VA jobs

[YesYesRN]

Hello everyone,

I have an experience being terminated during the probationary period. My working experience has been extremely positive until I was assigned to a new preceptor who was moody and changes her mind often. She was angry all the time and picking up fights with other nurses. Her bad attitude towards me let me believe that she did not like me. Her previous preceptee quit her job and I was terminated because of her negative evaluations.

I would love to apply for a VA position. Does mentioning about the termination hurt my chance of getting hired?

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Did this employer classify you as "not eligible for rehire"? If so, you'll need to be ready with some sort of explanation for any prospective employer. The usual "was not a good fit" probably won't work because that classification means that you were terminated due to some sort of negative issue. There's no hiding it.

None of us is perfect. Many of us have been terminated at some point in our careers. The best approach is one in which you provide an honest appraisal of your own contribution to the outcome -- and what you have learned from it. Based on your initial post, it appears that you haven't taken any ownership; you were just an innocent victim. This is not going to provide the type of damage control you need.

[dishes, BSN, RN]

If you are interested in working in a VA and want to have a better understanding of people living with disabilities, consider volunteering with the Paralyzed Veterans Association and/or wheelchair sports.