Terminated from 1st job :(

[*Blessed2BaNRS*]

Hi all,

I have a question- how do you go about finding a new job after being terminated when you only have 9 months of experience? I have searched other postings that say not to post that you were terminated on your applications, but on most of every one that I have applied for, they ask you straight out if you have ever been terminated. Here is waht happened-

I had a patient come in due to a fall. The patient had a potassium level of 2.6 and a sodium level of 116, both of which, by our hospital, are critical levels. I had the patient the night before and she didn't sleep, and during shift report, the day nurse reported the patient was confused and had been hallucinating. Fast forward to 0000. Patient had yet to go to sleep, had been wandering around in her room and trying to come out to the nurses station, and had taken off her tele monitor multiple times. I repeatedly went in to place her back in bed and to replace her monitor, as had the PCA. I informed her each time that the monitor was so we could watch her heart rhythm with her electrolytes so low. She started complaining about wanting to move her furniture around to better suit her and saying that her "box" (tele monitor) was tying her down. Finally, around 0300, she takes her IV out and has blood everywhere. We get her cleaned back up, back into bed and I place soft limb restraints on her wrists. The freaks out when she wakes up, and once her daughter comes up there, the both holler elder abuse and I was terminated. They claimed the patient was not confused, and without talking to the other nurse or PCA's they said that they had to let me go due to elder abuse and the fact that I didn't follow policy in applying restraints. Of course, with that in mind, I can't appeal the termination because I didn't follow policy. But, as I explained to the manager when she fired me, I was told in orientation that the nurses never call the doctor at night unless it is critical, and only the charge nurse is suppose to call, which she didn't. Also, I was told that we don't call for restraint orders because the doctors don't want to be disturbed for that, we just print out the orders and they will sign them when they come by. They told me that they would have to better instruct the nurses doing orientation, but that didn't help me. Needless to say, I learned my lesson on the order policy!! BUt, it has been 2 months now, and no one will look at me I had an interview at the hospital I used to work at as an extern, but they said they were leery hiring me as a termination, and I would have to go through some different steps because of it. That was last week, and I haven't heard back. Anyway, sorry for the long posting, but I am devastated that my dream to become a nurse has ended this quickly, and was wondering how to apply for jobs that ask if you have been terminated. I tried leaving it blank, but the application wouldn't send until I checked the box answering yes or no.

[NursingStudent2012]

I'm sorry to hear about that =( . I don't have any experience with that (I'm still a nursing student) but I would think the best thing for you to do is to continue applying even if you have to say that you were previously terminated. If they ask why, be honest and I'm sure eventually someone will understand. Even if it takes a while, I think you being honest about it shows better character than lying about it on an application and them later finding out through the grape vine. Because than you can be terminated again for lying on your application. Best of luck!

[*Blessed2BaNRS*]

Thank you Nursing Student,

That has been what I have done, just post a short, brief, to the point statement about what happened, but have had friends telling me not to put that, that I can always tell them when I get an interview. It is just so frustrating, because when employers see "termination" they don't even give me a chance. I have never had a problem getting a job before, so this is all new to me

[caliotter3]

I would not put anything on the application, instead write something like, "Will discuss in interview". Either they will give you a chance or they won't, and you don't have anything in writing from you floating around out there for even unauthorized people to see and disseminate.

[Little Panda RN, ASN, RN]

I am sorry to hear about what happened to you. I have always been under the understanding that you have to have doctors orders for any type of restraints, did they not explain this during orientation and why didnt your charge nurse inform you of what you needed to do?

Sounds like a terrible night for you and you didnt get the back up that you needed. Sounds like there is a system there that needs to be fixed.

I agree that you always need to be upfront and honest on job applications. I wish you the best of luck in your job search.

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

After awhile you'll recognize the pattern. Whenever a hospital feels threatened they fire a nurse. Guilt or innocence is irrelevant. You should keep applying because you're a good nurse. When the subject comes up, you followed instructions and did what was best for the patient. I promise they'll have heard it before and will understand. By telling the truth, you don't want to work for the places that blow you off. The ones that recognize the integrity you show are where you should work. Some hospitals have been sued and paid big fines for automatically firing people, but that's a long ugly road to travel, unless you have a lawyer in the family. Good Luck.

[Sparrowhawk]

Keep applying and write "Want to talk about it in person" Or something alittle more professional sounding. I've done that and was hired after a termination.

[debbylet]

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Where was your charge nurse when all this was happening? She should have been helping you to keep this pt safe. How about your co-workers, didn't they see you struggling with this pt and offer advice? I think you were unfairly terminated. You mentioned that you were told during orientation that you were not to call the MD at night and that only the charge nurse could call them. It seems to me that you might have grounds for an unfair termination complaint. Have you considered taking your case to an attorney? Most hospitals would have just written you up and maybe have done some re-education with you. Sounds like they terminated you because the pts family made such a stink. There was no harm to this pt from your putting her in restraints, so I think its unusual that you were terminated. Maybe its a blessing in disguise that you were let go. It sounds like a very unsupportive work environment. I think you should always be honest on your application, it shows you have integrity. Keep trying, it may take a while but sooner or later someone will give you a chance. Good luck to you, don't give up!!!!

[listeningangel]

I am not sure what state you are in, but here is my best advice... you must and should contact an attorney and discuss a wrongful termination action to clear your name for your future or this will NEVER go away with future employers. There are many other factors that should be reviewed in the situation you described, i.e. what did the MD prior to your shift know and do about the electrolyte problem; what was being done to correct it; were other diagnosis' evolving or unidentified;what were the actions of charge nurses and nursing supervisors before and during your shift; many other questions. From what you describe, sounds like you were the easiest one to blame as a new nurse and it solved the hospital management's problem with liability and from taking responsibility if they should have. It's the easiest and quickest way to resolve an accusation from a family member of "elder abuse". There may have been no actual abuse by you as it is legally defined. There's alot more to this that you have any idea and the restraintissue alone is very comples in the elderly; it's hard to say without knowing much more about the situation. My point is, don't hesitate to find a lawyer and defend yourself and clear your name. An attorney can find out the extent of what really happened and advise you of your situation. Even better to get an attorney (labor law) who is also an RN. Call your state bar association and ask for a referral. I can tell you with certainty you will regret this for the rest of your nursing life if you don't get an attorney and take action. State law describes the amount of time from the incident that you have a right to take action or you will lose the right to take legal action, if you are past the time line. There is, unfortunately, no other way to clear yourself and protect your future work life than to take legal action. You may be surprised at the possible outcomes for yourself, your future and your reputation as an RN. Good luck to you.

[scoochy]

You have nothing to lose (except a consultation fee) by discussing your situation with an attorney. In so doing, you will learn from the attorney if you have legal grounds for a lawsuit. Should the attorney decide there is reason enough to move forward, you have to decide if, from a financial standpoint, you can afford the legal fees. Legal representation is costly. FYI, you can deduct attorney fees on your tax return because the legal representation was

utilized to save your job! If you doubt this, consult the IRS.

[listeningangel]

most attorney consultations are free for the first hour and sometimes can take the case on a contingency and you will not be out of pocket the money.

[CaLLaCoDe, BSN, RN]

Sounds like a perfect example that haste (by your manager(s) for firing you so quickly) makes waste. Unless other grounds for dismissal that possibly weren't mentioned in your post, I don't see how they could have come to the conclusion of "elder abuse." Could you have asked for a sitter for this patient? I can relate to working on tele with a sundowner patient and having to play sitter. All night long your having to rush in and out of that room. No time to review charts and finish one's nursing notes. This is not a fun sport to participate in! Hope for the best!

Even if you were successful at getting your job back with legal council, do you think you'd want to put yourself in harms way again with these demon managers?

Please give tele a try again at another hospital. Your skills are valued.