Got fired today

[VivaLasViejas]

Well, tomorrow will be the first day in almost a decade that I will wake up and have nowhere that I need to be. I got kicked out to the curb today. Fired. Canned. Terminated. I've been busting my butt for months, trying to keep up with the incredible workload, and while I'm relieved in a way---I've known for quite a while that I wasn't handling it well---I don't know how to act. I haven't been fired since I was 26 years old and working in a factory where I was let go for being sick too often during my early pregnancy. I'm not really all that worried about finding another job, not with the nursing shortage here in my little corner of the world, but I feel like I must be a total loser to get fired from a nursing home!!

I mean, they didn't even want me to stay on as a charge nurse (I was the resident care manager) or in any capacity, though they did tell me I was re-hireable if I were to get my medical and emotional problems (read: depression) under control at some point. Of course, it was conveniently forgotten that at least part of my current depressive state can be directly attributable to the stresses I've been under as a result of trying to do the impossible, but what the hell.....at least I'll be able to draw unemployment benefits while I sit here and try to figure out what my next move is. Lord knows I needed a break---I've been working 50-hour weeks for 15 months straight, and I am burned out. I can't afford to be out of work for long, but I am going to take a couple of weeks to relax a little, spend some time cleaning my house, and of course look for another job.

I'm so fed up with LTC that I'm considering going to agency nursing for awhile, until I decide what I DO want to do. Making a better-than-average hourly wage, going to a variety of different facilities, and not having any obligation to stay at one I don't like (or deal with the politics) sounds pretty good to me right now.

Thanx for "listening" to my whining......and if anyone has some other suggestions as what I should do next, please offer them. I feel really lost right now.

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

I am so sorry you have gone through this. Instead of firing you, you should have received a purple cross. The good Lord knows, most hospital units are unworkable nowadays, and long term care is even worse. Don't be too hard on yourself. Take some time to heal, reflect, get your thoughts and life together, before you plunge back in. Make sure any nursing job you choose is LIVABLE in the long run. The job you choose should be rewarding, not consume all the joy and vitality out of your life.

[-jt]

They fired you for having medical problems? I dont think thats allowed. Whatever happened to medical leave?

[emily_mom]

I can't give you any greater advice than what has already been posted. It's difficult to give 110% and still not have that be enough. Take some time to yourself...it sounds like you haven't had that for awhile. Maybe talk to a counselor....maybe go on vacation...maybe do nothing. But, in whatever you decide to do, you know now what you don't want from a job. Hugs to you!!!!

Kristy

[jschut, BSN, RN]

God bless you, mjl.

You'll find something soon....something better.....

Have faith!

Julie :)

[-jt]

and then Id talk to a labor lawyer - tell him the whole story and see if I had a case for wrongful termination or discrimination (medical) - if so, that employer may have to pay you your salary in back wages lost from the day they fired you for your medical condition up to the day your case is settled.

You can still go away quietly, take the opportunity to rest and find other avenues of employment, still look at the whole thing as "a window opening", and move on to a whole new life, but just because you do that, doesnt mean this employer should be able to get away with doing you wrong.

It may be that you dont have a case and if so then theres no harm done in getting the legal advice. But if do have a case, why not take what you are owed?

[Peeps Mcarthur]

That's happened to me before, and that sucks.......................................until you realize that it just boils down to inept management. No doubt there were things management could have done to make it someplace that you would want to work in, that would make you feel valued to be part of.

They don't deserve such a good person.

Enjoy your time off.

Spend some mad money.

Go back to work when you're good and darn ready to.:kiss

[eltrip]

Originally posted by -jt

and then Id talk to a labor lawyer - tell him the whole story and see if I had a case for wrongful termination or discrimination (medical) - if so, that employer may have to pay you your salary in back wages lost from the day they fired you for your medical condition up to the day your case is settled.

You can still go away quietly, take the opportunity to rest and find other avenues of employment, still look at the whole thing as "a window opening", and move on to a whole new life, but just because you do that, doesnt mean this employer should be able to get away with doing you wrong.

It may be that you dont have a case and if so then theres no harm done in getting the legal advice. But if do have a case, why not take what you are owed?

I AGREE with JT. Good grief, what do they expect? 50-hour weeks for 15 months straight? H-E-L-L-O, time for a management reality check. You might also consider talking to the media about the state of nursing. I am so tired of hearing the whining about the "nursing shortage" & hearing/seeing little done to keep the nurses currently in the field from leaving.

I'm glad that you'lll have sometime for yourself, mjlrn97. Be nice to yourself...buy yourself a few gifts. You've definitely earned it!

[RRMLPN]

Hugs to you, don't beat yourself up, take a little "me" time you deserve it. I found myself in a similar situation and I also am taking a little time out to help me figure out what's the best thing for me emotionally and physically. so do something good for you while you have this time and know your in our prayers!

[OBNurseShelley]

IF you're not obligated to a particular location, I think agency nursing as you mentioned might be a nice change and might help you see what you like and don't like. You might also consider travel nursing, a little bit more of a permanent location (avg 13 weeks) but still no politics, and great $$ with housing and other benefits! Just a thought! Hang in there im sure you'll find something you enjoy!

[SmilingBluEyes]

funny just how expendable we are to them all....yet nothing gets done without us in their stressful little jobs. i say, use this as a time to grow and find what it is you need. i wish i could have a sabatacle (however you spell it) myself sometimes........the stress of nursing can be so difficult to take at times. it is hard on one's self-esteem when it happens this way, but it sounds as if you need this time for YOU. take advantage and take good care. your friends here at allnurses are behind you 100%, as you can see.

[-jt]

How come we all just accept being treated like this? So evident in all the suggestions for how to heal herself. They're really good suggestions but how come nurses first reaction is to just take our lumps & go away quietly to lick our wounds?

How come we dont say "hey wait a second....." when our rights are stepped on. Firing is one thing - BUT if her medical problem had anything to do with it, he was wrong & owes her her salary.

And that check would come in very handy during her sabbatical.

But why do nurses just meekly go away without making them pay?

[l.rae]

JT, l am not well versed in employment law, but in Ohio where l am, there is "at will" employment and legally can terminate as long as it is not discriminatory....and not even give a reason.