I need some advice,please!

[Pooh Bear RN]

I am coming upon my first full year of nursing. I have had two jobs within the past year. The first one was the first job offered to me and I felt wayyyyyy in over my head. It was a busy ICU floor. I worked with really great people there and they were all very helpful. I just wasn't ready for that critical of patients yet. Left that job for another in a clinic which has not worked out like I had hoped. I don't fit in personality wise and prefer not to get involved with the gossip. Over the last few weeks I have been belittled in front of other coworkers by the office manager and everything I do is wrong, even though I am doing things the way I have been told by this same person. I believe that they are getting ready to fire me as soon as they can find my replacement. I have already put in some applications elsewhere and still waiting to hear anything. If I do get fired before I get another job how do I need to list that on any future applications and resume. Also, how do I explain if I get an interview with somewhere I have already put in an application, after being fired with this job listed as a present employer. Do I let them know that I was terminated after putting in my application? I have not been given any reason, warnings or write ups that would warrent my termination, but I have a strong feeling that it is going to happen. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Hardly anyone gets through an entire career without being fired at least once. So, you're hardly alone. I have been termed twice - once due to a re-organization, and the other due to vigorous differences with the VP to whom I reported (nuff said).

First of all - if you are applying for other jobs, make sure that you indicate that they cannot contact your present employer... not unusual in healthcare.

If you are terminated before landing another job, you will have to list everything on your job history. But whenever you are required to explain why you left, just stick with "not a good fit" as an explanation. This is suitably ambiguous - and sums up the situation pretty well. Neither you nor the employer were able to meet one another's needs, right? Unless they terminate you for 'cause', be sure to apply immediately for unemployment.

This is probably unwanted advice, but it seems as though you need to work on building your confidence & communication/assertiveness. These are interconnected. You are more likely to speak up if you are sure of yourself. But in the meantime, you owe it to yourself to step out of your comfort zone and try to become more direct in your communication with co-workers. Have you told the office manager how she/he is making you feel? People like this are used to intimidating everyone & expect you to act subservient and just accept whatever they say. If you are able to face them down without escalating into an emotional tirade.... it will make you feel better and just may make a difference in how you are treated in the future.

[gingeric1]

I would not tell them about being terminated. Rarely do places of employment ever tell why an employee left. They will just give dates of employment and maybe salary information. Before you leave your employment get some letters of recommendation from people you've worked with and like your work. Collect references throughout your career.

Where employers can get you though is in an interview by asking whether you worked out your notice or not.

I would outright ask the HR department where you work what they tell and don't tell other employers about their present and past employees. My bet is they tell them nothing more then employment dates.