Claremore Veterans Center Nursing Head Resigns

The director of nursing for the beleaguered Claremore Veterans Center has resigned. Cindy Schnell's resignation will allow the Veterans Administration to immediately hire a new director of nursing for the facility, according to Veterans Administration Public Information Officer Shane Faulkner.

During an investigation last October, family members of veterans testified before the Senate Veterans and Military Affairs committee, telling lawmakers of alleged incidences of abuse, neglect and retaliation against their loved ones.

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Frances Minter recounted how her husband was scalded to death during his bath at the Claremore Center. A follow-up investigation blamed the death on negligence and several other violations.

Seventeen employees with the Claremore Veterans Center testified before the committee that their work environment was one of intimidation and threats. Employees said the facility was understaffed to the point that employees lied on patient charts as to the quality of care veterans received.

Schnell will use comp time and annual leave making her effective date of resignation June 25, 2013, Faulkner said.