I got fired today, how will that affect my chances?

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Feb 6, 2013

I'm just now coming up to speed with nurseadam's saga. I think one of the PPs raised valid concerns that this may be reportable to the BON - particularly if he was in uniform (identifiable as health care provider, associated with that institution) when the event occurred. Depends entirely on the state's rules & regs. In Tx, it would be considered unprofessional conduct - probably just get a warning.

However (gently now with my 'Mom' voice) I have some real concerns for OP - the behavior reflects incredibly poor impulse control. Although it may not be a priority at this point, it would seem that this should warrant some serious personal reflection. I am (for sure) old enough to have more than one acquaintance/ colleague who have found themselves or partners embroiled in similar situations. Yes, really. In two instances, it was a behavioral pattern that was repeated numerous times. I'm sure that OP's sitch may be a 'one of' that will never happen again, but just saying - if this is not the case, counseling may be appropriate.

In the meantime, I would advise the OP to try to make a fresh start ASAP -- in an entirely different area if possible. Gossip is a horrible thing, and can be very damaging for many years afterward. There is no such thing as 'confidentiality' if even one person knows what happened. Best to start over where no one knows what occurred.

FlyingScot, RN · Feb 6, 2013

The truth of the matter is, even in the largest communties the nursing community is small...and they talk...a lot. Especially when the topic is as provacative as your situation. I highly doubt you will never be able to find a job as a nurse again but you've pretty much torpedoed your career in your area. Best to move on and out...far out!

lawandaluxnurse, ADN, BSN · Feb 6, 2013

sorry I can relate. I had the gall to have surgery , how dare I.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Feb 6, 2013

In the meantime, I would advise the OP to try to make a fresh start ASAP -- in an entirely different area if possible. Gossip is a horrible thing, and can be very damaging for many years afterward. There is no such thing as 'confidentiality' if even one person knows what happened. Best to start over where no one knows what occurred.

I agree. Even if your last job says they will only verify dates of employment, they're not bound by that: they CAN tell prospective employers exactly why you were terminated. They may say they'll keep the details confidential, but unless they put a promise of confidentiality in writing, there's no guarantees.

But HouTX is spot-on, in that there's nothing stopping word about you from traveling along unofficially, be it the actual facts or speculation over what people think had happened. You'd be surprised who knows who and where...and you may find to your dismay that your reputation has preceded you.

In your case, you may have better luck in a new geographic area. Yes, you will still have to address why you were fired, but at least you won't have to deal with everyone and their mother possibly knowing your business and drawing conclusions before you even set foot in the door.

Best of luck with your future.

Altra, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2013

sorry I can relate. I had the gall to have surgery , how dare I.

As OP points out in his references to his other thread, his termination followed being observed in intimate contact with a coworker on hospital grounds.

No idea how that relates to your situation with your surgery.

Tina, RN · Feb 6, 2013

I haven't read all of the replies to this thread. But, maybe you could tell future interviewers, "I had a relationship with a coworker, and that was frowned upon at my previous employer. I will never make that mistake again." I doubt the person would ask for all the gory details, so why tell them? Keep it simple.

Good luck!

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2013

I got fired for a dumb thing I did breaking a hospital policy per HR, not my nursing performance or patient care related.
How will that affect me getting another job?

Wait-- didn't we already address this recently? This was the sex in the parking lot with a co-worker, right? And we said, not much sympathy here, but consider groveling and beg for another chance with the recognition that you will probably never live it down? Wasn't that it?

So they did fire you? Unfortunate. I think now you have a lot of groveling and begging to do as you apply for other jobs. Eventually you may find someone with sympathy for stupid kid tricks who will give you another chance. Could be awhile, though. Good luck.

ktwlpn, LPN · Feb 6, 2013

The truth of the matter is, even in the largest communties the nursing community is small...and they talk...a lot. Especially when the topic is as provacative as your situation. I highly doubt you will never be able to find a job as a nurse again but you've pretty much torpedoed your career in your area. Best to move on and out...far out!

TRUTH! I was talking to a couple pf our float nurses the other day and they were talking about this! We know the OP!!! Best advice ever-RELOCATE!!!

buytheshoes11, MSN, RN · Feb 6, 2013

Always be honest with potential employers and try to network as much as you can. It may be tough to find something else right now - but don't give up.

CherylRNBSN · Feb 6, 2013

I haven't read all of the replies to this thread. But, maybe you could tell future interviewers, "I had a relationship with a coworker, and that was frowned upon at my previous employer. I will never make that mistake again." I doubt the person would ask for all the gory details, so why tell them? Keep it simple.
Good luck!

Out of all other posts, this one has the very best and simplest advice.

And it's honest.

CherylRNBSN · Feb 6, 2013

Let's not make this into some catastrophe for nurseAdam.

Was it poor judgement? AbSOLUTELY.

Who here has not been guilty of that? Perhaps not in this way, or even in our professional lives, but we those of us who have lived long enough and are introspective enough, will realize our own failures and shortcomings and mistakes.

If his behavior is a PATTERN, then it merits a tongue lashing and repeated terminations. Time will tell.

Adam, you made a mistake. ONE mistake does not render you un-hireable, a bad person, a bad nurse. It renders you...human. Just like the first Adam. Welcome to the club of human foibles.

Learn from your mistake, forgive yourself, resolve to move forward.

I hope you will follow the advice of Tina, RN, b/c it is spot on.

I can almost guarantee you the very worst thing your ex-employer will say is "Not eligible for re-hire". They will v likely leave it at that. And Tina's response covers that v nicely.

All these strangers on All Nurses can judge this one behavior, but they CANNOT judge you. YOU MUST DO THAT YOURSELF. YOU KNOW WHO YOU ARE (or maybe not, that takes time, some people never know who they are, use this to find out. Take a good look in the mirror. Do you like what you see? If not, get going, and get growing.)

Use this miserable, embarrassing experience to answer those questions. Who am I? What do I value? What do I contribute? What are my goals, my motivations, my strengths, my weaknesses?

If you do that, you WILL be okay. Better that okay. This too shall pass.

Best,

Cheryl

EaglesWings21, ASN, RN · Feb 6, 2013

I would take a first step by deleting every thread about yourself on here so no employers can look it up!