I got fired today, how will that affect my chances?

[Nurseadam]

I got fired for a dumb thing I did breaking a hospital policy per HR, not my nursing performance or patient care related.

How will that affect me getting another job?

[proud nurse, BSN, RN]

I wouldn't trust the job that just fired you to only verify dates of employment. It's a tough one because you had 8 months invested in that position so that's time to account for and experience under your belt. Think long and hard about how you'd explain the situation. You have better sense than to come out and say you were caught having sex in the parking lot. Be honest, own it and you will find another job.

Good luck.

[NicuGal, MSN, RN]

I have to agree, I'd relocate. ER communities are quite small and know everyone's business....mostly due to people who are in and out, like paramedics, etc. news like this won't stay under wraps. Hard lesson to learn.

[Laboratorian]

Hey RNAdam, did the other nurse get fired too?

[OCNRN63, RN]

My suggestion for discussing why you left your previous job is to be forthright and say that you violated a hospital policy, that, while in no way affected patient care, was a mistake you regret and would never repeat. (And you never will repeat it, will you?) You can decide on how you want to word it, but the point is you don't have to give them the details of your termination.

Some people would say you don't need to say you were terminated because the facility isn't going to say you were fired, but I would be honest right up front. A future employer may be willing to give you a chance if you're honest.

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

In this economy where there are multiple applicants for every job, yes, I'd say that it will affect you. Especially if the prospective employers find out why you were fired.

Two of my former colleagues were terminated in the last year- the one who found a job without much hassle relocated 1500 miles away. The one who stayed put had been a nurse on the same floor for 13 years and an employee at the hospital for 19 before she was terminated. It took her almost a year to find a new job and it was a local travel assignment.

[leslie :-D]

if a prospective employer asks why you were terminated, yes, admit you violated policy.

if they want more specifics, i suggest you refer to your 'playmate' as your girlfriend/boyfriend.

you don't want to give the impression that it was a mindless quickie with gawd-knows-who.

at least there is an element of integrity when intimacy is perceived as 2 people who are seriously dating.

all that said, maybe they'll let you say you were laid off.

that would be closer to the truth of the matter, yes?

(kidding, kidding, kidding!)

leslie :)

[anotherone, BSN, RN]

hmm . i didnt read the other thread . was this off the clock? daylight? just wondering. a small hospital? how many saw that it couldnt be denied ? well the part of finding a new job... in some areas it seems anyone who is not a convicted felon will get hired even then if for some drug or alcohol law hose may be hired too. in other places the market is HORRIBLE and even experienced nurses with great references an not find jobs . In some locations this will be the talk of the town while in other areas of the country some might not blink an eye . only you know what type of area you live in.

[sissiesmama, ASN, RN]

I agree. Even if your last job says they will only verify dates of employment, they're not bound by that: they CAN tell prospective employers exactly why you were terminated. They may say they'll keep the details confidential, but unless they put a promise of confidentiality in writing, there's no guarantees.

But HouTX is spot-on, in that there's nothing stopping word about you from traveling along unofficially, be it the actual facts or speculation over what people think had happened. You'd be surprised who knows who and where...and you may find to your dismay that your reputation has preceded you.

In your case, you may have better luck in a new geographic area. Yes, you will still have to address why you were fired, but at least you won't have to deal with everyone and their mother possibly knowing your business and drawing conclusions before you even set foot in the door.

Best of luck with your future.

Definetly. And, even if the previous employer only discloses the info they said they would, depending on the size town/ciy OP lives in, a prospective employer can make one well placed phone call to a friend/relative that may work at the previous employer and get information.

OP, the prospective employers may find out the information a to why you wee terminated, and then ask specifics just to see how honest you will be with your answers.

Anne, RNC

[amygarside]

It will depend on the new employer.

[JenRN30, BSN]

Oh Adam, very unfortunate.As well as applying locally, you need to start applying out of state, as others have mentioned. Try places where there still is a nursing shortage, especially for specialties like ED. A few places come to mind (middle of the country). Make sure and look at smaller, community hospitals. Hopefully they'll be willing to overlook your mistakes, and gossip won't follow you. Good luck, I hope you find something quickly.

[sMoLsNurse]

Oh this topic again.....

[Nurse_]

Most applications asks if you have been let go or fired, so I'd say this affects you very much.

The company can say whatever they want to say about you. There's nothing legally stopping them on disclosing the circumstances of your termination. You cannot assume they'll do the right thing and just keep their mouths shut. Companies don't always go to the unit managers, they are more interested in your company performance (eg. performance evals).