How Do I Move On After Being Wrongfully Accused

[rainbowdream]

I am a HUC who worked in a hospital over 15 yrs and was wrongfully accused of everything under the sun, including violation of HIPAA laws and falsifying my time card. When these issues were brought up, they were vehemently denied. I have no witnesses but my own proof it did not happen. I knew the accusations were false, and were quickly dropped by management in front of HR when I gave my view. Things began to flare up again and I was being given verbal and written warnings for every little thing. When I saw these things going on, I told them they would have to fire me, I was not leaving. They, of course, continued, and eventually did just that. I attempted to go farther up the chain and was told I could present my side but nothing could be done for me. The problem I was having was already dealing with the HR department, so I had no recourse. The last interview, so to speak, I was told the Nursing VP agreed with management, even though he had not heard my side.

At this point, I am not interested in dealing with the former hospital anymore, but really am seeking advice how to handle this in an interview for a new position in healthcare. I should also mention that some of these problems kicking me out the door stem from difficulties re: a bullying/manipulative manager whose superior stood behind this behavior.

[JomoNurse]

You should have resigned long before they fired you. Being fired from any position is not a resume builder. Why you would continue working there anyway, I have no clue. When a potential employer contacts this hospital, they are going to have multiple disciplinary actions on file. This is really a bad situation to be in. I am sorry.

[leslie :-D]

if you honestly feel you were wrongly terminated, i would consider suing them.

but i agree that this is a bleak situation, esp working their 15 years...

is there anyone there, that would give you a good reference?

leslie

[Blue_River]

I would suggest you to apply different healthcare or sign up with agencies. it will be your best choice. Do not be encouraged, apply what ever position you like. explain the situation when asked. Do not have to volunteer anything. Not necessary employer always says negative. It also depend upon how much of the verification is needed about you. Some employers only verify the status of employment. Also, when you go for the interview try not to complain. Only show the reason as a personal conflict if asked. Again, do not volunteer any information.

[rainbowdream]

JomoNurse---Looking back, it may have been smarter to just walk away. However, I was not willing to give up benefits accrued and needed unemployment benefits paid. Turnover is very high in the management positions at our place and I was hoping they would be vacated before me. You're not kidding it's a bad situation...think I'm not aware?

leslie---Yes, I do have many people to back me up, writing excellent letters of recommendation. I don't know that this is enough, though, even though I feel it should be. I am working on getting in touch with former bosses to add to the list of others I was in contact with that can speak well for my work.

Thanks Blue_River for your thoughts. I am running a very thin fine line between speaking up or shutting up. It's one of those where you're damned if you do, damned if you don't. I know HR professionals are not "supposed" to reveal much more than basic details of your employment, but considering the history I have already had with this employer, I don't feel I can trust that, so have a hard time deciding whether to be upfront without spilling it all or just zipping my lip.

Thanks all, for responses. I am open to more comments, suggestions...etc...if anyone has any.

[diane227, LPN, RN]

You should have resigned before they fired you. Once you get terminated from a job it follows you forever if you are a nurse. I guarantee you that you will have trouble finding a job. I friend of mine got terminated one year ago and she still has not found a job. We live in the Seattle area and there are jobs all over the place. She can't get hired anywhere with that termination on her resume. She worked here a long time. NEVER ever bad mouth your previous employer in an interview. You need to be up front but you have to be careful what you say. I wish you luck. Get your resume together and get out there on the market ASAP.

[jdub3]

I am a HUC who worked in a hospital over 15 yrs and was wrongfully accused of everything under the sun, including violation of HIPAA laws and falsifying my time card. When these issues were brought up, they were vehemently denied. I have no witnesses but my own proof it did not happen. I knew the accusations were false, and were quickly dropped by management in front of HR when I gave my view. Things began to flare up again and I was being given verbal and written warnings for every little thing. When I saw these things going on, I told them they would have to fire me, I was not leaving. They, of course, continued, and eventually did just that. I attempted to go farther up the chain and was told I could present my side but nothing could be done for me. The problem I was having was already dealing with the HR department, so I had no recourse. The last interview, so to speak, I was told the Nursing VP agreed with management, even though he had not heard my side.

At this point, I am not interested in dealing with the former hospital anymore, but really am seeking advice how to handle this in an interview for a new position in healthcare. I should also mention that some of these problems kicking me out the door stem from difficulties re: a bullying/manipulative manager whose superior stood behind this behavior.

Seems to be a trend in other hospitals....