Got fired today

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Well, tomorrow will be the first day in almost a decade that I will wake up and have nowhere that I need to be. I got kicked out to the curb today. Fired. Canned. Terminated. I've been busting my butt for months, trying to keep up with the incredible workload, and while I'm relieved in a way---I've known for quite a while that I wasn't handling it well---I don't know how to act. I haven't been fired since I was 26 years old and working in a factory where I was let go for being sick too often during my early pregnancy. I'm not really all that worried about finding another job, not with the nursing shortage here in my little corner of the world, but I feel like I must be a total loser to get fired from a nursing home!!

I mean, they didn't even want me to stay on as a charge nurse (I was the resident care manager) or in any capacity, though they did tell me I was re-hireable if I were to get my medical and emotional problems (read: depression) under control at some point. Of course, it was conveniently forgotten that at least part of my current depressive state can be directly attributable to the stresses I've been under as a result of trying to do the impossible, but what the hell.....at least I'll be able to draw unemployment benefits while I sit here and try to figure out what my next move is. Lord knows I needed a break---I've been working 50-hour weeks for 15 months straight, and I am burned out. I can't afford to be out of work for long, but I am going to take a couple of weeks to relax a little, spend some time cleaning my house, and of course look for another job.

I'm so fed up with LTC that I'm considering going to agency nursing for awhile, until I decide what I DO want to do. Making a better-than-average hourly wage, going to a variety of different facilities, and not having any obligation to stay at one I don't like (or deal with the politics) sounds pretty good to me right now.

Thanx for "listening" to my whining......and if anyone has some other suggestions as what I should do next, please offer them. I feel really lost right now. :confused:

I don't have any suggestions, really...just read your post and wanted to let you know my thoughts are with you. Take care of yourself and try to figure out what's making your life seem so difficult to you right now, maybe some counseling?? Seems like you need to switch to a different type of nursing. I've heard a change of atmosphere can work wonders. Just take care of yourself, take that break, sounds like it is needed.

Try not to feel too bad. I know how you must feel. You give 100% and it still isn't enough. I've decided because of past experiences that life is just too short. There's a place for you and you will find it. I recently left a hospital position because I was just burned out. 10 hour days, and most of the time not able to even take a short break after 8 hrs. Its easy to feel as if you have failed, and it plays hell with your self esteem. I figure my health and mental well being is more important than a job. Sure the money was great, but at what price? Agency nurs. sounds like a good idea for you at this time, in fact I'm just finishing up with my orientation. Doesn't hurt to try. And if you don't like it..you don't have to go back! Anyway, I wish you luck and enjoy your time off. take care of #1.

Specializes in OB.

Take advantage of the free time to do a few nice things just for yourself - call the local school of cosmetology and get a cheap manicure, if there's a school of massage in your area get a massage (students who have completed their training and need to do a certain number of hours before certification.) at a fraction of what you'd pay elsewhere. Try to fend off the feelings of depression that go with being fired - anyone would be burned out with the schedule you've been running! If you haven't already done it, you may want to ask your doc to prescribe something to help you get past a rough period.

I'm sorry, but maybe it's a blessing afterall. Maybe join a registry. That way you can pick your hours, and if a certain facility is crappy, you don't have to continue going. This way you have more control. I know that when I get depressed, losing control, even over little things is bad. Definately get some counciling or support......everyone can use some. Take care and God bless!

Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

I'm sorry. But as others said, this is your opportunity to grow. Look seriously at the issues as to why you were terminated. Then let go and move on.

Good luck. Maybe the universe is just giving you the kick the butt you needed to move on to better things.

(((Hug))) You're not a loser for getting fired. Plenty of wonderful people had been fired in their lifetimes. Later on someday, perhaps you will look back & smile. It's just a life lesson. You admitted that you have had problems with depression. Maybe it's for the best that you are out of that stressful environment before it gets any worse. Try and see the bright side of this...like others suggested, and take the time to figure out what's going on with you. I struggle with periods of depression, too related to work stress & anxiety. Nursing isn't easy. The burnout can get to you. And with depression, it's even harder. Get medical treatment & counseling if needed. Please give yourself the respect and caring you deserve! Good luck! Hope you feel better soon.

:cool:

Specializes in MS Home Health.

I left a job after almost two years, long hours with little time off. I took the time I needed to find the right job. Do you feel better now that your not going there anymore? Has it lifted your spirits?

renerian

hey all the best to you. my former job made me so sick from the stress. when i had my eval., i told her that the yr. prior to my eval., which was good, except for excessive 6 in 1 yr., absences, i'd never had an attendance problem. did they think the work environment had something to do w/ it? hmmmm? a blessing in disguise, but hard to swallow during the season. take good care!

Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

When God closes a door...he opens a window.

My thoughts are with you....that this will help you accomplish much finer things for yourself.

This is same experience many nurses are having. The physical effects of to much job stress causes illness and a lot of absenteeism. The nurse is blamed. She/he either leaves or is fired. Then managment says "we can't find nurses because of the shortage". Mean while they are talking about the shortage they themselves created. What ever you do don't get down on yourself. (wish I could take my own advice) Good luck and God bless.

I can relate. This past May I was laid off from a job that I had for the last 10 years!! Talk about low self-esteem. Especially since there was another employee there who had only been there 6 months!

You've already gotten lots of good advice so far, there's not much I can add but I want you to know that life is good no matter what and the Good Lord will provide for you one day at a time. If you choose to look at this as a blessing, you will be amazed at all the good things that will come your way.

Keep thinking, better things are ahead! By the way, agency sounds like the way to go!

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