The kiss of death: when you know you are about to get fired

Nurses General Nursing

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I currently work in a nursing home as a floor nurse but am a RN. I have held my position for close to one year and in that time, I have had 10+ unit managers, and even more house supervisors come and go.

Most of these managers and supervisors were 'promoted' from the floor and given these new jobs, only to be walked out the building in no time (some did not last 3 days in their new jobs)

I have basically avoided getting 'promoted' by laying low while doing my work. The problem now is that the DON and ADON have pretty much made it clear that I must accept a unit manager position immediately. This post has recently been vacated by a nurse who started out staff, promoted to quality assurance then to unit manager and out the door all within 6 months.

I hate that I have been turning down advancement opportunities at the facility and have been pretty much labeled a non-team player, but I just know taking on this new position is just a way to lose my job.

The expectations for these positions are ridiculous. They change daily, there is no written job description ( I have asked several times for one) so they can make it up as they go and then blast you if you do not get it done when and how they want you to.

I know the writing is on the wall, and I should look for another job, but I really need my medical benefits right now and can not afford to wait 90 days for new insurance to kick in. I am hoping if they (or when) they end up firing me, I can file for unemployment.

Anyways, that's just a bit of background and I would appreciate any ideas and suggestion. I have been filling out applications online, but ofcourse the market is not very friendly right now.

If anyone thinks am exaggerating, I assure you I am not. Getting promoted in this place is not a good thing.

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Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.

I have a quick question about this: "The problem now is that the DON and ADON have pretty much made it clear that I must accept a unit manager position immediately."

They can't make you accept something you don't want to. Maybe I am naive, but I don't think it works that way...

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The only advice I can give is to get more earnest in your job hunt.

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I have a quick question about this: "The problem now is that the DON and ADON have pretty much made it clear that I must accept a unit manager position immediately."

They can't make you accept something you don't want to. Maybe I am naive, but I don't think it works that way...

Yeah that seems weird to me too. I've never heard of a place saying "Either you accept this promotion or you're fired!" How can a person be good enough to promote but bad enough to fire if they don't take the job.:confused:

I know if they fired me I would be taking it up with the labor board, lawyer or whoever you would go to in this situation. Then again if you are in a work at will state then I guess anythings possible.

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Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.

Is happens a lot in LTC. Start looking elsewhere. You are right, if you don't take it, they will find something on you and if you do take it, they will find something on you. All this madness is making me sick. Nurses have got to stop taking this abuse, it really has to stop. I don't know what to tell you, I Am in administration and fight hard for the staff, but once minds are made up...

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Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.
Is happens a lot in LTC. Start looking elsewhere. You are right, if you don't take it, they will find something on you and if you do take it, they will find something on you.

That is what I thought the OP meant.... Just making sure.

My advice then: Run.

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Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.

Be the exception. Since you know that this is the land of sacrificial lambs - you are already way ahead.

I can understand your resistance - but it looks like all the players have decided that you are it. I understand how difficult it is to be in a toxic workplace and it you are otherwise unhappy, it is always a good idea to keep your options open.

I say you attitude determines your actions - go into the job cautiously but expecting to succeed.

I wonder if that many have been taken out - I have grave concerns about the main management. Sure, everyone gets a bat crap crazy in a position every now and then - but, dozens? Escorted out? Are these folks in these under management spots that bad or are they being set up or maybe they are "discovering" a bigger problem and then shown the door by the main management?? (Maybe the problem is bigger than it appears and the folks being let go are not the problem??)

If you really have no choice - go in with a no fail attitude. Consider it a great opportunity. Try to learn a lot. BUT PROTECT YOURSELF --- Keep detailed notes about your day - conversations, meetings, interactions. Keep copies of all correspondence and e-mails. Ask for written evaluations about your performance and ways to improve - ask at 30 days, 60 days, 90 days. I might even record phone conversations - check your state laws and tell no one - and if you ever have to use them - although you may be better protected you may be thought of as manipulative or "Linda Trippish" - but, you can look at this "tactic" as just a last best hope if they move toward your license or otherwise pull some serious shenanigans.

Most all ECF's have parent companies - doe this one? Surely if that many are being hired, fired and doing the pseudo "perp" walk to the parking lot with escorts, there are enough red flags being raised that someone at corporate is learning the nautical alphabet.

The market is tough right now - and I understand anxiety - but, someone is always the exception. Maybe it is you. If you like your spot - it may be work the chance.

Good Luck.

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I have a quick question about this: "The problem now is that the DON and ADON have pretty much made it clear that I must accept a unit manager position immediately."

They can't make you accept something you don't want to. Maybe I am naive, but I don't think it works that way...

They say they are over on the staff RNs in the building and basically I can 'promote' to a higher job, or I can not stay as a floor nurse making more than LPNs for the same job

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Since you say this is a pattern with them, it looks like they want to eliminate RNs so that they can make more money. Also I am sure they are getting some more bang for that one, probably want to hide/not fix an issue that if fixed would cost them more money. So, they like to have the excuse of saying that "we are working on it, but we JUST CAN'T FIND a decent NM" -- which would also explain the firings.

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Be the exception. Since you know that this is the land of sacrificial lambs - you are already way ahead.

I can understand your resistance - but it looks like all the players have decided that you are it. I understand how difficult it is to be in a toxic workplace and it you are otherwise unhappy, it is always a good idea to keep your options open.

I say you attitude determines your actions - go into the job cautiously but expecting to succeed.

I wonder if that many have been taken out - I have grave concerns about the main management. Sure, everyone gets a bat crap crazy in a position every now and then - but, dozens? Escorted out? Are these folks in these under management spots that bad or are they being set up or maybe they are "discovering" a bigger problem and then shown the door by the main management?? (Maybe the problem is bigger than it appears and the folks being let go are not the problem??)

If you really have no choice - go in with a no fail attitude. Consider it a great opportunity. Try to learn a lot. BUT PROTECT YOURSELF --- Keep detailed notes about your day - conversations, meetings, interactions. Keep copies of all correspondence and e-mails. Ask for written evaluations about your performance and ways to improve - ask at 30 days, 60 days, 90 days. I might even record phone conversations - check your state laws and tell no one - and if you ever have to use them - although you may be better protected you may be thought of as manipulative or "Linda Trippish" - but, you can look at this "tactic" as just a last best hope if they move toward your license or otherwise pull some serious shenanigans.

Most all ECF's have parent companies - doe this one? Surely if that many are being hired, fired and doing the pseudo "perp" walk to the parking lot with escorts, there are enough red flags being raised that someone at corporate is learning the nautical alphabet.

The market is tough right now - and I understand anxiety - but, someone is always the exception. Maybe it is you. If you like your spot - it may be work the chance.

Good Luck.

You know, that's a great attitude to approach this with. too bad my first, 2nd, 3rd.....100th reactions are negative.

I know I can be a great unit manager, but it seems all the great ones we have had have been pushed out the door in tears. I like my job and it is stressful enough, I just don't know if I can deal with the feeling of doom everytime I get ready to go into work.

The other warning sign is that we are expecting state in the building any day now (we actually over due). I know that any cr*p we get cited on that unit will fall on me and they will have their cause. The last manager left 2mos ago and they havent been able to staff that position, meaning all the things the manager should have been doing are probably not done.

I will probably end up the manager since my choices are limited, and while I hope with all my heart that I can be the exception, I do not see this ending well.

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Specializes in medical surgical.

Do not let them loose your job. If you find something else and move on they (hopefully) they will let you leave on good terms. Is it possible you could work prn for them or someone else in your area? Could you tell them at this time due to family...whatever....that you do not want to accept additional responsiblity?

I also completely believe you about the impossible demands. Its going on everywhere.

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Specializes in Trauma, Teaching.

I think I would ask a labor lawyer about this: they are overstaffed so want to force you to promote? Is there any policy about seniority in house? As in, let go the latest hires rather than the senior ones? Are they eliminating the RN position altogether? In which case I don't think you have much choice in staying where you are.

Understand the difficulty with heath coverage, would you qualify for COBRA if you leave voluntarily?

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