Fired from 1st nursing job

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I'm a recent BSN grad and...I was recently fired from my first nursing job (a nurse residency program). Suffice it to say, it was on acute care unit, and I just wasn't "picking up" on things as fast as I should have been (no behavioral or other issues). Anyone have advice on where to move on from here? Also, any advice on how to word being terminated on a resume or in an interview? Also, any advice on any certifications or brushing up on skills or knowledge which might also help my chances?

Thanks for the input!! ?

Thank you for posting @WildflowerFairy. 

I recently went through a similar experience.  I was expected to  function as an experienced nurse and take on high-acuity patients as a New Grad Float RN.  I eventually quit as I was concerned about patient-safety.  I didn't feel I was adequately trained to take on floating between various units as a new nurse.  I quit after only 3 months.  It was definitely a relief - felt like a huge burden lifted off my chest!  But now I don't know what to do for work...

I 100% agree with you - we should be able to ask questions as new nurses!  How else are they expecting us to learn?  A law protecting new nurses would be great. 

Can I ask what you all are doing now?  How were you able to land back on your feet after being terminated / resigning?  How did you move past it?  

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Specializes in PCCU, Vaccination, Psych.
On 4/29/2021 at 7:44 AM, StudentToRNBSN said:

did anyone have to pay back a fee when the hospital terminated you or made you resign? I know most residencies have a penalty for breaking the contract

No. These contracts generally have a clause in them that indicates that if the employer and the employee both agree to discharge (IE you were made to resign) and you keep documentation that you were forced to resign, or if you are fired, then the contract is non-fulfillable and you do not owe any money. It is only if you choose to leave voluntarily and break your contract. The hospital will include a line saying they can break the contract by terminating you at any time. You don't owe a company money for getting fired. 

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