advice for firing

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

HI everyone. I was fired last week for calling out too much. i recently had cancer and was out for 3 months, under fmla, which i exhausted. I came back, too early, and called out alot. the LAST time i called out , which my luck i had the flu and with occupational sending me home, that was he last straw for them and they fired me ., can I have opinions on wht to say to future employers about this? Thank you in advance for your input.

[kguill975, MSN, APRN, NP]

Since it's all PHI, you don't have to tell them anything, other than you had an extended illness, which you've recovered. Any chance, your previous employer would change your status from "fired" to "resigned"? Also, the cancer was covered under fmla, so are you sure you had too many call-offs exclusive of the cancer? Did they follow the protocol of a verbal warning, written warning, and final warning, etc?

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

they did not give a final warning, just a written.

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

also, who should i .....ask the question of changing the status to resign from fired, HR?

also, if i dont reveal the cancer, even though its phi, what else would i give them for a reason for leaving??

thank you for your response and advice!!!

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

anybody else, please?????

[eatmysoxRN, ASN, RN]

You could state that it wasn't a good fit? I'm sorry you're dealing with this.

~ No One Can Make You Feel Inferior Without Your Consent -Eleanor Roosevelt ~

[kguill975, MSN, APRN, NP]

also, who should i .....ask the question of changing the status to resign from fired, HR?

also, if i dont reveal the cancer, even though its phi, what else would i give them for a reason for leaving??

thank you for your response and advice!!!

I would start with your director. They know you, and would be more likely to compromise on it, rather than some random HR person. I know a nurse who was fired, and said she left due to pregnancy reasons. There is very little that can be legally said during an interview. Basically, any questions about marriage, children, and health status are a "no-no". Be honest, but emphasize that you've recovered from the illness, and you're ready to continue with your nursing career with a great job. I agree about it not being a good fit, especially if they would boot you out after an extensive illness. Good Luck and I think it will be fine.

[RNOTODAY, BSN, RN]

thank you everyone!

[meandragonbrett]

You're going to have the inevitable question of "Have you ever been fired or terminated from a position. If yes, please explain" You don't have to tell them you had cancer or any details. But it woud definitely be in your best interest to explain it as best as you possibly can.

While it might be illegal for your former employer to divulge details. There are details that are/will be told that you might never know about that could hinder. They might say you aren't eligible for re-hire and then your new hospital might ask about your "Attendance" just some food for thought.

[katherine100, LPN]

drogonbrett, under that question i put 'prefer not to discuss'. I think that could be why I was not called. I keep wondering if I had said 'yes' would they have hired me.