OMG I just got fired...what now?

pagandeva2000, LPN · Nov 17, 2007

I think it would be a good idea to discover WHY you were terminated. I would explain to the doctors that you would like to know in order to practice better the next time. That is fair, I think, to know, because what if it were something you are not aware of? At this way, corrective action can be taken upon yourself.

I see new nurses placed in charge all the time. I think they should not be placed in that situation for at least a year.

GadgetRN71, ASN, RN · 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??????????

See, that's what makes me think that this may have had nothing to do with you..I have found that some experienced nurses are very threatened by a personable new nurse, especially if she's young and attractive. Especially in a small environment like a doc's office-some of them feel very territorial toward the doctors(even more so if they're male!)and if they see that the physician likes working with you, then you're in trouble. Sounds horrible but I've seen it, time and time again.

In your area, do hospitals hire LPN's? That might be a good idea for you, at least for a couple of years. You'll build skills and confidence. I would stay away from LTC right now-they have this tendency to throw new grads to the wolves. You were smart and capable enough to make it through school, so don't give up. Nursing needs you!

nyapa, RN · Nov 17, 2007

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..

Yep, fair enough, I imagine all you would want to do is get away ((hugs))

LnDnurse7 · Nov 17, 2007

Chatsdale gave you some really good advice. Being new is hard enough without the horrible stress of being fired. In the future be selective about the job you accept, after all you have a very valuable skill, and approach your learning curve with a open manager that will spell out the expectations and let you know early on where you need to concentrate your efforts to improve. Try not to take it personally, I know that is hard, but leave emotion out and just concentrate on learning your job. Every new nurse was overwhelmed at first, but remember, you passed your boards and your will be great. Chin up. Huggs

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2007

Oh, Sarah, my heart is breaking for you. I have been through the exact same thing. Fired from my first LTC - made me charge fresh out of school - then took another LTC job, quit to get some med/surg experience, was told that I "didn't fit in" and "could" be unsafe.

{{{{{Sarah}}}}}

Write me if you want.

I'm really sorry. And you'll stop crying eventually.

crystalyork250 · Nov 17, 2007

I know the feeling. I got fired along with another girl last Friday. No explination given. No complaints about my job. Good evaluation, I have my opinions about what happened, but the WARDEN at the prison where I work has the final say so..which is bad because eventhough he knows how to run a prison, he knows nothing about medical departments and nurses and several women working together in a very high passed office that is so small you cant turn around in. HE WAS A JERK, and I am single mom of 2 boys, worried, but I have been trying everyday, and what I have found is not as close to home, but the places that are calling me, I have found, are places that will really appreciate my work. If I get in there and do the same job for them that I did at the prision, they will be happy to have me and really really want me to stay. A couple of the places have the ablity to move up, but I agree, charge nurse...it takes a strong person, my friend did that right out of school, and she didnt get fired, but she QUIT. Without FAILURE, you have no reason to push yourself...you have to fail to succeed. GOOD LUCK!!!!

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Nov 17, 2007

Oh, everyone who thinks it's because the OP and others are young, I was offered the senior discount this week. So I don't think that's it.

But it stinks, big time.

crystalyork250 · Nov 17, 2007

I totally agree. I didnt get an explination as to why I was "let go" "YOUR services are not needed..." SOUNDS like a call girl or something....I was a new grad LPN-A and I got a good job at a prison, making really really good money, as much as some RN employees that have been there for 15 years...HEY hate the game, not the player...and I went straight to days 7-3 which was perfect with my kids....TO GOOD TO BE TRUE...yes I think so. Worked there a year and a half, then was fired last Friday...what a joke. The girl that came from night shift to days with me...I guess had wanted the day position that I got, and she didnt get it. Because I was an LPN-A I had to be supervised. I was. I also have a lot of computer experience, which none of them have. Well, once she came to day shift, she was determined that she was going to FIX my attitude...well, she constantly told on me...HE said she said...blabbablbl reported me and my supervisor to the state making alligations that I worked as an LPN-A unsupervised...constantly complaining about me trying to get me fired...well it worked girls...I had a small argument with her when she called me out in front of other nurses and inmates, trying to prove I didnt know how to do my job, I raised my voice and told her to mind her own business....I dont see anything wrong with that. She was getting on my nerves so bad, I was having anxiety attacks...WELL I got fired....but guess what...before they fired me....THEY FIRED HER. She didnt see it coming...sometimes I just pays to mind your won business and do your own job...I have 3 interviews Monday and they all are farther away, but they all have more to offer, with room for advancement, and I will be able to go back to school for my bach. with their schedule.....PEOPLE can be mean..bounce back and make them sorry. Jealous people can destroy a team....I really cant be mad at her though, OR SHOULD I BE?????

CseMgr1, ASN, RN · Nov 17, 2007

Been there, done that too. Last year I was let go from a Case Management position with a Workman's Compensation company three weeks into my orientation because "I wasn't meeting productivity". The Case Manager who was training me was dumbfounded as well, for she had told me that I was not expected to meet any productivity goals.

In today's dog-eat-dog workplace, there is little or no recourse available when an employer wants you gone...regardless whether there is a legitimate excuse for it or not. Since then, I have kept my expectations low and work for one reason ONLY: A paycheck.

vamedic4, EMT-P · Nov 17, 2007

BIG ((((((HUGS))))))) to you AngelSarah...and a bit of advice...

You didn't need them anyway. You're better than that. I'm so very sorry you had to endure that.

Not all employers are like that - you'll find another...and soon you'll be very glad you're not there anymore.

Sending you all the best,

vamedic4

TrudyRN · Nov 17, 2007

I think you need to ask the person who fired you what the specific reasons are for the firing. If you ask enough often enough, you can likely get some answers. Do file for unemployment money right away.

flowjoe64 · Nov 17, 2007

I know you are getting alot of advice, but take it from a former LVN...be careful the jobs you accept. Just because someone is willing to hire you to do something, doesnt mean you should accept the position. I did not know much of anything when i graduated from nursing school....except the basics. You learn more your first year or two out of school then you do in school. Bottom line: The first year or so out, you really need to ground yourself in an acute care environment..NOT LTC. LTC is riddled with abuse of staff, and they love to abuse new nurses, fresh out of school. You need to think about doing a year or so on a general medicine, internal medicine unit at a good teaching hospital..where you will be precepted by someone for awhile. After that, think about what you are really good at, and then move into that arena to specialize. (I work for an IV pharmacy/company and specialize in one disease process.) Perhaps see if your facility allows cross training to other units..etc. I would not move into MD office jobs or anything outside of the hospital until you are better grounded in the hospital setting. (Also MD's tend to try to pay as little as possible and require you to work like a slave..doctors are cheap!) I am sorry you got fired...I am sure you have wonderful potential as a nurse, but I think you need a good mentor who will teach you how to survive and thrive, so that you can easily move into any field, and do well. DO NOT GIVE UP. Look inward, find the appropriate place to ground yourself and learn good time mgmt, find a nurse mentor. it will be okay girl!!!! We all have gone through this! You will laugh about this one day :)