Come Clean with Dismissal or Not?

TazziRN, RN · Jul 4, 2007

Don't lie because any information you give may be checked up on. If you do not give the honest answer, you will not get the job. Be honest if asked the reason for leaving: "I was terminated."

When asked why, be objective and don't point fingers: "The hospital and I did not agree on (matter) and the administration felt that I was no longer an assett to their organization."

If asked for specifics, give them.....again, objectively.

Being fired is not the end of the world, especially if it did not involved a pt's well being. I was fired from my last job, literally hung out to dry by the physician I was working with. The organization I'm with now knew what happened and they still actively and enthusiastically recruited me.

nyapa, RN · Jul 5, 2007

Thats a very hard question. My husband was forced to leave for reasons not of his own doing; he was working for a government agency and those on high recognised that his immediate superiors were in the wrong. He was honest in future interviews - however this did him not a spot of good and now he cannot work as he has a bad name because it was his immediate superiors the potential employers spoke to, not those further up the ladder - a man who has been nursing for over 20yrs with a previously unsullied reputation. I am really angry he was placed in this situation.

So the pros in this situation were: tell the truth and you don't get the job. Cons: Don't tell the truth and you don't get the job. Who cares for the carer?

Sapphocles · Jul 8, 2007

Thanks for your replies!

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Jul 8, 2007

Wherever it was you worked...they cannot divulge that you were fired or anything bad about you. You left the job as a result of your own decision so I would not reveal that you were fired. Seems as though "choosing" to be fired would be the same as "quitting". IMO. I would say you quit.

nursemomceo · Jul 8, 2007

Why would you allow yourself to be fired instead of just leaving for a better place and having a better employment record? What was the reason to brand yourself like that.....what was in your mind to think that you would rather be fired then just leave? :idea:

DutchgirlRN, ASN, RN · Jul 8, 2007

Why would you allow yourself to be fired instead of just leaving for a better place and having a better employment record? What was the reason to brand yourself like that.....what was in your mind to think that you would rather be fired then just leave?

You took the words right out of my mouth (hands) thanks for asking. I'd be interested in hearing the answer myself.

nursemomceo · Jul 9, 2007

I just don't understand that thinking....wish they could elaborate more....I NEVER, left a job without another starting within a week....too scary for the bills and finances...even Cobra the insurance which almost kills you.....

caliotter3 · Jul 9, 2007

Hindsight is 20/20. Can't imagine why you didn't resign when given the opportunity, rather than forcing the termination. You can do a lot more explaining a resignation than a termination. Good luck in finding your next job.

Added thought: If you had extreme differences in opinion regarding policy, then you should have prepared for and left on your own. You had the responsibility to avoid letting this situation deteriorate once you determined that you could/would not conform to your employer's rules. Future employers are going to be wary of someone who doesn't play by the rules and they will be getting your employer's side of the story. So, again, good luck.

TazziRN, RN · Jul 10, 2007

If you resign you don't have a reason to fight it if desired. A termination can be fought. I was terminated from my last position. I would have refused to resign if given the option, because I did nothing wrong. Resigning can be seen as "Okay, I'll go 'way and be quiet."

And Dutch, employers can give more information with the permission of the applicant. And application packets now contain consents for the prospective employer to speak with the past ones. Don't sign it and you won't be considered. Sign it and you risk not being considered.

Sapphocles · Jul 10, 2007

Thanks for your replies!

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · Jul 29, 2007

Why would you allow yourself to be fired instead of just leaving for a better place and having a better employment record? What was the reason to brand yourself like that.....what was in your mind to think that you would rather be fired then just leave?

You can't file for unemployment if you just leave and some people need something coming in moneywise..