After my shift, I clocked out and went downstairs to use a computer terminal inside the hospital's medical library to finish my patient notes. (We catch so much crap if we are not able to clock out on time.) Long story short... I mistakenly left my notebook in the library. Since it was a Saturday it could only be accessed by swiping your hospital employee badge. I went back to get it the next day, but it wasn't there. I checked the nurses station, thinking maybe I left it there, but no luck. Monday morning I received a call at home from my manager asking if I could come in later. She needed to speak with me. When I got to her office, she and the HR manager were waiting for me. She pulls out my notebook and asks if I can explain??? Then opens it. My "brain" from my last shift was inside. Normally, I throw it in the shreader after the shift. But since I hadn't finished charting before leaving the floor, I had forgotten about it. The librarian found it and turned it in to my mgr. Since this was a violation of HIPAA, I was terminated. Luckily, no patient info was actually compromised, but the fact is, I made a completely avoidable and stupid mistake, however unintentional. Had it been seen by anyone other that hospital personnel, my mgr said she would have had to report it to the Dept of Health.
Now I find myself looking for a job. I was so not ready for this. I've only been in nursing for 2 and a half years! I had finally gained so much confidence in myself as a nurse. I feel so stupid. I've never been fired before in my life, and I tell you, it's truly humbling. I don't know how I'm going to answer the inevitable question, assuming I can even get an interview. Do I have to tell the truth? I feel like such a failure. Having to admit I was careless. Not exactly the first quality you look for in an RN.
Sorry for rambling. If anyone has thoughts on how to handle the question, how to explain it if I get the opportunity. How to make the truest, but briefest explanation, I would really appreciate it. I've been rewriting my resume for 5 days now, trying not to sound like a complete liar as I describe what an asset I would be if hired.
Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
Do not finish your work off the clock. It's not your problem that you still have some charting to do at the end of the day. Off the clock and still working is a big no no.
I worked with an RN who did this all the time. She would clock out (to avoid overtime), then return to the unit to finish her work. She was truly overloaded. Management had given her the nurse manager's responsibilities in addition to her shift supervisor duties (because they didn't pay the NM enough to keep one). I told her that she was never going to be relieved of the duties or get any help if it appeared on paper that she was getting all her work done during a normal shift.
I would never, ever carry around a notebook with patient information written in it. Usually I carried a copy of the report sheet in my pocket containing my shift notes, which I promptly shredded after I gave report.
Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
i'm so sorry this happened to you, especially just now. but on the bright side, at least you have plenty of time off during the holidays!
you made a mistake. we all make them. you've learned from it, and so did everyone here who read your story. thank you for sharing it. now go out and get yourself a fabulous new job that starts sometime after the new year!
I was also terminated for doing something unintentional. It took me 2 months to find a job afterwards. This is how I answered in the interview...
Why did you leave your last job?
Me- I was terminated, there was an incident that compromised patient safety in my supervisors opinion. I had 2 ICU admits when I got a third patient. She had all orders completed and I was gone to lunch. When I came back from lunch, I checked my other 2 patients before pt.#3, when I went to pt 3 room she wasn't on tele monitor, and hadn't had vs for an hour, I connected her to the monitor and went to get the chart to document her VS, the charge nurse had the chart and was writing in her VS's. I thanked him for helping me by documenting her vitals, unbeknowst to me he was gaining ammuntion that led to my termination.
I briefly explained the circumstances from my termination
When asked what I learned from the situation
I told the interviewer that I learned to communicate better, recognize when I needed help and ask for it.
I got the job
However, I have interviewed for about 6 jobs before getting hired and in all of those I had said I was terminated but I didn't tell the truth about why.
I have learned to be honest, but not brutally honest. To look at as a learning experience, and that God had other plans for me, I wasn't trully happy at the job I was terminated from, but I probably would've never left. Since leaving I got a job that actually pays me more and has better hours!
I wish you the best, keep up your confidence (getting fired really zaps it!) remember, you are a good nurse and their are patients out there that NEED you! So good luck, and GOD bless, stay strong, you'll find a job you love!
Specializes in Emergency, Cardiac, PAT/SPU, Urgent Care.
I'm just wondering, did you have obvious patient identifiers listed in your notebook such as names? If not, then I would believe they are in the wrong. When I carried around a list to help me remember important stuff, I would only list room numbers (and wouldn't include the first number which could identify a specific floor/unit).
I'm sorry this has happened to you. I hope that you can find employment, soon.
Specializes in Flight, ER, Transport, ICU/Critical Care.
You are NOT the first, nor will you be the last to make a MISTAKE.
What you did cost you a job - as stupid as it was, ease up - it was not intentional and although the hungry, hungry hippa-o's got you - no harm came to any patient. You violated a policy and although careless - it does not speak to your ability to do excellent patient care. Those written "brains" although necessary - are risky and your cautionary tale reminds all of just how much so.
You paid for the mistake and now - move forward.
In my opinion - simple honesty is the answer here. Try and keep the emotional aspect out of it (it is devestating, I'm sure - but refrain) and no extra explaning - just made a mistake and the only option under policy was for me to leave and I have learned a lesson that I will carry forever and will be a far more deliberate nurse as I move forward. Then focus on clinical abilities and the patients (err...customers).
Now as for the "reference" - and the rumors and anxiety of blackballing - well there is some soultion to that. Although you must follow the rules of your state on recording of conversation and the legalities can be complex - so before any conversation is recorded be aware - and if recording is not possible a "written report" can still be obtained.
There are companies that will check your references (and they are skilled at getting folks to talk - not that some of the folks that GIVE references need any encouragement, and they will record the conversation or prepare a report of the "reference") for a fee. I had a little problem with one manager - and by the time I was done with him, his little fiefdom reign ended and I went on to bigger and better things - despite his reference and opinion that went straight to the company I contracted and no further! Well worth the few hundred bucks it cost.
Be aware that most folks are scared of giving opinions (for good reason!) and other than the problem/fear that exists in your mind - the reality may not be that bad. You only have 2 options - more forward or give up.
I second whoever said they are overreacting by dismissing you. It was an honest mistake, and no harm was done. If it was a second offense, sure, I'd understand, but when good workers make honest mistakes they need to unclench a little. JMHO you'll find a better position elsewhere anyway. Good luck.
Im in Ohio I should have said that here you cannot give info other than dates...This is what I was taught at a inservice when I was managing a business...but I still stand by the fact that it was a mistake and not reported and it shouldnt be a problem!
Just wanted to say thanks to all for the words of wisdom. But even more important... Thanks for your support! Just to clarify a couple of things ... This was a first infraction. But I had been "couseled" before this for something totally different. (For staying after my shift to finish the charting that everyone else seems to be able to finish during the 12 hr shift.) At first, I did it on the clock, and got in trouble for the OT. It usually took me about 30-45 minutes after report to finish. Not every shift, but most. Then, to prevent the hassle, I'd clock out, find a secluded terminal, finish up, and quietly tip-toe out. My manager found out somehow, and asked me if I was charting off the clock. I was honest, and told her, Yes, sometimes. I then got "counseled" for that. Well, when I screwed up and left my notes behind in the library, it was obvious I was charting late. (But not off the clock.) Boom. Termination. But the reason given was the HIPAA violation. I think it just gave my Mgr the ammo she needed to do what she wanted to do anyway. I have felt like such an outsider at work. I'm a relatively new nurse. This was my first job as an RN. (2nd career, so I'm not a kid like most of the new grads are.) I'd been there just over two years. But when I was hired, it was in between the NewGrad Programs. So I was oriented on the floor like an experienced nurse, and was completely on my own with a full patient load without any of the support structure the rest of the new nurses benefitted from. No skills labs, no time management training, no one to commiserate with when days were really hard. It probably took me longer than most, but I finally felt like I knew what I was doing. I really like nursing and I know am a good nurse. My patients love me, even if the management doesn't. I've actually had other RN's tell me that I need to learn "Not to care so much." About the patients! That I spend too much time in my patients' rooms. (Bedside charting is not an option here.) So, if something is left undone, it ends up being my charting. I see other nurses chatting, or on the internet, or taking breaks. I can't possibly see how they find the time. So, with all that said, this was probably not the best place for me to be. I decided I will be honest with prospective employers, and tell them I was terminated and the reason. I'll keep it short and sweet, and let them do what they will. I want a fresh start somewhere I will be appreciated for my caring, not penalized. Where support and helpful insight is offered alongside the "counseling". Here's to a better year in 2010.
Specializes in acute rehab, med surg, LTC, peds, home c.
That's across the board now it is illegal to give employers information about employees or ex employees other than confirming that they were or are employed by them and the dates and since they didnt report it to anyone I wouldnt mention it in a negative manner. You made a mistake learn from it move on stronger than you were before. Good Luck!
In my state they can only confirm the dates and ask "Would you rehire?" which is a yes or no question. A reference check supposedly never turns into a gossip session about the candidate, that would be unethical. This is what my manager tells me.
Just wanted to say thanks to all for the words of wisdom. But even more important... Thanks for your support! Just to clarify a couple of things ... This was a first infraction. But I had been "couseled" before this for something totally different. (For staying after my shift to finish the charting that everyone else seems to be able to finish during the 12 hr shift.) At first, I did it on the clock, and got in trouble for the OT. It usually took me about 30-45 minutes after report to finish. Not every shift, but most. Then, to prevent the hassle, I'd clock out, find a secluded terminal, finish up, and quietly tip-toe out. My manager found out somehow, and asked me if I was charting off the clock. I was honest, and told her, Yes, sometimes. I then got "counseled" for that. Well, when I screwed up and left my notes behind in the library, it was obvious I was charting late. (But not off the clock.) Boom. Termination. But the reason given was the HIPAA violation. I think it just gave my Mgr the ammo she needed to do what she wanted to do anyway. I have felt like such an outsider at work. I'm a relatively new nurse. This was my first job as an RN. (2nd career, so I'm not a kid like most of the new grads are.) I'd been there just over two years. But when I was hired, it was in between the NewGrad Programs. So I was oriented on the floor like an experienced nurse, and was completely on my own with a full patient load without any of the support structure the rest of the new nurses benefitted from. No skills labs, no time management training, no one to commiserate with when days were really hard. It probably took me longer than most, but I finally felt like I knew what I was doing. I really like nursing and I know am a good nurse. My patients love me, even if the management doesn't. I've actually had other RN's tell me that I need to learn "Not to care so much." About the patients! That I spend too much time in my patients' rooms. (Bedside charting is not an option here.) So, if something is left undone, it ends up being my charting. I see other nurses chatting, or on the internet, or taking breaks. I can't possibly see how they find the time. So, with all that said, this was probably not the best place for me to be. I decided I will be honest with prospective employers, and tell them I was terminated and the reason. I'll keep it short and sweet, and let them do what they will. I want a fresh start somewhere I will be appreciated for my caring, not penalized. Where support and helpful insight is offered alongside the "counseling". Here's to a better year in 2010.
:yeahthat:
Good luck to you. I hope you are able to enjoy your holidays. Please realize that it was a mistake...personally I think you are getting too harsh of a punishment for it. Like you said, in the long run it may turn into a blessing because who knows- your next place of employment could be a supportive environment that you end up loving. I sincerely wish you all the best....please enjoy your holidays
and I went on to bigger and better things - despite his reference and opinion that went straight to the company I contracted and no further! Well worth the few hundred bucks it cost. 
Orca, ADN, ASN, RN
2,066 Posts
I worked with an RN who did this all the time. She would clock out (to avoid overtime), then return to the unit to finish her work. She was truly overloaded. Management had given her the nurse manager's responsibilities in addition to her shift supervisor duties (because they didn't pay the NM enough to keep one). I told her that she was never going to be relieved of the duties or get any help if it appeared on paper that she was getting all her work done during a normal shift.
I would never, ever carry around a notebook with patient information written in it. Usually I carried a copy of the report sheet in my pocket containing my shift notes, which I promptly shredded after I gave report.