I burned my bridges 4 years ago....(need advice)

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Hi fellow nurses,

Ok, 4 years ago I graduated as a RN. I applied for a job at a local hospital, got hired, got my pre-employment physical, and then 4 days before I was going to begin hospital orientation, the recruiter called and fired me. She said I falsified on my application the part that says "Have you ever been fired from a job." I demanded to know which of my former employers said I was fired, but she refused to tell me. I had words for her, demanded to talk to her boss, etc. I was just so mad. And then I called all of my former employess and I found out who said I was fired. It was a nursing home, and they keep shoddy records. They have on their records (a 4 x 4 flaah card) that I am not "rehirable" because I quit without notice. Which is not entirely true, I gave a few days notice. But nonetheless, I quit....they did not fire me. I tried getting in touch with the nurse recruiter at the hospital who hired/fired me about what happened, but she would not return any of my calls.

So I moved on with life. I now have excellent references to bring to the table and I am moving back to my hometown (where this hospital is at) and I would like to work at that hospital. But I am DREADING being interviewed by her. And yes, she is still there and she is the only NC. And yea, I think she will remember me. I have a unique name and I bet there is something about that incident on my record.

She was completely unprofessional back then, I blew a fuse, how am I going to go in and be taken seriously if I interview again. Should I even bother? The odds of her hiring me are (?) now? If I do apply and interview, should I mention anything about 4 years ago or just act like it didn't happen? If it were you, would you apply?

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Wow thats a toughie. I think the situation got ugly and sadly she has the upper hand. I would not be surprised if you did not get hired I am sorry to say. :o I would suggest you try at another hospital near by because it does seem that you are a great nurse with great references so you should have no trouble getting a job somewhere else. Good luck though!

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Specializes in ED, Flight.

I say just buck up and go to it. You already have nothing to lose, so why worry? Keep your composure, answer clearly and professionally. If the past 'falsification' comes up, stick to your story politely but firmly and tell them what happened in as few words as possible.

What's the worst that can happen?

Oh, and take some OTC Zantac before you go. :D

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I'm with medic09 - what is the absolutely worst case scenario? That she does not call you back for an interview? That she refuses to consider your application? That she asks for clarification on the events of four years ago? Etc. Think it through and work through any events that are the "worst that can happen. None of them will derail you for longer than an afternoon and then you can go about your job search without wondering: what if...

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I think you should still apply.

You may get, or you may not. But, you will never know unless you apply.

Plus, how do you know it willl be the same woman to interview you?

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

I would also give it a shot. If she is there and she seems to remember you, apologise and explain the situation...that you did give notice. The worst she can do is not hire you.

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Specializes in psyche, dialysis, community health.

You're a different person now.

They may be a different facility now too.

They may need you more than you know.

I agree. What have you got to lose?

Go for it!

dig

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Go for it!:up:

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Med-Surg..

I would apply if I were you. You now have great references so that says lots of good things about you. Go for it.

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Specializes in Neuro/Med-Surg/Oncology.

Oh, and take some OTC Zantac before you go. :D

Or maybe some Xanax . . . ;)

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Specializes in Emergency.

You potentially might be on their do not hire list for the issue. If you apply and dont get any call or response then you will know. If its a small town and the only hospital in town and you move are there other jobs?

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

I would suggest that you call and request a brief appointment with the recruiter prior to filling out an application. If asked, you can state that you would like to clarify a prior question regarding employment.

Go in with your head held high, introduce yourself and explain your prior situation. Take responsibility for speaking inappropriately and apologize for your actions. Emphasize your professional growth in the intervening time and ask if you would be welcome to apply again.

My guess is that unless she is a complete ***, she will accept your apology and give you reasonable consideration in any available openings. If she is a complete *** and refuses your apology, then at least you will have no questions left in your mind.

Best of luck to you. And thank you for reminding us all of the importance of keeping our emotions in check. We never know when a blow up (no matter how well deserved) will come back to bite us.

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