My Coworker Reported Me For Being Under The Influence At Work, While Sober.

Hi! I am a nurse and a few weeks ago on the day my grandfather passed away - another nurse (and her trainee) taking shift report from me, reported me to management for “slurring my words” and “acting erratic”. My manager and the site director sat me down and asked if I had taken any legal or illegal substances on the clock. Obviously, the answer was hell no. HR was involved but I did not speak to them directly, it was just reported to them. Since my manager was out that day, I wasn’t given an opportunity to even do a breathalyzer or take a drug test. It’s their word against mine.

I interacted with a doctor and nurse practitioner along with the lead nurse and behavioral health techs that day. I went back and read all my sent messages on Teams and all the medication orders I put in. Everything was completely fine just as usual. No incoherent messages or wrong orders. I administered upwards of 100 meds that day with no errors. It was just for the short 20 minutes we interacted at shift report that my behaviors were reported, no further proof I was under the influence. But my grandfather had passed away super suddenly. And I told them that.

There has been no disciplinary action taken against me, but this is an incredibly serious accusation to make against another nurse especially when it was completely false.

Since then, I have gotten written up for something very silly and these 2 nurses continue to be unpleasant to me. Not to mention I have been mentally unwell from this all. It was a huge blow to my character and an outrageous accusation with nothing to back it up.

Is this grounds to sue for slander? Libel? (It was reported in a written message I believe). I don’t think it would be defamation of character nothing has happened against me except really put me in an uncomfortable spot at work. I feel like they may be looking for any reason to fire me but haven’t yet.

Is this even worth it to pursue legal action?