FIRED!!! What to do now?

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Fired. Yes, I was fired by the state agency I was working for as an RN just a few weeks before my probation ended. They said that they will not tell me the cause of my being fired. They only said that I "was not a fit" and that "I was not able to perform the job" they hired me for!! Now what can I do? I tried to apply for jobs after this but it is really a hard thing to say "terminated" when they ask "what was the reason for leaving your previous job?". Remember, I got my NCLEX last Oct. '10, then worked part time for a few months in nursing home and home health. So this was the real first nursing job I had. Has this happened to anyone early in their career? What did you do to get another job? What steps should I take to get a job? I will REALLY, REALLY appreciate all your helpful comments. Thank you!!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Be honest and include this aspect of your employment history on your resume and future job applications. When/if asked about this job, be honest and tell them that you were not a good fit for the position. Do not badmouth your former coworkers and supervisors under any circumstances because this will make you look like a whiny person who cannot take any personal responsibility.

Emphasize how you will be a great fit for the new position for which you are interviewing. Good luck to you!

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You might want to look into the details of your firing a bit more. You mentioned it was a state agency. Government-affiliated employers often have HR guidelines that are more strict than the private sector. You have to weigh whether it's worth it or not, but you may want to consult a lawyer to see what your options are (eg, are you afforded access to your HR file?) Even if you don't want the job back, perhaps there is a way to convince this agency to change your separation status to resignation rather than termination. This may become an appealing option to them if they perceive it to be a way to avoid costly prolonged litigation. Even if you're not planning to sue, being contacted by your lawyer will definitely raise their concern.

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Specializes in Hospice / Psych / RNAC.

If it's state then it's union ... did you contact your union rep? Also, how can they hire you if you're on probation and then terminate; what I'm saying the language is wrong. They can't fire someone they haven't officially hired yet. Anyway to the point of why ... doesn't matter when they or you decide it isn't a good fit before the probationary period is up it's completely legit, it doesn't matter who decided to not follow through with the contract. Look into the language of the deal, contact the union rep; they will help you. AJ is right, they will jump to change things once litigation is considered.

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Specializes in Government.

As a former and retired state employee, I can tell you that what happened to you is happening to RNs all over the US. Just before the probationary period ends, they unload staff. You probably cannot do anything about it. You are entitled to unemployment so apply ASAP. Best wishes.

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I know someone who was let go days before their six month probationary period ended. Not a nursing position. Happened years ago. This is a typical tactic, not confined to nursing.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
If it's state then it's union ... did you contact your union rep? Also, how can they hire you if you're on probation and then terminate; what I'm saying the language is wrong. They can't fire someone they haven't officially hired yet. Anyway to the point of why ... doesn't matter when they or you decide it isn't a good fit before the probationary period is up it's completely legit, it doesn't matter who decided to not follow through with the contract. Look into the language of the deal, contact the union rep; they will help you. AJ is right, they will jump to change things once litigation is considered.

Most Union contracts RN's on probation are not "covered by the UNION" for 90 days. Within the 90 days or probationary period you can be fired for whatever reason they wish. In most instances the probationary peroid in the time for both of you to decide if the position is a fit.....you should give notice if you are leaving as it is common courtesy and professional. The employer however doen't have to be courteous or professional and can "terminate" or "let you go" without explanation or reason especially if you are in an "at will" state. Not ALL states have employees that are union and just because you are a state employee means you have a union. Every state is different.

Being let go or fired is difficult and disheartening. I am soo sorry you are going through this...:hug:. Behavior like this is what makes unions form......it makes me so mad that advantages that are being taken against nurses due to the economy. I would spend one day licking my wounds and get back out there.....I would tell future interviewers that the position wasn't a good fit and it was decided that it was best to seek a better fit elsewhere.

Good luck

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.
If it's state then it's union ... did you contact your union rep? Also, how can they hire you if you're on probation and then terminate; what I'm saying the language is wrong. They can't fire someone they haven't officially hired yet. Anyway to the point of why ... doesn't matter when they or you decide it isn't a good fit before the probationary period is up it's completely legit, it doesn't matter who decided to not follow through with the contract. Look into the language of the deal, contact the union rep; they will help you. AJ is right, they will jump to change things once litigation is considered.

HA HA!! If it's state, it's union! Not in my state!! Our Gov. has vowed to bust unions, and he effectively has. Please do not think you are safe b/c you are "union" =( Other states are following "our" lead too

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Not all states are union for gov employees. I know where I live, it's spotty. Some are, some arent. Op, I'm sorry about your situation :(

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What is the point of probationary period if employer can fire you for any reasons after the probationary period?

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Specializes in Infectious Disease, Neuro, Research.
What is the point of probationary period if employer can fire you for any reasons after the probationary period?

Only before the end of the probationary period.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Do you h ave a sense of why they chose to fire you? I think to move on you kind of need to be able to address that question with potential new employers.

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