Can't get work

[Tabakb19]

I was recently terminated from a Ltc facility d/t medication error. To my knowledge I am not being investigated but it has been a little over a month so I can't be certain. According to the nurse practice act I am required to disclose this error in my interviews. I know this is preventing me from getting a job even though everyone is saying it shouldnt. One interview I explained the error what I did wrong and how I learned from this situation and immediatly was told nothing was available but full time nights which I had told them prior I could not do. Almost ran out of gas because i really didnt even have the money to get to the interview.The next interview went more smoothly and the director explained what my duties would be then the dreaded " we will get in touch" and to look for an email and nice to meet you. I am so frustrated right now i know I made a mistake and hold accountability for my actions but now I feel so worthless as a nurse. And financially we will be ruined. I have even applied to fast food restaurants thinking this will hold us over until I get a higher paying job but there's no way we can make it on that income compared to what we have been living on. I just don't know what to do

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

Your Nurse Practice Act requires you to disclose on interviews if you've ever made a med error??? Who hasn't??? What state is this?

Bet doctors don't have to do anything remotely close to that...

[klone, MSN, RN]

I agree with the previous poster. I can see that they require that you not LIE if you're asked. But I highly doubt that it requires that you must volunteer this information.

[ruby_jane, BSN, RN]

Your Nurse Practice Act requires you to disclose on interviews if you've ever made a med error??? Who hasn't??? What state is this?

This was my question, too. OP - did someone tell you this or did you look it up? In TX the only reason you have to disclose something like this is if you have a board action against you.

First, call HR and see if you are eligible for rehire or not, and if not, ask what they're going to tell someone who calls to verify employment. You're still dealing with being fired - but there are many ways to say that in an interview. Good luck.

[Tabakb19]

Thanks..maybe I just assumed..ive looked up everything 100 different ways and it pretty much states that lying or omittng the error that led to your termination can be considered a violation of npa. Who would be someone to get in touch with that would know more about this? And when they ask the question why did you leave your place of employment how is a better way of going about it? I feel like it's wrong because mistakes do happen but I also feel like I've been punished enough.

[Tabakb19]

not every med error but I believe it's if the medication error was the reason for your termination

[CalicoKitty, BSN, MSN, RN]

Just keep in mind, 1 month is not a terribly long time to get a new job, especially if you are still considered a "new nurse". Those first few jobs are harder to come by.

[Tabakb19]

Thank you..ive just been applying everywhere with no luck..even facilities that aren't very picky so it makes me think I am the problem..and to clarify I'm not going straight in there and saying this is what happened but every time the question comes up why aren't you there anymore i just get sick..someone suggested saying insufficient training leading to errors but I feel like that may look like I'm blaming the facility and might look bad towards me to..i don't know ..ive only been a nurse for 8 months and never imagined I'd even be in this position

[beekee]

What are you saying when you are asked "why did you leave your last job?" How you are explaining the issue may be more of the issue than the med error itself. Also, have you looked at places that don't have as many medications, such as dialysis, plasma centers, blood banks, developmental disability group homes, clinics, etc?

[Tabakb19]

What are you saying when you are asked "why did you leave your last job?" How you are explaining the issue may be more of the issue than the med error itself. Also, have you looked at places that don't have as many medications, such as dialysis, plasma centers, blood banks, developmental disability group homes, clinics, etc?

So far I have been asked why did you leave? I was dismissed d/t a medication error. What happened? I explain how when I put the order in for a high alert medication it was put in as 20/5 ml and the dose on hand was 20 /1. (Still not understanding how this happened because i checked that bottle and thought thats what it said..not excusing it) I tell them it was a huge mistake and I now know to always verify with the pharmacy and superviser when putting in an order for high alert medication. After that its like well we will definitely keep your application on file or i dont really see anything available. I will definitely look into dialysis or the others mentioned above thank you

[beekee]

I would try to spin it a little. First, thank the interviewer for the opportunity to explain your situation. Then, dive in....some things you can say....

Why did you leave your last employer.

I made a medication error. Thankfully, no harm came to the patient, but it caused me to reevaluate my practice to ensure that I never make a similar error. (Explain what you've done in a positive way). As a result, I feel I am a better nurse because of this experience. If the potential employer has something in its mission statement about safety or excellent care, try to tie that into how you see your nursing practice going forward.

What happened?

I misread the dosage on a vial. I've learned how easy it is to make a mistake like this and I have made changes to my practice to be a better, and safer, nurse. No matter how busy I am, my first priority is patient safety. I now ensure that I.... (and anything else you have done, take a class, continuing education, review your text books, whatever).

Don't just say "I made a med error." Explain how you grew from this experience in a positive way and how you will bring this experience to the employer in a positive, meaningful way.

[cyc0sys]

This was my question, too. OP - did someone tell you this or did you look it up? In TX the only reason you have to disclose something like this is if you have a board action against you.

First, call HR and see if you are eligible for rehire or not, and if not, ask what they're going to tell someone who calls to verify employment. You're still dealing with being fired - but there are many ways to say that in an interview. Good luck.

Better yet have someone else call. My military buddies and I used to take turns calling references, HR, previous bosses, etc... You never know what people might say.

Get some professional reference letters from coworkers, fellow nurses, former teachers. Have copies on hand at the interview.

I put together an "I love me, you will too" portfolio consisting of copies of my resume, answers to typical interview questions, reference letters, awards, certifications, and questions I'd like to ask about the company. I use it as part my interview "sell me" presentation. I also helps me keep focused.