I ask myself, why am I here is nursing for me?

[dance4life]

Really why am I here? For the past year I have had such a hard time with this career. I don't know if it is because, I decided to get into Travel to even survive or if I thought switching to an Agency would be better. Today again for sticking up for myself (we will get to that later) I was fired.

I have worked for some pretty big hospitals. In BIG CITIES. Maybe I should go smaller?

I have been working in Travel for quite awhile. Permanent jobs won't touch me. It seems when I apply I get no response. When I do it is like a year later. Yes, I would be dead. It also might be like you need permanent job experience but, you can't get any because you can't get a permanent job. It is a constant circle. I was already homeless last summer for being fired too. That was not a fun experience. People couldn't believe a nurse lived in her car! As if!!!

Yet, I have not ever been fired for anything related to my personality, patient care, coworker issues, etc. People just seem not to like that I come into work with a smile on my face and leave with one. I don't know... I don't have a mean personality. Patients also notice this.

This recent firing today... A nurse yelled at me for not giving a medication I wasn't suppose to give as it was the hospitals policy not to give it. Well, it is most hospitals policy not to give it. But, when I said no to the nurse... there it is, just get rid of that nurse. Is this going to be my life with nursing? Should I really continue my education? Which I am suppose to start in July?

Here is why... I received Unemployment for all the drama I went through last year. First, I was fired because a nurse I gave report to said I didn't hang a bag of Heparin. Well, it was documented via the new scanning systems we use these days. Then my next assignment, I was fired for a Facebook post last summer. Guess what I don't have a Facebook. After that I cut my contract short at a hospital because they kept having me work as a CNA. They did not like that so in retaliation I received a nice letter that they reported my license which is still pending right now. I have an attorney to handle that and make sure you have NSO! Anyhow, just like today I can only imagine what was said. Although, I did the right thing. I didn't give that medication!

I am not sure what else I can do? All I know is nursing. I got into it to help people and all I have seen is despair. Oh gosh I don't want to give up because of these people. Is it because these hospitals are so big they just fire me because, hire anyone they want and hear I am this Travel/Agency person who well they can push around. How can I not be bitter when I go to the next job?

If someone can lead me into the right direction if they experienced this in their career please help.

Ugh...

[dance4life]

Thanks for the love! NOT

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

Your first post was at 2123....your second post was at 2258. AN is different is the way people respond and there is sometimes a delay before posts start coming in for your thread.

I am sorry that you have experienced this over the last year...however have not mentioned "anything related to my personality, patient care, coworker issues, etc." There has to be some common denominator that has help this re-occur.

Yes agency nurses are held under scrutiny. Any infraction or perceived infraction will be looked upon as a grievous offense for if the facility finds you unacceptable they do not have to pay for the contract. You are considered disposable.

As an agency nurse YOU, and only you, are responsible for knowing THAT facilities policies and procedures...you will be held accountable.

This med you refused to push was it in the facility policy that it could be given? Was this an emergency? Situations like these are complicated. What is forbidden at one facility is acceptable at another. That is the challenge of travel nursing is frequently changing environments and being able to adapt to that facilities policies/culture.

It is entirely expected that you are angry and defensive right now

Thanks for the love! NOT

but you need to take this time to learn and grow. Really analyze if travel nursing is for you.

If you have engaged a lawyer I would consider not discussing this on social media. While AN is anonymous it is public and can be seen/searched by anyone. It is a small world - when you narrow it down to a state and throw in some personal info, there is actually a pretty good chance someone may recognize you if you are not careful.

I wish you the best.