How do you revive after being terminated ??

BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2015

Obviously I have no idea what the circumstances of the termination were but the best thing I can say is grieve for a short period of time (even a week if you have to) and then lift your head high and move on.

First, find out what your former employer is going to say regarding your dismissal. Also, find out if any managers/directors/charge nurses can be references for you.

Then, start applying and be as simple and straight forward as you can as to why you're no longer at that job. Don't try to hide anything or skew anything, just keep things simple.

You will overcome this. Honestly, I've thought about writing an article about picking up the pieces when this kind of thing happens and I really need to do that. I was terminated from my first job as an RN 8 months ago at the one year mark in that position due to an unfounded allegation and a perfect reputation in that year. I found one part-time position within 3 weeks and a second part time job just 3 weeks or so after that. The second part-time job became full-time after just a couple months and I still have the first part-time job. You absolutely can overcome this. Please feel free to PM me if you have any questions. Good luck!

middleagednurse · Apr 20, 2015

Termination is common. Don't beat yourself up. Take PPs advice and move on. You WILL find another job.

Thachik_109 · Apr 20, 2015

How do I private message?

Thachik_109 · Apr 20, 2015

How do I PM?

Thachik_109 · Apr 20, 2015

And how do I find out what the former is going to say?

BloomNurseRN, ASN, BSN, RN · Apr 20, 2015

And how do I find out what the former is going to say?

I got your friend request and accepted.

The easiest thing to do is call HR and just ask what will be said when prospective employers call. If you feel like you're not getting a straight answer you can always have someone call asking for a reference and see what response they get. Good luck!

Caffeine_IV · Apr 26, 2015

I don't know your details but anyway I got fired from a hospital during orientation almost 4 years ago. I have yet to be asked about anything surrounding that during an interview.

And now I work that same hospital system again.

My point is I would not dwell on it. It sucks for sure but there is life and opportunity after being fired.

Thachik_109 · Apr 26, 2015

Apparently a parent of a patient I worked with every now and then expressed dissatisfaction. I'm m not really sure why as I don't know of anything I did but I was relieved of duties with no questions asked. How can I explain that on an application without out it looking like I must have done something terrible? Know what I mean?

toERortonot · Apr 26, 2015

unless it is legally mandated in nursing or in your state, the worse thing you can do is put a position you were terminated from on your resume.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Apr 28, 2015

Most organizations have a policy that requires all terminated employees to be listed as "not eligible for rehire"...sometimes permanently, and others for a specific period of time. This status is an obvious indication of termination. It will show up on your background check. It's best just to be prepared with a reasonable explanation of the circumstances along with an articulate explanation of "what I have learned from this". This indicates that you are a intelligent, responsible person who takes ownership for mistakes and learns from them.... basically an ideal employee.

It may be a good idea to make sure that the previous employee did not report any professional/NPA compliance issues as the cause of termination. This is harder to deal with and in some states (like mine) would have to be reported to the BON.

It'll get better. Many of us have been fired & come back stronger than ever.... including me.

abittooreal · Apr 30, 2015

I was terminated ONCE in my previous career. My direct report forged my signature on a piece of paper. What I learned from this?

NEVER trust anybody you work with.

Cover your own ass.

Throw other people under the bus to save your job.

Is this what you want to tell human resource when they ask about why you were terminated from your previous position?

People are quick to judge here. I might be mistaken, but based on what I have read, topic starter feels she was discharged unjustly. And even if it was entirely YOUR FAULT, I hope you can BS well when you explain "what you have learned from this."

DO NOT include this on your resume, UNLESS you have been here for at least 3+ years AND it is the ONLY experience you have. It will not show up on your background check, otherwise I would have have been hired 3 times after the fact.

Your resume will go straight into the RECYCLED PAPER pile, per a former HR representative.