Any insight about hire after termination

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Oct 1, 2023

If you haven't worked in four years, you need a refresher course. Being fired from your last job, is also going to be a big problem. Do you have good references?

However, I came back from two years off through agency work. Everybody is nervous in an interview.

Good luck

Davey Do · Oct 1, 2023

It sounds like you've had a quite a few major life crises going on with you in the past few years Kaeayo, and when we feel unsettling about ourselves and where we are, it is difficult to make a headway plan.

Having been in a similar situation on different occasions, I can relate how I dealt with it: I just did he shotgun effect with job hunting, applying everywhere jumping in with both feet. Just the fact that I was doing something about my situation helped with the anxiety.

Also, having been terminate from a few positions, when asked why I left my last job, I've said things like, "It was a consensual agreement" to "I got fired" and was never at a loss for work.

As far as your mental & emotional health, take some strides to deal with your feelings, utilizing professional intervention, self-help strategies, and Journaling.

Good luck to you, Keayo.

JBMmom, MSN, NP · Oct 2, 2023

Since you do have experience, even if it is a while back, you will probably be able to find something. First, though, make sure that you've addressed your anxiety (unless you just mean it's situational because you're worried about getting hired) and/or whatever issue it was that lead to tardiness causing termination. You can probably find a temp staffing job more easily, since you have PCU experience, you might consider starting back at a telemetry assignment before trying to get back to ICU. You can explain much of your break from work related to your mother's illness. Since it's unlikely anyone at your old place of business would be contacted for anything other than confirmation that you worked there, you might be able to gloss over it as "not a good fit", or because of your mother's health. Not that I would recommend outright lying, but since it wasn't related to your nursing qualifications specifically, just not volunteering any extra information.

Kaeayo, ASN · Nov 9, 2023

I am grateful for all the replies. The encouragement does make me feel a bit better. The anxiety is just situational about the hiring process and how interviews may be handled, what to say, etc. I would of course never lie but was wondering if there was a possibility of some glossing, especially since it was some time ago. I have had my share of life crises in this time, but I am certain I am on the other side of those mountains. I have grown in countless ways for such a short time, and, hopefully, the influencing variables of my tardiness have been at least addressed if not totally transmuted. I miss nursing, a lot. And hope to be back soon. I figured the best mode of operation would be to mass apply and just leap in as you mentioned. There is almost something comforting about that tactic. I don't really have references though. That is another worrisome hurtle. The ones I had were from coworkers from years ago. I probably don't even have their correct numbers anymore. I don't yet know what to do about that. I was wondering if there was some sort of agency or specialty placement type service or organization that may be beneficial in my situation. Again, thank you for all the advice and kind words. It really helps. I'm always open for any more.

Peachpit · Nov 9, 2023

Being out of nursing completely for 4 yrs I doubt you could be hired right back into ICU but being terminated and not having references won't stop you from getting a job. Some of the large hospital organizations where I live don't check references anymore, just verification of employment.

When asked, if asked, in your interview why you left your former employer, keep it short and simple " Extenuating personal circumstances at the time led to my being unable to meet the expectations of the position. Those circumstances are completely resolved now and I confident I can not only meet, but in time, exceed the expectations of a new position." Do not tell the employer about your boyfriend/mother/or whatever else was going on at the time - they shouldn't ask but if they do, again, keep it simple, I needed to be more present to tend to my mother who was struggling with a extended illness and resources for her support outside of me were limited, do not tell them you are desperate for work, just tell them while it took you a little longer to settle the dust now that you have you are excited about moving forward to new beginnings and getting back to using your skills/education/experience to be of value and service to others in a long term position. Doesn't matter if you actually mean it, the fact is, there are some "buzz" words or similar that hiring managers are looking for these days - like teamwork, flexibility, willingness to work overtime - right or wrong, tell them what they want to hear

You may have a better option to return to work in a home health, long term care or occupational health positions that don't require Occ Health Certification. There are several companies nationwide that prefer ICU/ER nurses and Occ Health cert isn't required.

As far as references, put don't the last information you have for the ones you want to use. If/when the potential employers tells you they can't be reached, just say the information you provided is the last known contact information for them and go from there.

Good luck.