Whistleblower Nurse Dies by Suicide After Reporting Patient Abuse; Retaliation Lawsuit

Updated 4/23/25

Disclaimer: This article discusses topics related to suicide, mental health, and workplace distress. If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of self-harm or suicide, please know that help is available. You can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or reach out to the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Support is available 24/7, and you are not alone. For more information and resources, please visit afsp.org.

A recent lawsuit in Iowa has highlighted the challenges nurses may face when reporting concerns in healthcare settings. The family of Shannon Billheimer, a traveling nurse formerly employed at the state-managed Woodward Resource Center, has filed a lawsuit alleging that she experienced retaliation after reporting suspected abuse of a resident.

About the Lawsuit

According to court documents, Billheimer reported witnessing a resident being harmed by staff at the facility, in accordance with professional standards and ethical obligations. The lawsuit claims that, following her report, Billheimer was terminated from her position. Her family believes that the workplace environment and subsequent job loss contributed to significant distress.

The lawsuit names both the Woodward Resource Center and Amergis, the staffing agency that employed Billheimer, as defendants. The case is unfolding amid ongoing concerns about care standards at the facility.

Woodward Resource Center Fined

In recent months, the State of Iowa has fined the Woodward Resource Center multiple times for deficiencies in resident care, and several employees have faced legal action in connection with alleged mistreatment of residents.

The Woodward Resource Center has previously faced federal scrutiny, including a U.S. Department of Justice investigation in 2002 that identified longstanding concerns about resident care and treatment.

• In March 2025, the State of Iowa fined the Woodward Resource Center for the third time in just four months for deficiencies in resident care, according to KCCI 8 News. 
• More alarmingly, Woodward Resource Center employees were charged in connection with what local police described as an "unwarranted a-- kicking" of a dependent adult resident.

This situation highlights the importance of supporting healthcare professionals who raise concerns about patient safety and workplace conditions. As this lawsuit proceeds, it serves as a reminder of the need for strong protections and support systems for those who advocate for patient safety and ethical care.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available. Call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Support and treatment are available, and recovery is possible.

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