Let go after three days? Seriously?!?!

[LTCNS]

I have a thread going in MDS about being burned out and going back to the floor, so I got a job at a LTC home in my area. During the interview the DNS stated she was very impressed with my experience and offered me the job on the spot.

I was told I would get 5 days of orientation, with more if needed and today was to be day 4. I was fully prepared to take the cart and do the med. pass alone, asking for help as needed, since I had most of it down, except for being a bit slow passing the meds. since it has been awhile since I worked a med. cart.

Anyway, the DNS called me at home and told me she didn't think I was going to work out When I asked why she said that the nurse I had been with the past two evenings told her I was a bit slow with the med. pass and that she didn't think I would last since I had been an "office nurse" for so long.

So I said to the DNS, "You're only giving me three days after you promised a full week, and even said I could have more if needed? You knew I had been a MDS Nurse for years and are only giving me 3 days to become acclimated to the med. cart?" She pretty much said they need someone who can take right over so they didn't think it was the job for me.

I had the paperwork/computer charting down pat and all I needed was to get to know the residents. I was going to be assigned to the rehab. side and would have loved it since there are so many acutely ill rehab. patients with a plethora of "issues." Right up my alley. I am a darn good nurse and have experience in many, many aspects of patient care. The patients loved me and told the DNS they specifically wanted me taking care of them after only three days.

What did I do wrong? Can someone shed some light on this for me? I need a job desperately...

[LTCNS, LPN]

Looks like I will possibly have three different interviews next week! I'm sensing a breakthrough :)

[HurricaneCasRN]

Is it possible that a former employer is giving you bad references, deserved or not? I've heard of it happening. Good luck with your new interviews!

[LTCNS, LPN]

Is it possible that a former employer is giving you bad references, deserved or not? I've heard of it happening. Good luck with your new interviews!

That's possible. I wouldn't rule it out, but the Staff Development Nurse told me my references were good. Who knows? And thanks for the good luck wishes :)

[wyogypsy, RN]

Many places want someone that can hit the floor running, which if you haven't worked the floor for a long time in LTC then you aren't able to do. BUT, some places know a gem when they see one and are willing to give a bit more time for orientation. With your MDS background, you will be a great asset as far as charting properly, notifying them of significant changes, etc. Your job is out there, be thankful these others didn't work out.

[LTCNS, LPN]

Many places want someone that can hit the floor running, which if you haven't worked the floor for a long time in LTC then you aren't able to do. BUT, some places know a gem when they see one and are willing to give a bit more time for orientation. With your MDS background, you will be a great asset as far as charting properly, notifying them of significant changes, etc. Your job is out there, be thankful these others didn't work out.

Thank you so much for the words of encouragement :)

Hopefully the Administrator at the little country home I applied to will remember how dependable and hard working I was the first time I worked there.