Fired from first job

[stevejer]

I was let go from my first RN job after six weeks of orientation -- not because of an error in patient care, but because of a mistake/ question in skills lab. My question is: HOW do I address my "experience" on a resume in future job searches? Everything I have read -- plus the advice from a couple former instructors -- says not to mention being fired on a resume because that is the time when you want to make yourself look as good as possible, but I have to address it sometime, because it will show up in a background check, right? Should I just be upfront on my resume and hope I get a chance to explain the circumstances? Do I wait until someone brings it up in the interview? Obviously when there is a question on an application such as, "Have you ever been fired from a position?" I say yes -- I'm not going to lie! I just don't know how to address it when I am not asked. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Nomvula]

I was dismissed from my job as a qualified nurse 18 months ago for being dishonest. They referred me to the nursing council and now I am waiting for the councils' decision. The council contacted me saying they received my referral and they will contact me with a decision in 6 months. I have tried applying for jobs but cannot get any job.i am told all the time that I have to wait until the case is finished. I am now looking for a job as a support worker and thinking of career change.

[PacoUSA, BSN, RN]

But hopefully by then you'll already have the job and it will be harder to get rid of you at that point.

Ha! No way. Most applications nowadays specifically warn applicants that any false information on an application discovered before AND after employment offers will result in immediate termination of consideration for a job or termination of employment if hired. I would suspect it would be easier to get rid of someone once hired with not only evidence of the hidden facts, but also with the signed application that says they attest that everything in the application was complete.

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[MrChicagoRN, RN]

Ha! No way. Most applications nowadays specifically warn applicants that any false information on an application discovered before AND after employment offers will result in immediate termination of consideration for a job or termination of employment if hired. I would suspect it would be easier to get rid of someone once hired with not only evidence of the hidden facts, but also with the signed application that says they attest that everything in the application was complete.

Exactly. OP doesn't have to list it on his resume, but if omitted from the application, the employee may be terminated, even if it's months or years later.

[sistaAfua]

I can understand what you going through and your plans to change career, nursing is career that makes you look on your shoulder and worried about license and if ... all the time. If you can go back to school then why not. Wish you the best in any decision you finally come up with.

[sistaAfua]

I can understand what you going through and your plans to change career, nursing is career that makes you look on your shoulder and worried about license and if ... all the time. If you can go back to school then why not. Wish you the best in any decision you finally come up with. Dishonest about what anyway?