A question for those who have been fired?

canigraduate · Nov 15, 2011

It's been two years since I was fired and it still bothers me. I was lucky and I was working for my current employer part time back then, so they may still not know. I am worried about it coming up in the future, though. It still haunts me!

brownbook · Nov 15, 2011

I was fired but it was prior to becoming a nurse. What type of job were you fired from? What were the reasons? That could have a lot to do with how you and your employer feel about it.

Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN · Nov 15, 2011

I have a friend and it is never far from her mind......she was fired in 2001. I was "let go":rolleyes: in 2008 and It bothers me all the time......

leslie :-D · Nov 15, 2011

i don't think one ever forgets and/or remains unaffected, especially when it was a wrongful termination.

you go from job to job, knowing you'll never trust anyone again, and that backstabbers are everywhere.

i'm not saying it's a healthy attitude to have, but that kind of betrayal, stays with you.

i was a whistleblower and got royally screwed because of it.

don't pay attn to the laws that state whistleblowers cannot be penalized/terminated in any way shape or form.

they/employer finds a reason to fire you.

as for being terminated for just reason, i don't know how i'd feel.

i would just make darned sure i never repeated the mistake that got me fired in the first place.

leslie

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Nov 15, 2011

I think everyone should be fired at least once. FYI, I have had my 'position eliminated' twice, fired once d/t crossing swords with a Sr VP, and even had an entire department, including myself disappear overnight because of budget cuts..... Hey, I'm an educator, it comes with the territory. Each time, I eventually ended up in a much better place each time.

The experience irretrievably changes your perspective into one of cynicism. Very difficult to 'drink the corporate Koolaid' afterward because you know exactly how easily an employer can terminate you or eliminate your position. It prevents you from over-investing (emotionally) in any future job. It's probably a much healthier outlook in the long run.

You will survive! (cue Gloria Gaynor).

LoveMyBugs, BSN, CNA, RN · Nov 15, 2011

I was fired from a job not related to nursing. It was my first job, started at 16 and worked there for 8 years. Getting fired is the push I needed to go back to school and start my nursing career.

However if affected me, always have this fear that I could be fired again at anytime, over the years the feeling has faded.

imintrouble, BSN, RN · Nov 15, 2011

It was years before I felt secure in the job I acquired after being fired. Years of being afraid to make any decisions that even remotely left my position vulnerable. Even now, after 10 years, most of the nursng decisions I make are made from a defensive postion.

Leslie is correct. Being fired changes who you are.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Nov 15, 2011

I was "downsized" when the place I worked closed my floor. I couldn't find a place within the hospital. I'm a psych nurse and that's my love, but my employer didn't provide psych services anymore. I found a job at another place.

My records at the old place say I was terminated. That's not what happened. My job was eliminated due to no fault of my own. Still, that word will follow me forever and it's not comfortable at all....

bigeyes4 · Nov 15, 2011

I have been fired from almost every job I've ever had, which is numerous. I don't really know why either. I am entering the field of nursing in January (school) and hope to break the pattern. I wish I could ascertain the reason for my previous firings. It would sure help to stave off future possible firings. It really is a demoralizing experience. I have been depressed and anxious about it and knew that I had to do something to break the pattern. I plan to get a neuropsychological evaluation (if my insurance covers it - we are still waiting for authorization) to see what can be uncovered about me. Any thoughts?

Otessa, BSN, RN · Nov 15, 2011

I have been fired from almost every job I've ever had, which is numerous. I am entering the field of nursing in January (school) and hope to break the pattern. I wish I could ascertain the reason for my previous firings. It would sure help to stave off future possible firings. It really is a demoralizing experience. I have been depressed and anxious about it and knew that I had to do something to break the pattern. I plan to get a neuropsychological evaluation (if my insurance covers it - we are still waiting for authorization) to see what can be uncovered about me. Any thoughts?

The previous employers or co-workers never told you why you were fired "from almost every job" you have had??

That seems a bit odd.

giveface · Nov 15, 2011

While I have not been fired, I worked for a company that locked the employees out for 5 months, and those of us who were more vocal on the picket lines were put on a newly created team with a new manager when the lockout ended, which was a punishment in no uncertain terms. Anyways, also just being a nurse, I have often observed that we exist in a culture of blame when something goes array and can be quick to point the finger. So I think because of this old fashioned culture of fear, many nurses live in fear of making even the most minor and innocuous of mistakes and ultimately, being fired. :uhoh3: