Dazed and Confused

Nurses Career Support

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I was recently fired from my job of ten years as a staff/charge nurse for several patient complaints. The complaints involved taking too long to be discharged, and to be given pain medicine.We were busy as anything the days involved,short-staffed and had heavier patient loads than usual.I'm not trying to make excuses,I know I should have hustled a lot more,but hindsight is 20/20.Our unit has a zero-tolerance for patient complaints,so 3 strikes and I was out.My question is how do I get past the firing issue and get an interview? I've applied for several jobs in my specialty(OB),and have heard nothing back.I live in a small 2 hospital town.Do I need to generalize more(say med-surg) or try long term care?I would appreciate any suggestions.I've been a nurse for 20 years,I've never been fired before,and this is all new to me.

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Specializes in cardiac med-surg.

sorry to hear of your unfortunate predicament

good luck in your Job Search

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It's incredible that you've been fired like that. I guess the "customer" is always right eh. I wouldn't be looking for a new job, I'd be looking for a lawyer amd taking them to court :-)

I wish you all the luck for finding a new job.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

First and foremost don't be frightened. On your interview state that you left your last position and it was not on good terms although you have personal and professional references as needed. The previous place cannot state why you left only that you left and are you for rehire. Empasize the conflict with you felt. It will ok

I was recently fired from my job of ten years as a staff/charge nurse for several patient complaints. The complaints involved taking too long to be discharged, and to be given pain medicine.We were busy as anything the days involved,short-staffed and had heavier patient loads than usual.I'm not trying to make excuses,I know I should have hustled a lot more,but hindsight is 20/20.Our unit has a zero-tolerance for patient complaints,so 3 strikes and I was out.My question is how do I get past the firing issue and get an interview? I've applied for several jobs in my specialty(OB),and have heard nothing back.I live in a small 2 hospital town.Do I need to generalize more(say med-surg) or try long term care?I would appreciate any suggestions.I've been a nurse for 20 years,I've never been fired before,and this is all new to me.
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I have a year left before I graduate and this is what makes me scared to become a nurse. People can complain about any little thing and you can be fired for it? Not that not getting pain medication is a little thing. I know sometimes people will complain about anything - even if they think you looked at them the wrong way.

I am sorry this has happened to you. It may be a blessing in disguise. Keep the faith.

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

Good grief, if I got fired on my 3rd complaint I would have been fired 15 years ago from this position. People just can't be pleased.

Anyway, good luck to you and welcome to Allnurses.

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Everyone posting on these boards can sympathize with your situation. Yes, the customer is always right in today's facilities. Too bad no one had the guts to speak up and say the facility was at fault too. I would suggest you broaden your search area a little. Maybe do some agency work, a physician's office, or home health. Good luck.

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