After termination: A Great Update

[Traum-a-Rama]

Hello All Nurses! I wanted to say something positive after seeking everyone's support following a wrongful termination. Thank you all for your kind words and steadfast support...

I also wanted to give hope to others who have found themselves a target for harrassment and horizontal violence. Although I spent some time feeling down and out, I refused to be a victim and looked at this experience as a blessing in disguise. This was not exactly a "safe" place to work, if you know what I mean.

My update? After closing an interview on Monday, I walked towards the exit and heard the unit manager tell her charge nurse, "Do I even have to interview someone else?" Human Resources called me on Wednesday morning to offer me the position! This job is at the hospital I always wanted to work, 15 minutes from home, and better pay and benefits!

Thanks again, allnurses! You guys rock!!! :redpinkhe:D

[bsyrn, ASN, RN]

I am happy for you

[Traum-a-Rama]

:nurse:Thanks everyone! I am so glad this site is available for we nurses to support one another! I've told my story in hopes that any nurse who has been unjustly fired knows not to give up. I am not a young chicken, and I was fearful that the career I worked so hard to achieve was gone before I even started, all because of someone who didn't like me for whatever reason.

I also hope people realize that they should not be entirely judgemental about nurses who get fired. Horizontal violence is rampant in nursing and you can find yourself terminated just because someone feels threatened by you. I got along well with everyone but 1 girl in my department and it started on my first day. I am a private person, and believe home should be kept separate of work. I do not facebook my co-workers. I refused to be part of drama or gossip. This girl was known as a troublemaker, but everyone feared retaliation. I go to work to work. I do not have to "party" with my co-workers; I do not need to count them as my "BFFs"....but I DO need them to respect me and communicate with me to effectively do what we are there to do: take care of PATIENTS.

I strongly believe that we will never be respected as a profession until we respect each other. Having the Joint Commission take a stance about nurse bullying and horizontal violence is not enough. I know this has been talked to death in this forum, but if anyone has any suggestions as to how we can make sure it doesn't continue, I'm open to hearing it. :redpinkhe

[gamecock_24]

Congratulations! I am glad that everything worked out for you!

[Traum-a-Rama]

I forgot to answer DeLana's question. To answer the dreaded "Why were you terminated?" I said something along the lines of:

While my experiences at the prior job were mostly positive, and I learned (fill in the blank), the place wasn't a very healthy work environment because (fill in the blank). However, I am confident I can grow and succeed as a professional nurse because (fill in blank). I may not have a lot of experience, but I have/am (blank). I'm here today because I am eager to start working again and contribute my skills and abilities to your team.

Hope that helps some. I tried very hard not to paint my former place of employment in a bad light by emphasizing the good, and ended by telling them how I'd be an asset to them.

[xenabsnrn]

Hi Traum-A- Rama

First of all CONGRATS!!!

I graduated last year. Have some experience under my belt ( About to complete my year), and was wondering how you wrote your resume, or some tips on resume writing. I am currently having some trouble at the facility I am working at, and am not sure how to start all over again. Getting this job was tough, walking away will be too, but it is the best thing I can do since it appears that I am not being respected or listened to at the facility I work at. Your story is inspiring to me and it gives me hope.

Any suggestions, anything would help. Thanks :)

P.S on applications did you give them the ok to contact previous employer or did you opt out and did you list them or leave them out?

Any advice will help.

[DarkBluePhoenix]

Hi Traum-A- Rama

First of all CONGRATS!!!

I graduated last year. Have some experience under my belt ( About to complete my year), and was wondering how you wrote your resume, or some tips on resume writing. I am currently having some trouble at the facility I am working at, and am not sure how to start all over again. Getting this job was tough, walking away will be too, but it is the best thing I can do since it appears that I am not being respected or listened to at the facility I work at. Your story is inspiring to me and it gives me hope.

Any suggestions, anything would help. Thanks :)

P.S on applications did you give them the ok to contact previous employer or did you opt out and did you list them or leave them out?

Any advice will help.

yes, i agree with this question....trauma if you could shed some light...that would be helpful!

thanks!

[defyinggravity2009]

I tried very hard not to paint my former place of employment in a bad light by emphasizing the good, and ended by telling them how I'd be an asset to them.

That's great advice - it's never in your interest to burn a previous boss/job to a potential employer. Take the high road and stick with the truth.

[Lauren the RN]

Congratulations!!!

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! :anpom::smiley_aa:yelclap:

It's always good to hear when something positive happens to a person who's been through a bad patch. Thanks for sharing your happy news with us!

[SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN]

Way to land on your feet!

[MsBlissful]

I will not say which hospital, but I worked for a local hospital recently. It's a huge facility, with nothing but good reputation in the community.

I got a call today from an atty. They are interviewing me as a colleague of mine is suing them for wrongful termination and harassment.

I walked off the job only after a year. It was a hell hole, and it was really bad to work at.

Lawsuits.. this place has done 3 known settlements related to suits in just the last 3 years.

DO THESE PLACES NEVER LEARN? PAY ANOTHER NURSE 350K GO ON.

[Good Morning, Gil]

I don't think I'm familiar w/your story, but just wanted to say congrats!!! I really do believe things happen for a reason, and even though you couldn't see it then, getting canned (wrongfully) from your other job led you to a much much better place. Congrats!! And enjoy your new job!! You'll now be working for a place that you respect, yay!! :)