I got fired today, how will that affect my chances?

AnonRNC · Feb 6, 2013

I don't know, but I want to extend my condolences to you. I was hoping they'd give you a chance.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2013

I got fired for a dumb thing I did breaking a hospital policy per HR, not my nursing performance or patient care related.
How will that affect me getting another job?

Normally I would think it would not affect it a whole lot, but seeing how you got fired for having sex with a co-worker on company property that could be dicey if HR or any of your references mention what happen.

I wonder if anyone knows if this would be something that would have been reported to your state nursing board.

Caffeine_IV · Feb 6, 2013

I thought you were going to resign. It may affect you...it may not. Depends on places you apply, the applicant pool, etc

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2013

I imagine it's definitely going to make it harder to find another job. I've routinely seen applications ask if you've ever been fired, and they always want to know why you left/are leaving your most recent position IME. I would be surprised if that's NOT used to filter out applications at that stage. Do you have any coworkers who are willing to be references for you? Any friends from nursing school who would put in a good word for you with their managers? I would try to network like crazy, be ready to be upfront about why you were fired, and apply to everything and anything out there.

squatmunkie_RN · Feb 6, 2013

Normally I would think it would not affect it a whole lot, but seeing how you got fired for having sex with a co-worker on company property that could be dicey if HR or any of your references mention what happen.
I wonder if anyone knows if this would be something that would have been reported to your state nursing board.

Well that was uncalled for.

ChristineN, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2013

Well that was uncalled for.

Seeing how the board can get involved on moral misconduct, I don't think that comment was uncalled for.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2013

Your best course of action is to be candidly honest if/ when this comes up in interviews, because potential employers will find out. Embarrasing yes, but when you choose the behaviour, you choose the consequences. You will need to demonstrate some level of remorse and reflection as well with this incident, so that employers understand that similar behaviour won't repeat itself. Hopefully, someone will give you a chance.

Nurseadam · Feb 6, 2013

I should have resigned but they caught me of guard ..

manager said if they called her for a reference, she said she'll put a good word for me.

They also told me HR will only verify employment and salary, no one will know. I'm not sure if that's true.

Laboratorian · Feb 6, 2013

Lord have mercy.

jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B · Feb 6, 2013

Unfortunetely, you probably won't know until you start looking for another job. If you broke some sort of policy, make sure that you have taken steps so that it doesn't happen again. Then you can certainly use the "I have learned that ___________ was inappropriate, I have taken xyz steps so that it does not happen again. As a nurse, I blah, blah, blah, consistently received excellent performace reviews, and (whatever else you did in your nursing practice that is positive). But it depends on what you did. If it was inappropriate facebook take your employer off of facebook and make your page private. If it was bad mouthing, temper--you could go to see someone about your behavioral techniques. If you were fratenizing with a co-worker then I would literally say "my boyfriend and I worked at the same hospital. We were not aware that this was against company policy". Key thing is to be prepared to answer tough questions if you need to, and have taken steps to avoid this happening in the future.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Feb 6, 2013

Even if your employer doesn't reveal why you were fired, YOU may have to own up. Potential employers will probably ask in the interview why you left your position. I think it's worse to dodge the question or try to hide the reason....as embarassing as it may be. Your potential employer can go back and ask your previous employer, and they will then need to be honest. You're best to come clean if it comes up.