"Reason for Leaving" - What to say?

[DeLana_RN, BSN, RN]

I recently lost my PRN position on a busy hospital unit unexpectely about 4 weeks out of orientation; "coincidentally", a nurse who had worked there for years and transferred to another floor when I was hired had unexptectely returned and got most of the shifts that would have been available for me. Of course, the manager did not say that this was the reason, nor did she give a good reason, only that the position was just not a good fit for me. But she said that I was definitely eligible for rehire and that she would help me find another job in this hospital.

I'm now ready to send out some applications, starting with the same hospital; everything is done online. My dilemma is the question: "Reason for Leaving". It is not a mandatory field, so I could leave it blank; but is this a good idea? And if I do fill it in, just how do I word this? "Not a good fit" - I don't know, what kind of an impression would this make on a prospective hiring manager?

I've tried to get in touch with my former manager to get some more feedback; however, she's on vacation. Should I call the recruiter and ask about this? Somehow I don't think that's a good idea (or is it)? I know my manager talked to the recruiter about my situation (she told me during our last meeting), but I was too surprised at the time to ask her more questions.

If any of your have any helpful ideas or suggestions (especially if you're a manager who reviews applications, or someone who has been in a similar situation), I would very much appreciate it.

Thank you!

DeLana

[caliotter3]

I would definitely not use the "good fit" reason. That is a dead giveaway that there was a problem with you. If it were me, I would write the phrase, "temporary position". If asked, I would state that a nurse returned and was given the hours. I would not go along with telling the world that you aren't working there any longer because there was something wrong with your job performance. I believe you hit the nail on the head. They gave your job to the other nurse and have to make you look bad so you will go away and not complain.