OMG I just got fired...what now?

firstaiddave908 · Nov 17, 2007

dont give up it will get better.

morte, LPN, LVN · Nov 17, 2007

Okay, so I understand its a respect for your elders type of world in nursing...which comes really easy for me. I have immense respect for older, more seasoned nurses because most are good teachers to young and/or newer nurses like myself. But regardless of my age I feel its extremely unfair what happened to me today. I mean I even sacrificed a high stress/higher paying nursing home job and benefits for this one because I want surgery experience. I feel like I took a huge gamble and lost...And I just wonder...What gives her the right to lie and say she talked it over with the doctors to make the decision to let me go today when the doctors that actually hired me didn't have a clue I've been "let go" when I stormed out the door? They both asked me "Where are you going???" with confused looks on their faces. I just wonder how did she get the final say in firing me...I thought doctors run the office and they should have the final say in hiring/firing decisions??????????

sarah, the respect mentioned earlier, was that your generation expected to be treated with such, not slamming you for not showing any, (just in case that is what you thought), frankly, if you can get up the courage, i would go ask the docs point blank what happened...good luck

TrudyRN · Nov 17, 2007

1. The nurse fired you? Not the doc?

2. You believe she lied about it being a joint decision by the doc and herself.

3. You stormed out.

Not to be critical but if you thought there was a lie afoot, why get furious and storm out instead of going to the doctor to clarify. Who is really the boss there? That is, who is sleeping with whom? Ahem, pardon my indelicacy, just that, so often, it seems that that enters into these situations. But leave that out, of course, when you calm down and go back to calmly discuss this whole thing.

If you want to just leave it alone and move on, learn this:

Don't mention either job if you've only been out of school since March. You took time off to rest. right?

Once you are on a new job, get daily feedback, if need be, on how you're doing. Do not accept a Charge position, although it might be hard to find anything else, as that's how these facilities tend to do. Maybe you can work a shift when there is, at least, an RN in the building and you are not the only licensed nurse.

Rome wasn't built in a day. You are not going to last if you try to correct every problem at once. Take on bite-size goals. And master your own skills before you try to change anything.

Lead by example. Model good sense and maturity and kindness.

Silence is golden. Be patient, keep your eyes and ears open and your mouth shut (I mean it. No gossip, no sharing of personal business, no complaining about anyone else. NONE).

Try to figure out what went wrong and avoid doing it again - if, indeed, it was anything on your part. Might have been impatience on the part of the dentist's nurse (is she an actual nurse?) or jealousy or who-knows-what? What was the trouble on the first job?

Best wishes to you.

File for unemployment if you are eligible. Go online in your state and check it out.

caliotter3 · Nov 17, 2007

Don't give up. Think carefully about where you will apply for a new job. Maybe somebody from the area who uses this site can make some recommendations. If you are in contact with any of your former classmates maybe one of them can help you get hired where they are working.

I would try to contact one or more of the doctors directly and speak to him concerning what happened. At least you could get the straight story to him, or from him. Try to contact the doctor who is the head of that practice. Maybe he can help curtail bad references. You never know what people are willing to do until you ask.

barefootlady, ADN, RN · Nov 17, 2007

Sarah,

I am very sorry you have gotten treated so badly. It sounds like you were dumped on at both jobs.

A new grad should never be expected to be charge. It takes a little time to get your routine down and to be able to find a safe and comfortable way to work. I hate to guess about this second job, but since you made it clear you were a new nurse with little experience, it sounds to me like they put you into a spot until a more experienced body came through the door. It happens to everyone.

Please do not give up on nursing, it will take awhile, but you will find a nitch. Good luck and blessings.

nyapa, RN · Nov 17, 2007

And I just wonder...What gives her the right to lie and say she talked it over with the doctors to make the decision to let me go today when the doctors that actually hired me didn't have a clue I've been "let go" when I stormed out the door? They both asked me "Where are you going???" with confused looks on their faces. I just wonder how did she get the final say in firing me...I thought doctors run the office and they should have the final say in hiring/firing decisions??????????

Interesting point. Is there some way you can put in a complaint about her behaviour with the doctors?

Angel, you have had a terrible start to nursing. You have the right to learn. Both times ppl have expected too much of you. I have nearly finished my grad year; I would have been a blubbering mess if this happened to me. It must be so hard to pick yourself up. Is there some way you can have a break for a few weeks, before you look again? I daresay that as a new nurse there are financial constraints, but it would be really good I think if you could...

(((((Hugs))))))

SICU Queen · Nov 17, 2007

I'm thinking, since you were asked that question (where are you going?) as you were storming out, that possibly you should have stopped and asked both of the physicians about their decision to fire you. If they expressed surprise, perhaps then you should've turned around and gone back and asked why you were lied to, and gotten all of them together to clarify what exactly happened.

I'm sorry you lost your job. There will be another one for you, and hopefully a much better one.

Good luck to you!

NurseSarah86 · Nov 17, 2007

I'm thinking, since you were asked that question (where are you going?) as you were storming out, that possibly you should have stopped and asked both of the physicians about their decision to fire you. If they expressed surprise, perhaps then you should've turned around and gone back and asked why you were lied to, and gotten all of them together to clarify what exactly happened.
I'm sorry you lost your job. There will be another one for you, and hopefully a much better one.
Good luck to you!

Yeah, I guess you're right...I plan on calling and asking one or both of the doctors monday why she told me I was let go. Its just that when emotions kick in for me and fear and stress and worry its fight or flight reaction for me. I couldnt deal with the place after how she treated me so I didnt even think to reply to the doctors when they asked me. I was too embarrassed with my face in tears like that also. I dont think I'm gonna get any sleep tonight..

ASSEDO · Nov 17, 2007

honey (as we say in the south), you didn't need the first job. as far as the second job, sounds like jealousy probably from the dental staff. most firings come down to a jealous person having to wipe out the competition. there is no way to reason with a jealous person, they lie and report you and get you fired.

don't cry, you are lucky to get out of both hell holes.

Bugaloo · Nov 17, 2007

{{{HUG}}} It will get better!!

Miss Mab · Nov 17, 2007

I think that I am seeing more firings than I have ever seen before in nursing. I don't think managment is ready for the generation Y nurse that expects to be treated with respect. Nursing still has a lot of aspects of it's 19th century beginnings weighing it down. I don't know what these people that expect subservence are going to do with all these young people that never heard the word. What I am saying is that the problem may not lie with you.

I thin you're on to something here. Nor are they prepared for so many mature second degree folks who absolutely won't stand for what has been apparently the status quo for years in the nursing workplace.

It just hasn't been our experience in other professional fields like IT, HR, whatever, that we come from. Making up outright lies on an eval? Huh uh. This lateral violence that is so accepted? I don't think so. I get this assignment/shift/fired because "Suzy says that you said' and 'we don't like how you do your job competently and always cordial because you didn't particpate in the potluck last month.' Grow up people!

I was called into a meeting with an HR rep and my manager and, without even introducing himself mind you, this guy whom I've never met starts reading this list of supposed infractions I was guilty of. One of them was actually true and i apologized for misunderstanding a policy.( I was wrong and readily admitted it) The other 6, though, were easily able to be proven factually incorrect but it was his attitude that stopped me. Why in the WORLD did he think it appropriate to speak to a professional RN with such disdain and feels so free to completely just MAKE UP supposed infractions? And then what? Did he expect me to start begging for no disciplinary action and for my job and whatever? Go smoke another one, sir. You have wronged me.

I can only suppose because this behavior has been accepted for so long but you can believe I didn't allow him to do that, set him straight right then and I can only assume that other "new kids" will continue to be assertive and not put up w/this 'the way it's always been' garbage. At least I hope so. Instead of lamenting the changes these people bring to nursing, let's welcome the new kids. I already see a benefit to all.

(I wanted to add, for me anway, I am not talking about the Gen Y or 2nd degree that think nursing is like on TV and that you'll never have to lift a finger at work. There is a difference. I'm even sad I have to add that qualifier because one would think that would be implicit but you can never tell sometimes. Also, in case you wondered, two years at said place with never a single issue. This condescending "behavior" was my first encounter with any higher up)

Sabby_NC · Nov 17, 2007

Bless your heart. Please don't give up nursing. Step back and cool down a little now. Your nerves are raw at the moment.

Make decisions when the heat has cooled ok? *hugs*