Dear Nurse Beth,
I'm in need of advice. I have been a nurse for 16 years. I have made some poor life choices in the past that lead to being in the Diversion Program, which I completed, and now sit on the committee as a Board member.
For the last four years, I have worked in the Preop/PACU and most recently in the OR as a circulator. Management put a lot of weight on the surgical techs judging the RN's performance. One tech, in particular, was always condescending and like to discuss personal life (partying/drinking) in the OR. This guy just rubbed me wrong, but I made up my mind to not judge, listen if he had useful information, etc.
I had an incident recently. During a surgery, the surgeon asked me to fetch an instrument. I did, but above surgical tech happened to be in the sterile supply room. He was in the aisle I needed access to. I said, "excuse me, I need to get through". He begrudgingly moved. I went in aisle and obtained what I needed only to turn around and find him blocking my path back out. Repeatedly asked to get by to no avail. I finally placed my hand on his shoulder to redirect him. I never pushed, shoved, etc. As I left room, he yelled, "Don't ever touch me again!”
After the case finished, I went to my charge to let him know of the encounter. Eventually, the director called me to her office to explain what happened, which I did. She then mentioned talking to the surgical tech to get his side. At the end of the day, I was called back to the director's office. There I discovered I was being written up. I read what she put and in it; she stated I "shoved" him!
I completely disagreed with what she wrote, which she stated I didn't have to sign and could write what I felt like on the back. I did this making sure to mention I disagreed with "shoving" other employees. I obtained a copy and left for the weekend.
After work on Monday, another surgical tech caught me and asked how I was feeling, as she had heard his ranting and raving the previous Friday and that I had gotten into trouble. I told her how unfair it was. I did say I was joking but was very upset with the write-up and felt he was weak, "expletive". To this, she agreed but said I should be careful so as not to get HR's attention.
I said I was only venting as she had asked me how I was feeling. Not long after I had left for the day, HR did call me to say they were suspending me pending an investigation as the complaint was now elevated to "workplace violence". I was dumbfounded and also regretting venting. I was ultimately let go. Unfortunately, HR didn't give me a "reason for being let go", so I'm unable to complete unemployment paperwork. I took a loan out on my 401k and am living off that.
In the end, this hospital has flagged me as "not eligible for rehire". I am seeing now how my past DP participation and now this is just flagging me as a "bad employee", but I'm a good nurse and have loved this field for as long as I can remember.
I'm feeling humiliation and shame. I've been searching for work, and so far have only had one interview. I did share that I was let go. First, how should I approach prospective employers? I have a lot of negative information against me right now. I did reach out to fellow coworkers and even a doctor. All of whom have written me wonderful letters of reference.
Second, should I even bother advancing my education in nursing or leave this field completely? This is a small town, and I'm now currently barred from 3 of the 4. I feel so defeated. Any advice would be helpful.
This is a "he said, she said" where they took his word over yours. There was no one there to witness the event, so there's your story and then there's his story. Somehow he was believed, or they decided he was the more valuable employee, and they were going to back him.
It's unwise to ever touch another employee as it can escalate to exactly this. HR and risk departments nowadays are not going to look the other way when there's an allegation of "workplace violence". Meanwhile, it's ironic, because his blocking your exit is aggressive and could also be considered workplace violence.
While this feels devastating, hang in there. This, too, shall pass. What's important is to reflect on what part you had in the conflict, so you can understand yourself moving forward and have success in the workplace. Be sure not to "vent" and manage your emotions professionally. Learn your triggers and let them be your cues that you are in danger of reacting.
You love nursing and have 5 years of peri-op and OR experience. You are still marketable. You've overcome diversion, and you can overcome being terminated.
When asked about previous employment, just say "it wasn't a good fit". Do not defend yourself or even explain.
