Forced to resign, need advise

brandy1017, ASN, RN · May 19, 2012

Sounds pretty heavy-handed to force you to resign over not scanning IV fluids. It's lousy! But if there's one thing I've learned over the years, management likes to nitpick, criticize and second guess. That really annoys me, just like a backstreet driver with criticisms after the fact. I'd be glad to be out of there! Good luck!

Yes, apply for unemployment! If they fight you tell the judge you were "forced" to resign and you never know might side with you! You've got nothing to lose and I'm sure the money would come in handy!

Zookeeper3 · May 19, 2012

While in a probationary period, you can be let go for any reason in a "right to fire state". During that same probationary time you have the right to sever your relationship with your employer without the standard 30 day notice without fear of retribution as you were not "staff", simply on orientation. Legally, if future employers call, the human resource department will field all phone calls and only provide your job title and dates of employment, potentially rehire status.

In 17 years of nursing, I have never heard of a termination/forced resignation for failure to scan fluids. No one nurse can ever, ever be this perfect. If there is more to this, and I think there is, you already know it. I have given you the best advice I can with the experiences I have had, and many are from management.

Also, depending upon your state law, I only know mine, you cannot get unemployment from two weeks of work all of which were orientation, however it is a possibility I am mistaken, so don't hesitate to follow up with the unemployment office.

OnlybyHisgraceRN, ASN, RN · May 19, 2012

While in a probationary period, you can be let go for any reason in a "right to fire state". During that same probationary time you have the right to sever your relationship with your employer without the standard 30 day notice without fear of retribution as you were not "staff", simply on orientation. Legally, if future employers call, the human resource department will field all phone calls and only provide your job title and dates of employment, potentially rehire status.
In 17 years of nursing, I have never heard of a termination/forced resignation for failure to scan fluids. No one nurse can ever, ever be this perfect. If there is more to this, and I think there is, you already know it. I have given you the best advice I can with the experiences I have had, and many are from management.
Also, depending upon your state law, I only know mine, you cannot get unemployment from two weeks of work all of which were orientation, however it is a possibility I am mistaken, so don't hesitate to follow up with the unemployment office.

I have seen people fired for less including myself. Trust me, if they want to terminate you they will find a reason. At will employment states an employer can basically terminate for any reason.

Employment At Will: What Does It Mean? | Nolo.com

KelRN215, BSN, RN · May 19, 2012

How did they "force you" to resign? By resigning you may not be eligible for unemployment and I am sure that was their tactic. In the future never resign unless you are going willingly on good terms or are quitting as a mutual arrangement with a reference from them.

I agree 100% with Esme here. Resigning at your employer's suggestion often leaves you in a worse situation than being terminated because if you resign you may not be eligible for unemployment. Of course they want you to go that way, then they don't have to pay! And I imagine in a situation like this, the employer could still turn around and use the situation against you and say that you left without notice and that you are ineligible for rehire. Something similar recently happened to a former colleague of mine and I am certain that the institution lied to her to make her believe it was in her best interest to resign. You can't undo the situation now, but in the future you should only resign of your own volition.

elprup, BSN, RN · May 19, 2012

I wish yhey would teach us about this is Nursing School!

cally527, RN · May 19, 2012

Giving an employee the option to resign or be fired is a very shady way for management to get rid of someone that is a poor employee, an overpaid employee etc etc without having to pay out for unemployment. When you resign from a job, you are not eligible for unemployment benefits. For future reference, NEVER take the resignation option unless you already have another opportunity lined up.

Babyluva · May 19, 2012

Thank you all so much. Though it might be late, i turned in the letter (and to HR as well- since they have no clue). Just in case. My interviews have been going pretty well, and hope to get some offers soon. I have learned a great lesson from all these. I just want to move on.

@nurseaig: in TX, don't think its an hca facility.

@Havin' A Party! a year (1st nursing job)

@elprup: ditto!

GitanoRN, BSN, MSN, RN · May 19, 2012

babyluva, as i wish you the very best in all of your future endeavors, i can see that you have adopted a great attitude and you have learned a valuable lesson, just remember to be honest in those interviews regarding this issue in the long run it will pay off. sending you hugs from across the miles....aloha~ :hug:

mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN · May 19, 2012

when you resign from a job, you are not eligible for unemployment benefits. for future reference, never take the resignation option unless you already have another opportunity lined up.

i was "forced" to resign my teaching position. i was told i could have fought it and if i lost, would be blackballed as a teacher-which happened anyway. i was able to collect unemployment.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · May 20, 2012

... i would still apply for unemployment. tell them you were forced to resign or be terminated. yours was essentially a de facto termination...

agree.

not sure if you'll qualify for benefits due to the short tenure of the position, but give it a shot.

Havin' A Party!, ASN, RN · May 20, 2012

... Trust me, if they want to terminate you they will find a reason. At will employment states an employer can basically terminate for any reason.
Employment At Will: What Does It Mean? | Nolo.com

Agree. For some "reason," they wanted you gone.

Move forward, and find a better spot. Good luck!

OCNRN63, RN · May 20, 2012

giving an employee the option to resign or be fired is a very shady way for management to get rid of someone that is a poor employee, an overpaid employee etc etc without having to pay out for unemployment. when you resign from a job, you are not eligible for unemployment benefits. for future reference, never take the resignation option unless you already have another opportunity lined up.

this is not necessarily true. depending on the circumstances, you could still be eligible for unemp. it depends on the circumstances. several people have posted here that they resigned but were still able to get unemp.