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I was recently fired--Yes I was wrong--just did not consider the act. I had an aide put the nebulizer med into a nebulizer and turn it on. I did that several times, but not constantly. I worked nights and had 3 units most of the time. I did it as a time saver to start it while I finished something else and then went to eval the resident a few minutes later. The dns also said I could lose my licience for this. I contacted the nursing board and they said probably not and that they probably wont investigate even. I am shattered. I have been a nurse about 40 years and this is the first time this has ever happened. What do I do in applying for a new job and how do I deal with the question--why did you leave your last job. Also how to cope with the feelings related to doing something you know was wrong. I am still dealing with how angry the dns was. Thanks.:cry:

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Sounds like you worked in nursing home? Surprised you DON did'nt give you a second chance with counsling esp. when you admitted you were wrong and explained why you did it. Applying for another job may be tough but if you are upfront and honest you will likely find someone who will understand. We all make bad judgments at one time or another. I am impressed that you admit to the error and don't blame on someoneelse or the circumstances of having a heavy pt. load. Get over the DON and her anger. You don't work there anymore so don't dwell on her. If she was a good DON she should'nt have expressed anger but discussed in a rational calm manner your error. Good luck in your future.

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I always feel that honestly is the best policy. Admit what you did, clearly state the reason why it was the wrong thing to do, show the steps you have taken to remediate yourself and offer, if necessary, to extra supervision to prove your sincere desire to be a safe practitioner. I have no doubt that you will be hired -- maybe not every time you apply but you only need ONE, right? Good luck.

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I would make up a reason for leaving and just apply elsewhere.

This is petty crap and I am betting that they wanted to replace you with someone cheaper.

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Specializes in acute care and geriatric.
I would make up a reason for leaving and just apply elsewhere.

This is petty crap and I am betting that they wanted to replace you with someone cheaper.

I couldn't disagree with you stronger- although I understand your point. I doubt that replacing her with someone cheaper was the reason.

I agree with the other posts- admit your mistake- we all do 'em; express sincere regret, avoid blaming others and move forward.

As much as you want to - avoid venting to ex-coworkers. Now might be a great time for a mini vacation to clear your head so you can start fresh.

You seem like an honest person and probably deserved another chance- maybe you just caught your DON on an off day.

Good Luck

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Do Not Lie. This unethical and not morally right

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I doubt that replacing her with someone cheaper was the reason.

I actually agree with Sue on this one. A nurse with 40 years of experience with a clean record...to me, you would have to just short of kill someone to fire them for something like this.

If she is that experienced, chances are she is on the higher end of the income scale...and when you get to that point, they are just looking for a legal reason to get rid of you.

I had an aunt who spent the last 8 years of her retirement in a living hell because she was actually making more money than the DON d/t a very lucrative raise structure that had been in place for years before it was d/c'd.

She went on vacation for 3 weeks (she did this every year) and came back one year and they were on her rear! Anything that they could do....refuse her days off, make her work on Christmas, New Years, thinks she never had a problem with was suddenly a battle.

She was able to last until retirement...but she said looking forward to the benefits that they were not going to force her to cut, was what kept her going.

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thank you all for your comments. I am inclined to also just tell the whole story--However__when I look at the "what to do when you have been fired websites", they all state that you should never state it without being specifically asked. I am so embarressed and angry at myself.

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I would go with being prepared to talk about it but don't bring up the subject yourself and don't dwell on it during the interview. Instead focus on your abilities and experience.

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{{{{cccc}}}}

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

A savy DON knows the score of staffing vs. workload. Would you want to work for someone who, if you should be discovered in a lie, would summarily fire you? Better to be honest and know some doors might slam in your face. It is liberating to work for someone who YOU can trust to judge a matter from all sides. This is a two way street. You want to work for someone who will try not to place you in the position of having to resort to unethical and illegal tactics.

I wish you the best.

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It is always an affront to yourself to be let go from a job. Recognizing your error is a sign of the high caliber of talent you possess. I have been fired from 2 jobs in a non-nursing related career, and it hurt both times. Once was because a "personality conflict" and the second time to be replaced by a former employee who left 10 years prior. Being cut from your job always finds you at the least opportune time or at least it did me. But, I have to say, both times I was let go, turned out to be one of the best things that happened to me. The first time was '03 and I took that opportunity to branch out in my career and experienced the most liberating period of my life. The second time was earlier this year, and it forced me to reconsider where my career life was going, and helped me determine to transition from my current career to pursue a nursing career. Each time I was let go, I was honest with my next employer telling them why I was let go. You do not have to give graphic details. But maybe take this time to reinvent yourself or step outside of your comfort zone...you never know what might happen. Good luck & am cheering for you!:yeah:

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