Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1383677
87 FINANCE CMO / CARE DELIVERY The Difference Is In the Experience. At NCH Heart Institute, an unparalleled patient experience is at the heart of what matters most. Our critical care team ranks in the top 2% of all hospitals in the nation. From diagnosis to recovery, our cardiac team will ensure a positive patient experience. Our renowned physicians and nurses will provide excellent care at our premier heart institute. At the HEART of what matters most. NCHheart.com Minnesota nurse reinstated after being fired for wearing hospital- issued scrubs instead of own By Gabrielle Masson M inneapolis-based Allina Health must reinstate for- mer nurse Cliff Willmeng, RN, but doesn't have to issue back pay, an arbitrator determined April 21. Mr. Willmeng was fired May 8, 2020, for wearing hospi- tal-issued scrubs instead of his own. The arbitration ruling stems from a grievance raised by the Minnesota Nurses Association against Allina for firing Mr. Willmeng with- out just cause. Arbitrator Stephen Befort found Allina lacked grounds to fire Mr. Willmeng, who was worried that washing his own scrubs at home may jeopardize the health of himself, his family and patients. "Willmeng's good faith belief that the potential harm of exposure to COVID-19 necessitated a departure from the dress code policy warrants some remedy short of dis- charge," Mr. Befort wrote. Mr. Befort said Mr. Willmeng violated policies of the system's United Hospital April 24, 2020 — two weeks be- fore he was fired — and United warned the nurse before firing him. By having nurses wear their own scrubs early in the pandemic, the hospital didn't fail to maintain a safe work environment, the ruling found. In an emailed statement to MedPage Today in early May of this year, Allina Health said it "is still in the process of reviewing the Arbitrator's decision in this case. However, we are gratified that he found that Allina Health acted ap- propriately and affirmed the safety measures implemented to protect our employees. We have no further comments at this time." After he was fired, Mr. Willmeng filed a lawsuit against Alli- na for whistleblower retaliation and wrongful termination. The lawsuit is set to be tried in October. n