New Grad RN Fired for Missing Work Due to Miscarriage

Nurses Career Support

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I am a new grad RN who was just terminated from my first job which was at an LTC. I was there 7 weeks and got a high fever one day and was told I shouldn't come in, but was in training so no one had to work for me. Then, worked one shift on my own after orientation and later that week I miscarried and called in for two days due to being in the emergency room and then having surgery. I had documentation for medical treatment for all 3 days but they did not request. The scheduler and nursing supervisor for those days knew why I was out, so I'm assuming the DON knew too.

Prior to my next shift night, I received a pamphlet in the mail about how to apply for unemployment...I called and mgmt not available, but was told by another nurse that I'd been terminated by the DON for calling out too much. Still have not talked to mgmt.

How do I handle this as far as my resume and applications to new jobs? I have applied to a few jobs since this happened and didn't include it. However, I have read in other threads that this may come back to bite me. Will this show up on a background check? I feel like my nursing career is over before it's begun.

A miscarriage is not something one can just shrug off and show up at work. Attempt a meeting with the DON before giving up on this position she might give you another go. Good luck.

Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

Talk to your DON & Human Resources. This serious health problem obviously was a 'qualifying event' for FMLA, but since you were so new you may have still been in your probationary period. You need to clarify the circumstances. At the very least, you need for them to agree to list you as 'eligible for rehire' in case a potential employer contacts them in the future.

Specializes in OB/GYN,PHN, Family Planning.

This seems illegal to me. Fired for having a miscarriage? May want to consult a lawyer on that one.

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