Falsely accused

[Hoosier1]

What is the name of your state? Indiana
My wife works as a nurse in a hospital. She was logged-on a computer in unit 6, but was switched during her shift to unit 12. Forgetting to log-off the computer in unit 6, someone got on and accessed many internet sites (Shopping, eBay, etc.) prohibited by the hospital. The next day she was called into human resources and was show the history of the computer in unit 6 for which she forgot to log-out. Even though she explained and her supervisor backed her up, human resources requested for her to sign a document stating "She was using the computer beyond company use." She has refused to sign this, but has beeen told she must or ?

Can they require her to sign a document that is contrary to the fact and be put on her records?What is the name of your state?What is the name of your state?

 

[eerelations]

If her supervisor agrees with her, then her supervisor should go to bat for her with HR.

 

[ecmst12]

ESPECIALLY in a hospital (because of HIPAA), it is VERY IMPORTANT that employees lock their computers when they are not at their desks, and log off when leaving that station for the day. The hospital most likely has a clause in their computer use policy stating that the employee will be held responsible for ANYTHING that is done under their network login, whether it was by them or not. So according to that, she DID violate policy and HR considers leaving your computer open for anyone to access just as bad as if she'd done the surfing herself. In reality, it's worse, what if the person had accessed patient records instead of Ebay? Or picked up a virus and infected the entire network? Or sent a threatening or harassing email from her email address? Sounds to me like your wife is getting off pretty easy; she should sign the document, take the write-up, and resolve to NEVER let it happen again.

 

[cbg]

She cannot be forced to sign it, but she can legally be fired if she refuses.

Forgetting to lock the computer is just as bad as misusing it herself. Either way, the employer is justified in disciplining her.

 

[Some Random Guy]

She should ask that the document be reworded to clarify that "She was using the computer beyond company use." by not locking it properly. The employer may not agree to the change, but if she wants to get reprimanded for X instead of Y, then that's her only option.