Fired for "sounding like I'm high"....

kemo1121 · Jan 9, 2015

Well were you?

Just kidding, can they really fire you over one docs complaint? Unless there is something you are not telling us.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Jan 9, 2015

If you have malpractice insurance, now is the time to use it and speak with them. If you do not, speak to an attorney. If you are union, speak to them.

I think most all new jobs for new nurses can be awkward. The couple of things that jump out at me (besides the obvious of a manager choosing to call you with this) is that she called you "incompetent" and alluded to the fact you were "high". This needs to be dealt with, as to not follow you. That this was done on the telephone can be something that the manager can deny.

So I think to discuss this with an attorney to protect yourself, be able to think about unemployment benefits, and a clean slate going forward should be the priority.

Best wishes going forward.

Knuckles31 · Jan 9, 2015

No I'm not hiding anything. What I told you is what happened during the phone call. The only area I was struggling in was delegating the CNA's for the reason listed above which led to several complaints and such. Not only that ,but within the first month of me being there rumors were circulating of me getting into relationships with the CNA staff that the DON approached me about it. I told her they were in no way true. It turns out that the nurse in charge of the other halls on the same shift started those rumors in the first place. It kind of feels like I was at a place where I couldn't win. Everywhere I went it felt like I had a target on my back. They even told me if I applied for unemployment, that they wouldn't argue against it, which is a red flag if I ever saw one.

Iknowwha2du · Jan 9, 2015

One word for you, "Politics". Consider yourself lucky because if a place is so quick to do that without investigating, just imagine them accusing you of stealing narcotics or something, that would be worse. It sounds like a very unprofessional place.

caliotter3 · Jan 9, 2015

Make sure you check in with an attorney if you find out that you are being blacklisted for "sounding high". They can criticize your job performance all they want, but when they accuse you of being "high" there had better be a positive drug screen and follow-up if they think they can destroy your career with allegations before you have even started.

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 9, 2015

How long were you employed with this job? If the termination took place during the first 90 days of employment, this is usually considered the probationary period at most workplaces. During this time your employment can be terminated by either you or them without proof of just cause.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Jan 9, 2015

OP they can and will say anything they want to--the issue as I see it is to be proactive in protecting yourself NOW. Speak with an attorney before this turns into something that is going to suck more than it already does.

You may have been in your probationary period. They can fire you for anything or nothing, so a stretch for "wrongful termination" I would think--but I do not KNOW that--only a lawyer does.

But all this business about relationships with CNA's and being high and incompetence......These are issues that need to be dealt with right this moment.

brillohead, ADN, RN · Jan 9, 2015

Not sure where you live, but if you don't have an Employment Contract, chances are you're an at-will employee, which means they can fire you for anything or nothing (other than a federal protected status, like race or age).

They can dismiss you because they don't like your hairdo. Because you laugh like a donkey braying. Because you don't laugh enough.

The same at-will employment designation that allows you to quit your job for any reason (or no reason) also allows them to terminate your job for any reason (or no reason).

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Jan 9, 2015

However, more astute employers who no longer want a worker around will at least attempt to conjure up a trail of bogus documentation before canning them. It is also known as "making paper" or "creating the paper trail."

They document a paper trail of progressive disciplinary action via written warnings and perhaps a final warning, then they terminate the employment of the person who they want gone. A paper trail almost surely ensures that the employer will prevail if they are ever sued by the former worker.

Not sure where you live, but if you don't have an Employment Contract, chances are you're an at-will employee, which means they can fire you for anything or nothing (other than a federal protected status, like race or age).
They can dismiss you because they don't like your hairdo. Because you laugh like a donkey braying. Because you don't laugh enough.
The same at-will employment designation that allows you to quit your job for any reason (or no reason) also allows them to terminate your job for any reason (or no reason).

Career Columnist / Author · Jan 10, 2015

The DON was extremely unprofessional. She terminated you over the phone; she insinuated you were under the influence (slander); she is kowtowing to one MD's complaint.

I am so sorry you had this experience as a new nurse. But, really, it's probably for the best that you don't work at such a facility.

Good luck and hope you get on at a better place!

Knuckles31 · Jan 10, 2015

Alright I will look into an attorney as soon as possible especially if I find out I'm being black listed. When I went to the department of labor it only listed that I was terminated. They did ask if there were other factors involved in the termination so I told them what I told you guys. I'm not discouraged just yet. I am skeptical of working at another nursing home since from what I experienced at that place is that word of mouth is very powerful rather than a person's performance and effort. Maybe a clinical setting would be better?