Nursing home worker alleges she wasn't warned of shooter drill

Nurse says she was traumatized after she was 'taken hostage' during safety exercise


A former nurse from a Life Care Centers of America facility in Carbondale, Colo., is suing the company because she allegedly was not notified that she would be threatened and taken hostage by a gunman as part of an active shooter drill, according to an article on the McKnight's website.

According to the suit, in October 2013, a nurse at the facility was instructed by her supervisor to approach a “suspicious” man in the day room. When she did so, the man brandished a gun and forced her into an empty room, according to the complaint.

The man explained that he was a police officer and that the event was a drill; however, the nurse was not sure whether to believe him, the court document said.

At the end of the drill, Heritage Park leaders criticized her response even though she had never received any training in how to respond to an active shooter, the complaint alleges. She eventually resigned, alleging severe physical, emotional and psychological distress.

Read the article.

 

 



August 6, 2014


Topic Area: Safety


Recent Posts

Dirty Floors: How Pathogens Can Accumulate and Spread Underfoot

Studies show that healthcare floors are covered in bacteria and can quickly spread throughout patient rooms. 


WellSpan Health Opens Its Newberry Hospital in Pennsylvania

This marks the opening of its 10th hospital in the region spanning Central Pennsylvania and Northern Maryland.


Cahaba Center for Mental Health Ensnared in Data Breach

On March 28, 2025, Cahaba identified suspicious activity in an employee email account.


Reframing the Construction Manager as a Community Manager

Managers must work with patients, community residents and other interested parties to ensure a smooth, successful construction projects


Health First Celebrates 'Topping Off' Ceremony for New Cape Canaveral Hospital Campus

Construction is slated to finish by the end of 2026 or early 2027.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.