I worked at this clinic for over five months, and it was by far the most toxic and concerning…read moreworkplace I've experienced in nearly 30 years in healthcare.
The clinic's infection control practices were especially alarming. Technicians and Certified Medical Assistants, not licensed medical professionals, handled all treatments--including vitamin injections, often into patients' feet. Many patients bled during injections, and the sponges used (placed under suction cups on patients' legs and feet) were reused throughout the day. While visibly bloody sponges were thrown away, we were expected to reuse the rest, despite knowing that pathogens like MRSA, HIV, Hepatitis can be present without visible blood. These sponges were only washed once midday and again at day's end using antibacterial dish soap--not a medically appropriate sterilization method.
When I voiced concerns to the NP and the manager, I was told, "This isn't a hospital," and was treated as though I was being difficult. I once asked if a patient known to have MRSA could be assigned their own sponges to avoid cross-contamination, and was told, "Lots of people have MRSA." This response--and others like it--made me feel they didn't take patient safety seriously.
There was no clear HR department or payroll contact. All issues had to go through Tracie, who was often dismissive or combative. When I requested a copy of my W-2 for a loan, she told me it would "cost the company money" and claimed the accountants wouldn't respond to her anyway. When she later said she had offered to help (she hadn't), it became clear she wasn't going to support me.
After a needlestick injury, I had to inform the NP myself. I was told to get testing on my own time, until I pushed back and cited legal requirements. Only then did the owner, Dr. Aaron Rose, agree to cover testing. Even then, basic safety requests like using safety needles were met with resistance. We were told they were "too expensive," even though the company has three locations and buys snacks and catered lunches monthly.
Workplace safety was also lacking. I asked if we had a plan for fire or tornadoes and was told "no, it's just common sense." When I shared this lack of preparedness with other staff, the manager called me into the conference room and aggressively confronted me. She belittled me, accused me of having problems at home, and raised her voice in front of other staff and patients. It was humiliating, and I only stayed because I was in the middle of securing a loan and needed the job a bit longer.
The manager for the Liberty and Lee's Summit offices, is unprofessional and lacks basic healthcare knowledge. She regularly gaslights staff, speaks down to them, and retaliates if you question anything. The NP at Liberty is more polite in demeanor but does not assist with patient care beyond initial visits, and a handful or revisits a day, leaving the tech overwhelmed. Since I left, I've learned that others have walked out or are looking for new jobs--all due to the management.
This clinic has serious issues with compliance, infection control, management, and employee treatment. I fear it's only a matter of time before a patient is harmed or the business is sued.
The only bright spot in this job was the patients--I truly enjoyed working with them.
