Fired!

[LVNBSN2]

I was fired for whistle blowing, and, of course, that is illegal, so I was fired for "performance" and have no disciplinary action in my file stating so. I was never told why, exactly, I was fired, and I have no termination paperwork.

Now, no one will hire me. I have been on interviews and when I call to check on status, my calls are ignored. I am getting unemployment, but, I would like a job. I do work for a staffing agency but the hours aren't consistent.

What can I say to get hired since I was terminated and the interviewer wants to know why? I can't say too much about what I reported to the state, but I will say the facility was given an IJ tag because of my complaint. And, I did go up my chain of command with my concerns before I called the state.....and my concerns were ignored, and suggestions ignored. And, of course, budget constraints cited rather than patient safety.

I know the budget is important, too, but, come on. Patient safety should be first, no matter what. Unfortunately, I opened my mouth and got fired for it. Trust me, I learned my lesson, I will never do that again! I will keep my mouth shut and I'll just have to learn to play the game. If I can get another job.

[llg, PhD, RN]

If you really think you were fired for whistle-blowing ... and that your former employer is now hurting your chances of being hired anywhere else ... you need a lawyer, not a nurse.

Get a legal opinion about whether or not you have a decent case and be prepared for it to get uglier before it gets better. Whistle-blowing is often harmful to your career and many (most?) people who do it pay a penalty. However, if your former employer is actually breaking any laws, a lawyer can help you get compensation for any damage they have done to you. That's the best you can realistically hope for.

Good luck! Please let us know what the lawyer says.

[LVNBSN2]

I have an appointment next week. But, what do I say to an interviewer who wants to know why I was terminated when I don't know exactly why myself?

[NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN]

What ever you do be honest. I was fired recently and when it came up I just told the reason and while and the nurse recruiter accepted my explanation and honesty. Good luck.

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

YOu are entitled to "paperwork" and a description of your benefits from Unemployment and COBRA. The Lawyer is a good idea. I would state that you left, unfortunately, on bad terms and that you didn't feel they lived up to their philosophy statement, and they felt they did and you could no longer work for that facility. Good Luck

[caliotter3]

If you do not know why, just tell them you do not know why. For that matter, you could be told one thing, and then you might find out that something else is being reported to prospective employers. That kind of thing does happen, so there is nothing wrong with saying you do not know why. It is only the truth.

[leslie :-D]

Trust me, I learned my lesson, I will never do that again! I will keep my mouth shut and I'll just have to learn to play the game.

i too, have been fired for whistleblowing, so i do understand how you feel now.

however, i also know (yrs later) that if i ever worked in an environment where pt safety and well-being, was being neglected, i would whistleblow again.

there isn't any way in hell, i could live with myself, if i learned to "play the game".

when i interviewed with prospective employers, i did tell them that i reported facility i worked for, which resulted in huge $$ penalities and jeopardized their standing in taking pts.

any ethical employer will understand and hire you.

you just might want to share what you did, in very general terms.

until then, maybe you can get a reference from a former coworker at this place?

i definitely urge you to consult with an attorney.

even if you don't go forward with charges, s/he can negotiate a decent reference from them.

thanks for doing what you did.

it wreaks havoc on your life, your spirit, and soul...

but in the end, you did what was right.

leslie

[PinayNanayNurse, BSN, RN]

sorry to hear that. i agree, you need a legal assistance. hope your concern will be resolved the soonest.

god bless!

[LVNBSN2]

Unemployment sent me a letter stating I was terminated for "performance."....but I get unemployment. Their website states you won't get unemployment if you were fired for something that was in your control. And the facility pays unemployment, or a portion of it.

I called HR today and they couldn't even tell me why I was fired. She said since she wasn't involved, she was just told I was terminated.

However, I was also told there is a procedure to follow if I feel I was wrongfully terminated. I may meet with the admin and regional corporate person next week to discuss this procedure that isn't in the handbook. I was also asked if I was found wrongfully terminated if I would be interested in getting my job back. Huh?? LOL

[caliotter3]

They are feeling you out for a wrongful termination lawsuit? Doesn't that tell you something? You appear to have grounds on the surface. Seek the advice of an attorney. But not many would have the fortitude to return to a place after your experience. Do not meet with them until you have spoken to the attorney. Getting the unemployment check is another hint. This stinks to high heaven. Good luck with moving on. The sooner you get new employment the better off you will be.

[LVNBSN2]

Of course they are, because they know they screwed up.

[LVNBSN2]

They are feeling you out for a wrongful termination lawsuit? Doesn't that tell you something? You appear to have grounds on the surface. Seek the advice of an attorney. But not many would have the fortitude to return to a place after your experience. Do not meet with them until you have spoken to the attorney. Getting the unemployment check is another hint. This stinks to high heaven. Good luck with moving on. The sooner you get new employment the better off you will be.

What is that supposed to tell me? They know they screwed up so they are trying to backpedal and prevent a lawsuit? The corporation has been in trouble before for wrongfully terminating a whistle blower. Yes, it does stink. I have applied for every job I can with no luck.