Published Dec 30, 2024
bluescoop, BSN, RN
8 Posts
I have been doing nursing for more than 2 years and mostly in SNF. I worked for about 6 months in street nursing for homeless patients and got fired from that. It was devastating because I liked that job and got along well with my coworkers. I was accused of not taking action in emergency situations (lies) and the firing was very abrupt. I believe I was hired on probation so they didn't legally need a reason to fire me and were very vague about why I was being fired. I am applying for other jobs, it's just not working out because most employers won't even consider my application. I don't know how to explain to employers that I no longer work at the job I was fired from without making it obvious that I was fired. The person who fired me told me to go be an OR nurse, but I can't work in an OR because I don't have the experience that OR nurse recruiters are looking for. It's easy to get hired in a SNF, but most of the nurses there are LVNs (I'm a BSN RN) and the job doesn't really teach me much in the way of skills. I just hate SNFs. I gained some experience learning to use Epic and draw blood in street nursing that I don't want to lose now. I have been getting ghosted for job interviews, or just straight up ignored after being told that I would be contacted to schedule an interview. I want to work in a community health clinic serving Black/African American Community, transgender community, homeless community, or some other patient population with specific health needs. I have had several community health clinics call me to schedule an interview only to cancel the interviews last minute or completely ghost me. I don't know if it's because of the holidays that my applications are lagging. I live in the Bay Area and can't drive. There are only so many places I can commute to on BART that I am qualified for. I worry that I will not be able to find a job outside of a SNF and I will be forced to either give up nursing and go through my life being poor or do a job that I hate. I need advice thank you.
hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I
4 Articles; 5,202 Posts
I left/was terminated from a job I loved due to mental health reasons and it took me a year and a half to get my life in order and resume working. In most cases employers will verify dates of employment and call it a day. When I asked why I left that job. I answered "It just wasn't a good fit.” When asked about the gap in employment I stated " I needed to focus on personal and family matters but all that was resolved and I am ready to get back to work.” Prospective employers seemed to accept this and I got a new job were I have been for almost 20 years.
Davey Do
10,647 Posts
I can commiserate, bluescoop, for I was fired from four positions during my career, and each time, I went to the department of employment services in order to have an adjudicator review the case. In three out of four times, I was found not be at fault and had a piece of governmental documentation affirming this.
With the one I didn't win, the adjudicator told me, "You can't say 'Go ahead and fire me!' then contest it when he does".
I learned from that one.
However, after that job, I got the highest paying position of my career.
Here's hoping the same thing happens for you, bluescoop!
sideshowstarlet, BSN, RN
295 Posts
Being fired seems to be a common experience shared by Allnurses users, based on the above comments and my own history of being fired three times in my career. You are in good company!
My most recent termination took place at the end of August 2023, during which I was fired from a detox after being falsely accused of writing a note threatening to kill others with keyboards and staplers. This note was reportedly found on my desk (so, possibly meant FOR me *IF* the note indeed exists). HR stated that they determined it was me based on a "handwriting analysis," despite the fact that all of our charting is done electronically (we didn't even have a paper charting system as a backup, which made working with our unreliable EMR fun).
I was offered a job at a clinic, which I love on Sept. 14, 2023 and began working there Oct 16, 2023. I have been there ever since and plan to remain there for the foreseeable future. Some things that helped me during my period(s) of unemployment were:
1. Apply for your state Medicaid as soon as your employer's insurance expires (generally by the first day of the month after you were terminated). Not only is it helpful to be able to take care of your health needs while unemployed, showing proof that you receive Medicaid can also qualify you for other services. For example, I applied for and was approved for Medicaid on Sept. 1, 2023. I was able to submit proof of this to my electricity company and receive a 50% discount on my electric bill throughout that Winter (despite managing to start a new job in the middle of October). It's also helpful to take advantage of the free healthcare from Medicaid and set up therapy sessions for yourself to help deal with the stress.
2. Apply for unemployment if you haven't already, even if you don't have much hope of getting it. You'll likely feel pretty hopeless about everything during this time, so any worries about not qualifying for unemployment may not be founded in reality. If you file for unemployment, the onus is on the former employer to prove that you don't qualify for unemployment. In your unemployment application, always put that you were fired for "Performance," no matter what reason HR gave you for termination. I had more to do with my time than to explain some phantom note to the unemployment office, and I wasn't about to make it harder for them to approve me. In my case, unemployment was never able to get a hold of anyone from HR at my former company, despite trying multiple times to do so, and my claim ended up being approved.
3. Apply for food stamps. Not only can this be helpful with our ever-increasing grocery prices, but showing proof that you receive SNAP can also qualify you for other services. For example, after a previous termination on Nov 16, 2022 due to my "assessments and documentation not being up to par" (after being told the previous day that my assessments and documentation were "impeccable"), I was able to use my SNAP approval letter to qualify for a voucher to help pay my electricity bills every month, as well as an Income-Eligible Home Energy Audit. The audit resulted in small repairs being made to help with energy savings that day (caulking windows, etc) and led to my water heater being replaced and a ductless heating and cooling system being installed in my home at a steep discount.
4. Avoid a resume gap by freelancing. I've always helped my friends and fellow students with proofreading their papers in college and would occasionally help out friends of friends with this. At times, I would receive gift cards, etc to thank me. I decided this was all I needed to list on my resume that I was a "Freelance Copywriter," and I had "clients" willing to say nice things about me if any potential employer ever asked. Also, if a potential employer uses a system like Skill Survey for reference checks (as opposed to calling your references and asking probing questions), your freelance "clients" can easily be added to the list of references to send the online questionnaire to (with their permission). You can claim that you were freelancing as a tutor, a video editor, whatever hobby you have or are interested in exploring further. I also like the idea of citing a need to focus on personal and family matters (which have since been resolved) to explain an employment gap. You can also say you were freelancing when you could while taking care of these personal matters.
5. Be judicious in what you include on your resume. If you did not pass the probationary period at a new job, or if your time at that company was very short, don't bother listing that job on your resume. You can always stretch the amount of time you were "freelancing" if you are worried about the resume gap.
6. Volunteer. Not only is this a way for you to put some good into the world and get out of your own head, but it can also be a way to scope out and network at nonprofits you may be interested in working for. Volunteering can also be a great way to avoid a resume gaps.
7. Linkedin. Post your resume and experiences on Linkedin. I was offered two jobs through recruiters reaching out to me via Linkedin. One of those jobs was terrible, and I was fired from that job about an hour after I quit that job (long story). And the other job is the job I am still currently employed with.
8. Broaden your scope. You don't have to stick with just nursing jobs. For example, I'm assuming you have a BLS/CPR certification already and some experience working with people who have special needs and/or mental health challenges (either from previous jobs or clinical nursing experience). You can use that to apply for a paraprofessional/substitute paraprofessional at your local school district. If you're having trouble finding a nursing role, find what you liked about your street nursing job and see if there are other jobs out there that use a similar skill set.
I hope this is helpful to you! Happy New Year!
Edited to add: If you got along well with your coworkers, I'm sure at least one of them would be willing to serve as a reference if you do choose to include the street nursing job on your resume.
Medic2RN72, BSN, RN, EMT-P
54 Posts
I was fired from a nursing job. I submitted a 30 letter of resignation because I got another nursing job. I was going from ED to Case Management at another system. On the 2nd to my last shift, one of my patients eloped (with a history of dementia) on my lunch break with another nurse watching.
I had been with this system for 3 years. I never had any counselings or write-ups, EVER. It was a blessing because I now have a better schedule, better pay, and can go to grad school. I even have a position after school. Looking back, staying would have been a HORRIBLE decision. They did me a favor. I got 2 DAISY nominations at that system, and a DAISY Award after they fired me. LOL
kbrn2002, ADN, RN
3,944 Posts
Your next steps might depend on how long you can afford to be unemployed. If you need employment immediately or very soon you might just have to accept the first tolerable job offer that comes your way, you can always accept but keep looking for your preferred position. Sometimes it's oddly easier to find a job while you are currently employed than when not.
Definitely file for unemployment, if approved it will not be the same money you would be making working but it would help you get by until you can find employment. Depending on your states requirements you may also be be required to do job search while receiving it, but you'll be doing that anyway so no big deal there.
There's bound to be employment options besides SNF, look at any nursing position that could offer the kind of environment you are looking for. It's devastating to be fired, but it happens. You will bounce back from this.
Nurse Beth, MSN
145 Articles; 4,301 Posts
I noticed you posted at the end of December, so it's only been a few days. In unemployment time, that's not much.
Being fired can be traumatic, and while you're experiencing this moment, it's hard to see the bigger picture. The job you've always wanted might still be within reach. Take heart.
Remember, taking a SNF position can help you cover expenses while you continue to explore other job opportunities. It's advantageous and strategic to search for a job while employed rather than unemployed.
Also, try Zuckerberg. Once you get in, their compensation is phenomenal.