I was fired as a CNA for severe misconduct

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I was fired as a CNA in a nursing home for allegations that i denied. Infact when i was first suspended, I was accused of being rough on a resident, after 3 days they called me back and said some other residents accused me as well, one for verbal abuse, another that he saw me hitting a former resident. All the allegations are unfounded and not true and my rep also confirmed that he had investigated me from other staff and they said i am a good person. Infact he said, my offense from his investigation is that I am too nice. I was fired and since then i have been confused. I have less than 1month to complete my Nursing degree and take my NClex and I dont know if this incident will be reported to State or my license may be suspended. My termination letter only said 'severe violation of the rules and standard regulation of the company" What can I do?

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Call a lawyer. You need legal advise.

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And use your union rep. They can help advise.

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You said they told you you hit a patient. Yet your termination letter says nothing, it's blank, a nothing. It doesn't mention neglect, abuse, nothing. Violation of the rules is nothing. I'd keep that letter in a safe place- and also document in detail what happened from day one, who was present, what the allegation were and against what alleged patients, and note any papers you signed- while you still remember all the details. If you do get a lawyer, he'll need to know what happened in detail, or he wwouldn't be able to advise you properly. And in the event you are charged with anything, like abuse, (even though you are 'too nice') later- you know it's BS, since you were fired for 'violating the rules', nothing else. Seems like they wanted rid of you just because you're almost out of school. It happens.

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BTW- if you hit a patient, etc. and they failed to report you (cops, state, etc.)- they are just as guilty of abuse/neglect, and even more liable than you are.

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This is exactly why I've said some RN students should think twice about working as a CNA. You can gain valuable expderience and help your resume, but working as a CNA can also be a minefield that can blow up in someones face and possibly ruin their medical career.

It can be a good experience because it teaches how to negotiate the minefield of getting everything done, keeping your patients and residents happy, and dealing with management breathing down your neck, but just keep in mind that as a CNA every molehill can get turned into a mountain, especially in LTC, and keeping the residents(and even coworkers) happy can sometimes mean the difference between being accused of abuse.

I think it helps to have a certain personality type to negotiate this minefield when working as a CNA, and some people who might make good RNs might not have this personality type.

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I graduated Nursing school last wk and my joy was cut short when i received a mail from the state for an informal conference for abuse at my last work of place. I have totally forgotten the issue as i have moved on with my life. I got another place where i do part time, fortunately too, i was approved for unemployment benefit without any interview.

I have contacted the union and they said the union lawyer will also write a letter for me and follow me to the informal conference when it is scheduled. Currently i have started processes for my RN license and honestly i am confused. I just pray i don't get burnt by state. I have also documented all the incident and a part of me believe the issue will be dismissed at the first hearing.

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Specializes in Critical Care.
You said they told you you hit a patient. Yet your termination letter says nothing, it's blank, a nothing. It doesn't mention neglect, abuse, nothing. Violation of the rules is nothing. I'd keep that letter in a safe place- and also document in detail what happened from day one, who was present, what the allegation were and against what alleged patients, and note any papers you signed- while you still remember all the details. If you do get a lawyer, he'll need to know what happened in detail, or he wwouldn't be able to advise you properly. And in the event you are charged with anything, like abuse, (even though you are 'too nice') later- you know it's BS, since you were fired for 'violating the rules', nothing else. Seems like they wanted rid of you just because you're almost out of school. It happens.

Hun Im sry this happened to you, I was wrongfully terminated at a hosp here as a PCT for violating hippa which I never did. They forced my resignation and since then I could not find a job as a PCT/CNA :/

I agree with SuzieVN, again sry it happened :(

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I know someone that was a nursing student, she was fired because a resident accused her of abuse. 2 months after, the state wrote her, and after she responded them, she was told to expect a reply in 3 wks to invite her for a conference. 4months after, she never got any response from the state again. She has been licensed as a RN now and she has moved on with her life. When she tried to make inquiries while the state never sent any mail to her on the issue again, the response she got was that the facility that fired her never responded to state for proof and docs and so the state doesn't want to waste their time. Be positive and move on with your life, your case might turn out that way too.

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that's why they say DOCUMENT EVERYTHING!!!! you must cover your ass before anyone else. I'm soooo sorry this happen to you though. i would strongly consider challenging the situation and getting a lawyer. no pt. in messing up your nursing career for false accusations and she said he said crap. he was wrong for firing you especially if your employer knows you were a great CNA. Hes wrong for that, and should of taken the right steps to investigate the situations before jumping to conclusions. GOOD LUCK DEAR. you got this :yes:

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