For the past 3 months I have been happily employed with an independently owned minor med clinic chain where I was responsible for everything from patient care to employee training. My most recent performance evaluation 10 days ago was stellar, and I was frequently complimented on what a good job I was doing by the owner.
3 days ago, one of the providers called me at home and said that there had been a complaint from a patient about me. Apparently, this patient allegedly overheard me using profanity. As it was explained to me, the incident didn't take place during the course of patient care and was not related to patients whatsoever. This person just claimed to have overheard "profanity." The provider was informing me that the owner said this was grounds for termination, and that I was to turn in my security card and come in and sign exit papers.
I was incredibly shocked because 1) I don't use profanity in the workplace and 2) it seemed beyond me that the first and only complaint against me would result in my termination. I requested more information regarding the incident, but the provider couldn't give me any other than a patient claimed they overheard me use profanity, and for that I no longer had a job.
I'm completely flummoxed because I have no knowledge of the alleged remark. I wasn't even told what I supposedly said or when, so I've been wracking my brain thinking about what I consider profanity and what I do not consider profanity, and it still is beyond me because none of those words are part of my vocabulary in a professional setting.
I attempted to reach the owner of the clinic via phone several times before finally going in and signing my "exit papers" not before including in my comments section that no details of the incident had been provided and no opportunity for improvement had been offered.
It really began to eat at me, so I decided to email the owner, and I basically told her that I was incredibly insulted by how she chose to handle this situation and that she should have come to me with this issue and gone from there rather than tossing me aside without a second glance. She emailed back saying she'd like to meet with me, and I don't quite know what to make of that. I love the work I do and the people with whom I work - I wouldn't have bothered with trying to communicate with the owner if I didn't.
I guess what I'm asking is how do I proceed? This isn't the most ideal time of the year to be without a job and I really love my job, so it really pains me to have to leave it. I'd prefer to keep my job despite the bad taste I have in my mouth for the company now, but should I just cut my losses and go, or put up a fight for my job? And if I fight, how do I convey my concern and ask for repentance for something I'm not aware happened? It's not outside the realm of possibility that in the break room or on my way to my car I could have said something like "damn" or "hell", but I have no memory of anything like occurring, and I have no qualms with expressing regret and apologizing, but I just don't know how to approach it. Has anyone else been in such a situation?
What you all have pointed out actually makes a lot of sense. I hadn't considered my 90 days or the fact that I have basically gotten everything set up so nicely that someone else could just step right in and the transition be relatively seamless. I can't believe I was so naive. The only reason I was intending to meet was because I genuinely believed it was all a misunderstanding. I couldn't fathom why there would be such a complaint against me because there really wasn't one. There has been no interaction with anyone in my recent memory that included profanity in the workplace. I know that with absolute certainty. I'm just gonna find another job; I don't make deals with devils. I learned a long time ago that wasn't for me.
They terminated your employment as you approached your 90th day with the company. This is common, unfortunately. They used a possibly trumped-up excuse to rid themselves of you. Regardless of the glowing reviews, the owner was not that into you. It seems as if the owner was the one who wanted you gone.
If the separation of employment took place on or before the 90th day of employment, there is not much you can do. The first 90 days is usually the probationary period in which the company can terminate your employment for any reason and/or you can resign for any reason.
My advice is to dust yourself off, move on, and throw yourself full-force into the hunt for a new job. Good luck to you!
In the situation of the OP, how should they list their experience on a resume and/or job interview from then on?
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
In the situation of the OP, how should they list their experience on a resume and/or job interview from then on?
The individual can omit this short stint or disclose it. However, if the job accepted Medicare payments as a funding source, the chance of it turning up in a background check is always present.
I know exactly how you feel. I was working at my dream RN job for over 15 years and I was forced to exit post an incident....might I add I had several outside problem that I shared with my management and I was still terminated. I know that I am depressed and stressed because I have a had 3 other employments in the last 5 years and I have either resigned because of a incident or I was asked to resign. I know I am a good nurse but I was stalked for 5 years and I think the stress has taken my career. I have children and mountains of bills. My last position just ended the day before the holiday. You have no choice pick yourself up and go and get another job. Try something new. I am.
RNOracle
4 Posts
What you all have pointed out actually makes a lot of sense. I hadn't considered my 90 days or the fact that I have basically gotten everything set up so nicely that someone else could just step right in and the transition be relatively seamless. I can't believe I was so naive. The only reason I was intending to meet was because I genuinely believed it was all a misunderstanding. I couldn't fathom why there would be such a complaint against me because there really wasn't one. There has been no interaction with anyone in my recent memory that included profanity in the workplace. I know that with absolute certainty. I'm just gonna find another job; I don't make deals with devils. I learned a long time ago that wasn't for me.