can they say I was terminated?

[NamasteNurse]

If I get terminated from a facility, can that facility tell a prospective employer that I was and why? Should I just tell new employers myself? Should I tell new employers not to contact the firing facility? How does this all work? Suspended for a documentation error! Still no word if I am terminated or not, pending investigation. Don't they have to tell me what's going on? How long can they make me wait? Should I be applying to new jobs now, because I am! So sad and miserable. HELP.

[NamasteNurse, BSN, RN]

Thanks everyone. Sunday night and still no word, hopefully tomorrow. The worst part is being in limbo. I have a few leads on new jobs, hitting them tomorrow with resumes.

As to the 'old' employer, what about my vacation/sick time? Any chance of getting that payout? Will they just call me and say you're terminated?

Thanks again for all your support, food for thought and well thought out responses. I do appreciate it. When all is said and done, all I can do is learn and move on. Did I mention I've only been a nurse for a year? This too shall pass...sigh

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

Yes, they can.

[BrookeeLou_RN]

WRONG.

Once again, urban legends abound.

HR departments can and will give truthful information. They are not limited (as popular tales say) to hiring/firing dates, etc. If your history with the company is negative, the HR department will convey that. As long as the information conveyed is truthful, HR is not crossing any boundaries.

This is not true in every state included many right to work states. You should check laws in your state,:)

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

Those of you who believe the myth that employers can only LEGALLY give out dates of employment and whether or not you're eligible for rehire should read the following (these are just a few examples of what you'll find if you google this):

http://jobsearch.about.com/od/backgroundcheck/f/whatemployerscansay.htm

http://blogs.findlaw.com/law_and_life/2010/01/speak-no-evil-what-can-your-former-employer-say-about-you.html

http://labor-employment-law.lawyers.com/wrongful-termination/Employees-Job-Termination-Rights-FAQ.html#9

http://money.usnews.com/money/blogs/outside-voices-careers/2008/09/22/what-to-do-about-a-bad-reference

Many employers have a POLICY to not give out more than dates of employment and rehire status, but there is no law, in any state in the US, that restricts them from giving out more info, as long as it's the truth.

Believe otherwise at your own peril...........

(to the OP -- no idea what the laws are in the UK, but I doubt it's different there -- not a bad idea to consult a lawyer though)

Hmm, so you are insisting this is true and several others here are insisting that in "their state" you are wrong. I wonder who is actually right?

I'm thinking you have an accurate take on the fact that POLICY is one thing and LAW is another.

I think it stinks that there could be horrible, lazy, nasty, or downright dangerous nurses out there who are able to go from place to place continuing to give awful care while hiding under some legal cloak of secrecy (or even just a litigation driven policy) which protects their "right" to privacy. I don't advocate untruthful spreading of lies which is intended to make a person unemployable, but if I am hiring someone as important as a nurse, I would like calling to check references to actually be worth the effort.

[medpro32]

If I get terminated from a facility, can that facility tell a prospective employer that I was and why? Should I just tell new employers myself? Should I tell new employers not to contact the firing facility? How does this all work? Suspended for a documentation error! Still no word if I am terminated or not, pending investigation. Don't they have to tell me what's going on? How long can they make me wait? Should I be applying to new jobs now, because I am! So sad and miserable. HELP.

They old employer can tell anything that is accurate to a new employer. Most HR departments only give out start and end dates, wages and positions held. Rarely will they get to talk to your actual manager.

You might want to find a job while you still have a job so you can quit rather than be fired.

[NamasteNurse, BSN, RN]

thanks everyone again! I started a new thread called "now what" to add to the ongoing saga. I am not in the UK. But want to keep my location secret. I so appreciate you giving me your time and answers!

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

OP, are you writing a book or have you in fact published a book and are using this forum for material?

[NamasteNurse, BSN, RN]

OP, are you writing a book or have you in fact published a book and are using this forum for material?

??? No --why do you ask this?