Rn With 8 Clean Years, Then 3 Write-ups After Injuries And Workers' Comp. Possible Retaliation?

I'm an RN in Florida, employed by the same hospital system since 2017. I had approximately eight years without a single disciplinary action before receiving three corrective actions between May 2025 and October 2026.

Five days before starting in my current cardiovascular stepdown department, I suffered a severe leg fracture requiring surgery and extended medical leave. When I eventually started, my manager seemed dismissive, frequently refusing to acknowledge me even during routine patient-care interactions.

Timeline:

May 2025: First-ever corrective action after approximately eight years without discipline.

2025–2026: Another injury required surgery, workers' compensation leave, and light duty.

Early April 2026: Returned to regular duty. I frequently requested to float because I felt uncomfortable with my home-unit management. I independently handled full RN assignments elsewhere without any reported complaints.

Before May 2026: Told coworkers I felt out of place and wanted to transfer to the ER. Personally spoke with the ER senior manager about upcoming openings.

May 2026: Second corrective action, approximately 4–5 weeks after returning to regular duty and almost exactly one year after the first (both around May 4–9).

September 2026: Meeting concerning a final corrective action.

October 2026: Final corrective action appeared in Workday, approximately one month after the meeting.

Other concerning circumstances:

During disciplinary meetings, one assistant nurse manager admitted they deliberately kept my assignments near the nurses' station to "keep an eye on me."

Another acknowledged I consistently received some of the heaviest patient assignments. This same manager previously told me she personally vouched for me during hiring because of my clinical experience and skills.

All disciplinary allegations originated from my home unit, not the departments where I floated.

A manager also made several unsolicited comments about my body following substantial weight loss, including remarks about my buttocks. I didn't report them because I feared further disciplinary action.

Disputed allegations:

I was accused of failing to change a chest tube to water seal despite never receiving the alleged verbal instruction. Management acknowledged there was no corresponding order in the chart.

I was accused of delaying an MRI when the confused patient couldn't complete the safety questionnaire, and I was waiting for family assistance.

I disputed other allegations involving medication administration, communication, and patient care.

I attempted to explain these circumstances during the disciplinary meetings, but my explanations aren't included in the corrective-action documents I've reviewed.

I haven't electronically acknowledged the corrective actions because I disagree with them, although I understand that doesn't necessarily invalidate them.

My questions:

Could this potentially qualify as workers' compensation retaliation under Florida Statute 440.205, considering the timing and my previous disciplinary history?

Are management's admissions about closer monitoring and heavier assignments potentially relevant evidence?

Does the month-long delay between the final disciplinary meeting and its Workday posting matter for notice or appeal purposes?

What documentation should I preserve or request without violating patient privacy or hospital policy?

I understand legitimate patient-care concerns can justify discipline. I'm not claiming every criticism is retaliation.

My goal is to remain employed, have the corrective actions fairly reviewed and potentially removed, and transfer outside my current management structure. I'm seeking an employment attorney but would appreciate general legal perspectives, particularly from anyone familiar with Florida employment law or healthcare workplaces.

I used chat just to help keep this on track and as legible as possible

Location: Florida