How detailed are you about past jobs?

caliotter3 · May 6, 2011

Don't be your own worst enemy. Prepare as if the firing had not happened after you think about your response for this one instance. Don't dwell on it. It is not all there is to know about you. Those employers who do not take your rendition of what happened into account, are probably not the kind of employer you would care to work for.

SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN · May 6, 2011

aww... op, your post sounds like you are so defeated!! *huge hugs* i do not know what happened and, like you have written, it is not necessary for you to tell us. my guess is that if you take time to look at your situation, you will see that there was something wrong with that environment that you tolerated especially, if you are surprised that your employer let you go.

in any case, rather than focus on the negative of being fired in the interview, prior to an interview figure out what went wrong and how you have learned from it.... also, acknowledge your errors or mistakes and mention that you have grown.

as for a reason you were fired, i would not put much on an application. in fact, i would leave it blank if possible or place "willing to discuss during an interview" in the spot. i would also place "no, you may to contact this employer" on the application. other places of employment that are reputable can be used as references as well as contacts to get another job.

fyi, i have read on here and know of real world situations where many good experienced nurses have been either fired or asked to leave in his/her careers for many petty reasons. however, he/she is continuing to work as a nurse today in another facility, department, specialty, etc. if the reason you were let go is petty, please stop beating yourself up!!! :twocents: good luck with your job hunt.

sweetnurse63, BSN, RN · May 6, 2011

Nursehopeful, I know how you feel. I was recently dimissed from a job too for a petty unclear reason, they simply did not want me there anymore and the one that informed me of the decision, made it known that "it was not my clinical skills", The director of nursing was incompassionate and showed no appreciation toward her nurses. After I cried and got myself together, i came to realize that it was their loss!!! After I analyzed the situation, I could not come up with one good legitimate reason why they let me go except for the fact that it was my time to move on, believe me, it does get better and you will get another job just as I have. Consider your dismissal a stepping stone and keep on moving, wish you the best. Hugs and well wishes:nurse: Oh, when you are asked why you left your previous job, don't offer too much information, but be truthful, make it short, by saying for example; the unit was not a good fit for me or I am exploring other opportunities that will strengthen my nursing skills as I become a well- rounded healthcare professional, sell yourself, be confident and above all, let go of the hurt related to your previous job and you will be fine.

NurseHopefulInOH · May 6, 2011

do you tell them you were fired? I'm afraid of I don't say straight up it was not my choice to leave they will call them find out then think I am trying to hide something which I am not.

sweetnurse63, BSN, RN · May 7, 2011

On most applications, the question is asked whether you have been asked to resign or terminated, I usually will pick yes and will explain during interview. I never use the word "fired". Its all in the words that we use. This may even sound silly, but i have said my position was terminated or i was asked to resign. Because i asked, my last job gave me the opportunity to give a 2 wk notice. i was thankful for that and i retained the original document for my records. Remember to make short statement and move on by talking about your positive qualities and strengths.