Fired 6 weeks into orientation

[CuddleFox]

I finally landed a job a new grad RN at one of the best hospitals in the state and I was fired after 6 weeks for med errors.

Let me explain. I know med errors are serious business, but my circumstances are complicated.

The first one my preceptor gave me step by step instructions on how to deliver a med that was the wrong route. After we realized, he told the NM he never told me to give it and that I gave it without their knowledge. Meanwhile they was at the bedside with me and told me to give it.

The second error was a drug that the patient was receiving every 4 hrs and then an additional stat dose was prescribed. I checked the 5 rights, everything was identical. However, it was considered a med error because I scanned the regular dose instead of the stat dose when I gave it. Even the doctor said it wasn't a big deal. Both patients were okay with no complications.

I've learned from my mistakes, especially the first time around. I don't need to be lectured on how serious my errors were. My main concern is whether or not I'll ever be able to find another job in nursing after this. Do I put it on my resume and explain to potential employers? Or do I leave it off since it was only 6 weeks?

[nurseprnRN, BSN, RN]

I'm not sure I'd bank on "usually." You feeling lucky? :)

[RNrecruiterNYC]

You're right on that, as with everything you need to weigh your options on risks. If you don't take a chance you don't get one and you'll never know either way. If you are dealing with a staffing agency or an HR department separate from the hospital you can be frank with them as they are willing to work with you to get their placement however if you go directly to the source of where you want to be employed you will be under a larger microscope. At the end of the day you can't run away from whatever happened you just have to tell the story in the right lighting so to speak. It's a rock and a hard place

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

HR departments will do a search to determine whether you had Social Security payments and other indications of whether you received a paycheck. This will show up, assuming you weren't working for free for six weeks.

This intrigues me.....how is it legal for anyone to access Social Security payment information? I'm not naive, but this is the first time I've heard of this type of search.

[vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN]

I PM-ed you.

[RNrecruiterNYC]

It is illegal to do without consent. When you are applying for employment you have to sign a waiver for a background check and if you read it carefully it might not just pertain to a criminal one. It could be credit, employment and references

[CuddleFox]

Grn-Tea: "They was" was supposed to be "they were". My preceptor was at the bedside with me. Told me step by step what to do, and then watch me administer it. When we realized what happened, he lied and said he never told me to give it. That I did it without him knowing.

This wasn't his first **** up. During our orientation I saw him make several mistakes, and after I was switched to another preceptor, other RNs told me that he's always screwing up and blaming someone else. I just smiled and nodded, never said a single negative thing about him. I wanted people to like me there and didn't want anymore trouble after the first incident.

[CuddleFox]

vintagemother-received ur message. thanks so much. the site isn't letting me pm you back.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

This intrigues me.....how is it legal for anyone to access Social Security payment information? I'm not naive, but this is the first time I've heard of this type of search.

It's covered when you agree to background checks...employment, credit, criminal, license history, etc

[RNsRWe, ASN, RN]

I guess I hadn't thought about it much (no tangled web of deception, lol, so not much thought to the details!). I honestly wouldn't have thought of anyone checking to see if SS payments were made on my behalf, as an indication of employment during a time not listed.

Learn something new every day....it's a good thing!

[wooh, BSN, RN]

Don't put it on your resume. Do put it on employment applications that ask you to list ALL employment.

[Twinmom06, ASN, APN]

repeat to yourself (if they ask) "it wasn't a good fit". This is sort of a catch all and considering you were only there for 6 weeks is completely plausible

[Sabr, BSN, RN]

People get fired for the smallest things on probation if for some reason the higher-ups dont like the said individual. It's probation; so ANYTHING you do is a fireable offense. Anything!