been verified. I am shocked that he is able to have the authority over many other people. I feel that he should be re-evaluated for the the position and I think someone who has more experience should look into all the prior decision that were mad. I have read these posts over and over and have come to the conclusion that many highly trained staff were let go or just left for the case of fear. Someone needs to uncover the neglect and mismanagement of the unit. It is very dishearteneing to see the people who swore to uphold. The hypocratic oath be terminated or forced out. Thank you to ashvegas and the posts for shining light on this dark monster/ monsters that are destroying peoples lives, health, and even safety. Bring back people who value these not despise them. Don't lose hope. You are not alone. This is in hands bigger than mine. It all starts with one thread unraveling and now we will see what fibers are making up the heads of the units. It us not only the patients who suffer. I hope we can bring resolution to all the poor souls entangled in this nightmare: staff and patients alike. Remember your voice has made it to the top.

  • Concerned community member

    Has there been a halt, on the postings about Copestone? Suddenly…no new posts are appearing?

  • new to nc

    I have posted, but it was never shown. I thought the site was shut down due to the response of us citizens who are appaulled and outraged. I tried to update everyone. If this does get posted, many allegations have been verified and are moving forward. It is a shame that the patients and staff keep suffering, hang in there. I hope the people who are "in charge" and are abusing thier power feel the same abuse they have brought to everyone involved with their negligence and disconcern of human well being. Lets keep moving forward and change this midevil buearacry!!!

  • bluebird

    the most recent copestone nurse termination was heartless. showing their calculating intent and lack of compassion. no surprise the staff lives in daily fear of the dreaded phone call to meet management at HR.

  • purged nurse

    I posted a comment but it was never included. I was a victum of the ted and penny purge, but i did not take it personally. It was never about me. It was about money. The nurses that are being "fired" are not guilty of much more than being at the high end of the pay scale. It is about money. It is not about safety and good nurses. I am not surprised that my comment did not get posted. Maybe we need another way to communicate. Signed, again, Purged

  • enough

    everyone knows the firings at copestone are not personal and have nothing to do with patient care and safety. it's all about money. if someone has a better way for staff to communicate that would not put anyone at risk of being fired surely they would be relieved to have that opportunity. maybe purged has an idea of how that could be done.

  • karma

    I just heard about a new firing at Copestone. If you think this is the shift supervisor's decision, you are naive. It had to come from the "top". Who constitutes the "top"?
    If you follow the money you may locate the "truth".

    If you fire someone who has been at Copestone for decades, someone who uses FTEs, someone who has deep expertise, someone who knows the history of Copestone – what have you succeeded in doing? Lowering costs, for sure. And, erasing memory. Of a time when the bottom line was not money, of a recent history when patient safety and healing was at least given lip service.

    Perhaps removing an expert ultimately serves to eradicate a "witness". For when there is no one left on the fifth floor who remembers a time of integrity, it will be easier to manipulate poorly paid bodies to offer “lip service” to the professional obligations of such a hospital specialty.

    When the seasoned veterans are gone, it may be easier to rule with an iron hand, placing financial gain above all else. No one to say "we didn't used to be this way". Or, "we never treated one another like this." Such silent protestations make it more difficult for the money folks to continue their crusade. Make it easier to use fear and threats to manipulate staff. Get rid of ALL the good ones.

    Go away, go away, to those who know the truth. Then the spirit of Copestone is only a memory to people who no longer walk the units.

    There must be a policy (even if not honored) at Mission Hospital that involves a protocol for being fired, for grieving the decision, for challenging the correctness of the judgment, etc. What does the HR manual state regarding being fired? What must the hospital prove? Is there a job description for Copestone nurses? Isn't "judgment" somewhat subjective? How can a new person, or a non-clinical person, hold their judgment above that of a seasoned veteran when it comes to patient care?

    Is it really true that Copestone places money above even a semblance of caring staff for patient care? Is there a calculated decision that lawsuits are too remote and therefore not threatening enough to stop calculated staff removal for the sake of the almighty dollar?

    Money is the most important thing at Copestone. Most people know a major medical hospital does not make money on psychiatric units. A hospital has such units out of ethical and moral concern for the citizenry of its locale.
    If a hospital is the major source of care for a city, it is ethical, moral, of good will, to offer care for the mentally ill. Did Mission Hospital actually think it could achieve a profit out of Copestone? At what “cost”?

    If Mission Hospital continues to allow Copestone to self-destruct, why doesn’t it just go ahead and put Copestone out of its misery, close the fifth floor, no longer offer psychiatric services to the city of Asheville and the people of western NC. They can make better financial use of that space, and be done with this charade.

    And, if Mission Hospital is not yet a “magnet” hospital, please, please, everyone
    contact, email, write, call, the ANCC people who govern this process and give them your feedback. It is confidential and may be helpful. Mission Hospital does not deserve to be a “magnet” hospital. Am I wrong?

  • Mission just does NOT care

    Isn't HR supposed to protect the staff? Instead Copestone's HR Rep sits at the gallows smiling while her next victim is marched over to HR

  • lucygoosey

    If anyone has been unfairly treated at Copestone or Mission and it has led to termination or ANY loss of wages, emotional distress (eg. dx. of PTSD, Depression, Anxiety etc.) please email me : mslucy.moses.@gmail.com. There is safety and power in numbers and the truth shall set us free, especially if we have good legal counsel.

  • lucy

    WISCONSIN!

  • sparrow

    The latest firing at Copestone was heartless, proving the Leadership Team’s lack of compassion, favoritism and intentional harm. Firing a career RN who carries with her knowledge and experience gained over 30 years. She even named the unit. She was there during the years Copestone grew into a once therapeutic, healthful unit with heart and spirit. Copestone once provided WNC with a place where people with the disease of Mental Illness could go to heal and rebalance. Favoritism and lack of compassion at Copestone is obvious. Culling of the staff at the top of their pay band, especially older nurses and any nursing staff that has history with Copestone or who dare question or bring attention to safety issues seem to become missing in action. Reasons are not often justifiable or rational. Leadership is not even following their own policies. What happened to Warnings and Corrective Actions prior to final dismal? The Leadership Team seems to think once people are terminated they no longer talk. How wrong they are. The majority of the Copestone staff live with the stress and question of “who’s next to go?” They go to work wondering when they will be called to HR to meet their termination. Now they wonder if they will get the dreaded call about an appointment at HR on a day off. When will Mission’s Ethics Committee, Retainment and Retention Committees, Mission’s Finance Officer pay attention to what’s happening on Copestone? Note, the previous director of Copestone managed her position, single handedly for years. Now, that position is broken into at least 6 different positions, including the difficult to maintain Clinical Nurse Management position. Copestone’s Leadership Team, including the Nursing VP is inflicting harsh, punitive measures on the staff which impacts patient care, safety and staff health. They are setting the staff up for failure, making it impossible to meet all of their demands and expectations. They immediately terminate staff making it nearly impossible for the terminated person to acquire future employment. The Leadership Team goes to great effort to be sure the terminated person is unable to collect unemployment which automatically disqualifies them for any other assistive program. They don’t even reply to the appeal process. The person who initiated this last firing exemplifies ruthlessness, favortism and lack of compassion. It didn’t have to happen as it did. There were other steps that could have been taken. Steps that would have led to same result without causing such harm to a fellow human, especially during such hard economic times. No wonder the Copestone staff feel threatened and fearful.

  • quoter

    "The past isn't dead. It isn't even past." William Faulkner

  • Brutalized mission employee

    To lucygoosey: are you moving forward with this legal action?
    If so you might want to ask your legal counsel to broaden the scope of this thing. Several people have been fired by other piss poor leaders at Mission and they need representation too! Not only do these people need to be held accountable for their actions at Mission, we need to be certain that it doesn't happen to anyone else at another hospital! How many places have to be destroyed by these toxic leaders before they are unmasked??? Come on everybody! It is our time to stand up and be heard! Hospitals across this country are having a hard enough time without adding this kind of pathetic, hostile, and toxic leadership to the mix! Dr Paulus I am praying that you are listening! Please investigate these leaders and their actions! Please!!!

  • hope springs eternal

    It is unlikely that unfair, fear-based employee relations are prevalent only at Copestone. If the organizational "intention" is to value money over quality of care, patient safety, and expert/trusted staff, then it will affect other areas at Mission.

    While omniscient corporate greed often “wins”, truth is ultimately more powerful. Greed is limited by its lack of internal authenticity.

    True power is invisible: truth, wisdom, kindness, compassion, courage. Greed knows no such power.

    Please note info listed:
    American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC)
    Magnet Recognition Program Office
    8515 Georgia Avenue, Suite 400
    Silver Spring Maryland 20910-3492
    Email: [email protected]
    Tel: 866-588-3301

  • Genesis

    Why was my comment not posted? Are you only selecting certain ones?

  • Ash

    Genesis,
    If you have proof of specific acts of retaliation or discrimination, show me the documentation, or file an EEOC complaint or lawsuit, or take the documentation to the bosses in charge. I can follow up on that.

    Otherwise, it all sounds like a personal vendetta, and frankly, it's wearing thin.

    • ghost nurse 1

      I have some proof of retaliation that stemmed from confronting the current incompetent leaders of Copestone. I have plans to make as many complaints as I can to multiple entities including CEO’s and Corporate Board Members of Mission Hospital Systems, Ronald A.Paulus, CEO, Kathy Guyette, CON, HRs’ President, Diamond Medical Consultants Group, American Nurses Association, Board of Nursing, OSHA, HIPPA, Social Securitys’ disability department for fraud, labor board, etc…
      I love the fact knowing that “revenge is mine saith the Lord.” No other power is greater than Gods’ power and knowing God sees and knows all. What else could anyone need? God has given some of us the personality, courage, and opportunity to expose the injustice and depth of incompetency that exists on Copestone, to which includes the so called leadership and select staff members. Sad to say I have recently seen the the length of incompetence and unprofessionalim that has spread to HR staff. Four years ago I was first exposed to the change in HR from being concerned with patient and staff issues, to seemingly being against the patient and staff community, exists to this day.
      I was in my 15th year at Mission Hospitals when I left. I have held several positions as prn staff, relief charge nurse, starting up new units for other units, while remaining in my main department. My main love was in critical care. I required 2 back surgeries, following the second, a spinal fusion, I went to Copestone to work. I have seen and heard alot, ALOT, at the hospital. I heard of a patient abuse instance where a nurse and psych tech were caught kicking a psychiatric patient in the head and stomach. The patient was lying helpless on the floor while being attacked, when a nurse and another employee walked in on it. The punishment for the abusive staff? a slap on the hand, no pay raise that year. That’s it. Come on HR, really? They should have been reported to the Board of Nursing and been charged legally with assault and battery.The abusive nurse in this case was assigned to perform relief charge nurse at times following this horriffic event. I worked shifts under her charge. I had that patient next time he came for inpatient care. Broke my heart to know that had happened to him, also considering he had been admitted under the trust of nursing and Mission Hospitals.
      I also know of a suicide on CS where the “leaders” tampered with the staff assignments that morning following the incident, attempting to cover up staffing shortage, which directly related back to lack of supervision for suidical and crisis patients. The cover up consisted of adding staff to the assignment sheet for the unit for the day. Staff that did not even work that day. The staff that was added to the assignment sheet were interviewed about the Sentinel Event by investigators employed outside the hospital.The investigators were told plain and clear by absent staff they “did not even work that day.” The main “character” of that episode remains employed there, same position, same unit.The DON for Mission and the Director of Copestone “resigned” from their then position. One of the aforementioned leaders left WNC completely.
      Ash, if you want proof of the two prior incidents I wrote about, it should be in records at Mission HR, if they haven’t been tampered with.

    • Anonymous

      # 39 did just that, won with EEOC, others are in the works …thanks

  • quoter

    All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.
    (Edmund Burke)

    Things do not change; we change.
    (Henry David Thoreau)

    Once you make a decision, the universe conspires to make it happen.
    (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

    • Anonymous

      Look out for yourself in life, if you don’t no one else will.
      – My precious mother -

      Revenge is mine..

      – saith The Lord -

  • The Truth Will Set You Free

    I've got the proof-lots of it. Now what??? What will you do if I hand it over to you?

  • ??

    Proof? Proof of what?

  • anony

    Frankly my dear, this wearing thin is a bit of a cop out. Mission Hospital, not just Copestone, has terminated or accepted "resignations without notice" at an extraordinary rate. I bet if someone could investigate the allegations the outcome would be shocking. Not only do they terminate but, they are known to challenge unemployment benefits, they put the ex-employees on a 2 year Do Not ReHire list that ultimately turns into a Do Not Hire period. Ex-employees fight to get unemployment benefits. A few actually win because after the second hearing Mission just doesn't bother. Maybe they're worried the ex-employees allegations may come to light as valid. Jobs are limited in WNC so they search and search. Some simply leave the area. Some lose everything, homes, autos, you name it. A good number of the ex-employees are older, something to think about. They lose health benefits. COBRA for a single ex-employee is about $500.00 plus a month. Older ex-employees run into ridiculously expensive Medicare B, D and Medigap programs. Meanwhile they run out of their medications and can't afford to buy them at retail cost. So, simply wearing thin? Think about those who are literally wearing thin and maybe do some investigating. After all, isn't this a community news based blog? By the way, these are only some of the horror stories I've heard ex-employees talking about.

  • other side

    I totally agree with Ash on the wearing thin comment, frankly what IS a "cop-out" is the entitled attitude of many of these posters. Not everyone at Mission Hospital has such terrible spoiled helpless victim attitudes- some of us just take doing our job seriously. Do you honestly think that once Mission Hospital hires you for a job, you are entitled to continue to be employed, paid, and given benefits regardless of your job performance? If you don't want to get fired, do your job with excellence. Take responsibility for your own mistakes that led to losing your job instead of blaming the employer.

    • Anonymous

      The employer, more than likey you ,were THE reason this person unjustly lost her job. Thankfully Karma came aound : ) You should be ashamed, but you obviously have no morals or conscience. There will be more, Judgment Day….

  • einstein

    I see someone has not only put on a thinking cap but, also has a heart full of compassion. I wonder if you think this of the entire number of unemployed people in our country? Hopefully, you won't have to experience this during your working lifetime.

    • Anonymous

      Think “someone” was only revealed then ousted, didn’t go thru the turmoil most staff there went thru.

  • Free Bird

    Let's hope you don't become a victim. It's easy for you to sit in judgment of others, without knowing the whole story. Just remember this quote: Let go of your attachment to being right, and suddenly your mind is more open. You're able to benefit from the unique viewpoints of others, without being crippled by your own judgment. Ralph Marston.

  • other side

    My compassion is reserved for patients (who are in far worse situations than any of the whining posters here) in need of staff who will put the need to provide them with excellent safe care as their first priority by doing their job with excellence, NOT staff who do not follow policy and procedures and put patients' safety at risk- yet somehow still think they are entitled to be employed. Get your priorities straight or you are in the wrong field- patients' needs come first, not staff's. You are entitled to nothing unless you do the job.

    • Anonymous

      I worked with # 39 and let me assure you that persons’ first and most important interests were in regards to the patient and the excellent care they were entitled to.The #39 you speak so hatefully,uneducatedly and unknowledgably about, was excellent at juggling the patients quality of care and documentation of patients care, the staffs performance, staffs career and personal satisfactions. The staff followed policy and procedures avoiding risks to patients. The RISK to patients was and still is the staffing level that is in dire crisis mode, # 39 spoke out to management repeatedly in regards to the relationship between staffing crisis and patient safety and was told by the Director of the Unit, to not speak of it ever again. She warned the Director there would be a critical sentinal event if staffing numbers weren’t increased soon. He ignored the cry for awareness. Approximately 2 weeks later there was a successful suicide event on the unit directly related to lack of staffing assigned to work the unit.Within a few weeks of the event , #39 was used as a scapegoat to get rid of her for the prior advice given to the Director and his co-horts that was ignored. None of the management team involved in this warning and following event managed to retain their jobs.Seems you are the one that needs to get YOUR information AND priorities straight before attacking a wonderful, concerned, caring, and excellent professional who went above and beyond their “Role Description” to obstinent supervisors who knew much less than # 39, in regards how to successfully prioritize patient care.

    • Anonymous

      Past a TRUE fact # 39 ever performed that ever put a patient at risk, so I can laugh, then pray for you, because there are none. Better yet , post some true facts about you and your performance on the job, no matter how indiscreet they r, that had anything to do with patient concern at all, because I think I know who you are, and your story/s are quite the gossip, entertaining, like a soap opera and totally non patient related. Probably safe to say you were proven not to deserve your job or position. Just sayin’… : )

  • Jill

    Other Side is either willfully ignorant or woefully stupid and malicious. IF you work at Mission, you know from observation that it is often the most senior, hardest working, and most competent people who are fired. If it was only the dead wood being thinned, there wouldn't be the fear and misery that pervades the hospital but rather quiet approval that the slackers and incompetents were being weeded out.

    Sheesh!

  • jack

    I totally agree with Jill on Other Side being either willfully ignorant or woefully stupid and malicious. Obviously, Other Side, has difficulty with abstract thinking, missing the point entirely. So continue with your ignorant bliss and hopefully with your perfection and selective compassion, you will never find yourself suffering as some of the wrongfully terminated employees have had to endure.

  • quoter

    Wise ones know that greed makes the world go round. Money talks, as "they" say. If you need an education in this truth, study what has happened in the banking system in the last few years. Or look at the influence of "oil" in our world. Or look at who pays taxes. If you paid any income taxes last year, you paid more than General Motors, or Exxon Mobil. What lessons can we learn from corporate America?

    ____________________________________________________________
    Here is an example from 2007:
    March 28 (Bloomberg) — Circuit City Stores Inc., the second-largest U.S. electronics retailer after Best Buy Co., fired 3,400 of its highest-paid hourly workers and will hire replacements willing to work for less.

    The company eliminated jobs that paid "well above'' market rates and then stated that those who were fired could apply for the lower pay, company spokesman Bill Cimino said today. He declined to give the wages of the fired workers or the new hires.
    ____________________________________________________________

    A critical thinker thinks about his/her thinking, and can: be open to new ideas and perspectives without being ego-bound; maintain skepticism; rely on reason and require evidence; weigh influences of motive and bias; recognize emotional impulse, selfish motive, and nefarious purpose; resist manipulation and irrational appeal; and accept a new paradigm.

    Truth is not a matter of opinion.

  • truth seeker

    Copestone has posted position for Nurse Manager. Will anything be different this time? Has leadership changed or learned anything? Will anyone qualified in the local area consider this job? What about someone who knows nothing of Copestone's history? Maybe they'll think this is the ticket to a new life in the mountains? Woe be unto them?

    • Ghost Nurse 1

      CS slyly slid a managing consultant group called “Diamond” in to manage. They appear to be a power company from the research I have done.Brught their own mgmnt in. They are sloppy , unprofessional, and largely incompetent in their practices.

  • Genesis

    Thanks for the advise Ash (see above comment). Anyone that believes you have been discriminated agaisnt (age, disability, sex, retaliation, etc) by Mission Hospital can contact the EEOC/NC Labor Board within "180" days of the alledged discrimination. Save all of your documentation for proof. I did!

    If you presently believe you are being discriminated or retalliated agaisnt, contact the NC Labor Board and/or the EEOC and file a complaint. You will be protected from retaliation per the EEOC/Labor Board. I was to too intimidated and fearful of losing my job, and regret not conacting them while it was happening. I did lose my job anyway.

    Don't let Mission get away with their scare tactics any longer! Maybe, if enough people reported them, they would stop these practices. There are strength in numbers.

  • changes

    Can someone enlighten me? I see where K. Guyette's job was posted on August 4. Is she gone? Or in another role at Mission?

    I see where a new CEO is coming, Dr. Green, as of October 1. A woman and a nurse. Perhaps there are positive and healing changes ahead for the hospital?

    Any thoughts or comments from anyone?

  • Freedom ain’t free

    I'm not "Genesis" but I might have some interesting documents, e-mails etc.re: Copestone. How would One go about giving you these and, more importantly, what would you do with the info.?

  • concerned

    How is Copestone doing these days? I hear bad things.

    • Whoru248

      Not any better, actually worse. Scroll down to “Ash”, then the comment by Ghost nurse, it’s old stuff recently posted, but stay tuned for new : ) Who would hand over anything to him, haha !? no telling how he is in cahoots for Mission, appears fishy to me : )

  • Anonymous

    Not sure but was that the interviewee that was discovered had embezzled from her former employer? Part of the $$$ she had embezzled was used for a very expensive portrait painted of herself , and reportedly displayed on the wall of her former employer’ wall. HAHA! I heard alot of the upper management were very impressed by her Mission interview. I don’t think she is the one being spoken about here, because I believe it was more like 1 1/2 years or so ago she was being considered.