How have you been treated at the Philadelphia Veteran Hospital?

2015-03-19T17:46:04-04:00

During my C&P examinations at the Philadelphia VA Hospital, I was seen by a Nurse Practitioner for my shoulders. She started drilling me and interrupting me when I was attempting to answer her. Her contempt for me was clear and she was very upset that I was claiming my shoulders, even though I had a MRI less than a year old that showed tendonopathy in both shoulders and I had grinding in both shoulders. I voiced my frustration at being drilled and treated in this very unprofessional, interrogating manner. I said, “You are acting as though this is an interrogation and treating me as though I am a liar.” She came out and said that she hates her job at the VA; that she has been looking for a new job for over a year and that is because all she does is listen to liars all day. I asked her if the exam was over because I wanted to leave right then. She said no and that I had stay and finish the exam. Instead of finishing the exam, she proceeded to tell me in an angry, irritated and unprofessional voice that she has never seen more lack of integrity than she has working there and that all these veterans are lying to get benefits and things they don’t deserve. I told her that my record had documented proof of the issue and she continued to complain about lying veterans and how she hated her job. She went on like this for at least ten minutes. When she finished, she asked me if there was anything else I wished to tell her. I said no and immediately left the room.

How has your experiences been at this hospital?

Response by 1LT Kimberley Gorum made Mar 20 at 2015 11:56 AM

2015-03-20T11:56:48-04:00

Working at the VA, in another location, there are ways to file a complaint about this NP. In every location there are forms out called "Tell It To THe Director" You can alco call the Directors office. I would strongly advise that you do this, as this is the type of person that causes more problems than they solve and give the whole system a black eye. Please report this behavior. As a disabled Vet and a VA employee, I cannot stand an individual like this. You also should contact the VBA and request another C & P and tell them why. There is no telling what she may have put in that report.

Response by SPC Brandon Walker made Mar 23 at 2015 10:35 PM

2015-03-23T22:35:43-04:00

Philadelphia. That's all I can say.

Response by SPC Aj Erich made Mar 29 at 2015 10:27 AM

2015-03-29T10:27:07-04:00

Coatesville VA has been great to me. If it's not too far, you should give it a try.

Response by SSgt Kimberly Frederick made Apr 7 at 2015 5:01 PM

2015-04-07T17:01:17-04:00

Report this to the Patient Advocate-they are located next to the Canteen. They will take action. Thank you for your service-you do not deserve to be treated like a convict. Most are nice and professional.
The one doc in Neurology is a trip-2 hour wait and can't tell me when I would be seen. Not the first time. See my new doc end of month.
Good luck!

Response by SGT Michelle Griffin-Franks made Apr 22 at 2015 2:11 PM

2015-04-22T14:11:29-04:00

I've been through a lot at Phila VAMC Ive been treated like crap when I go for physical appts don't go once you are labeled it never goes away it's just like having Felony Conviction. The book of life has many chapters opened and closed. I'm not the same person I was in 96-98 I've been doing great with my life don't need to be penalized forever