I sued my last employer, how do I apply for new jobs?

[brookorrn]

About 4 years ago I was forced off of my job for filing a complaint about a supervisor that raped me and spent two years sexually harassing me. I honestly tried to go about the correct way of resolving the problem by going to my employer's human resource office. I was made promises of never having to work with this man again, yet the very next day he was working beside me, making my life a living you-know-what. I tried to continue working under the unbearable conditiions, but my hands were shaking so badly I could not even hold a pen to write. I was ostricized, made fun of, etc. for filing a complaint. I was pushed off of my job four months after recieving employee of the month (I recieved this before I filed the complaint). I chose to sue because I only had 5 months to go and my retirement was invested, plus I had great benefits and a very good paying job.

My question is, what do I put on my applications? The employer settled out of court and I was given a letter stating that I left in good standing (even though the settlement states I can never work for them again.......who would want to). I know I will not get a good recommendation from them even though I recieved a promotion during my years there, recieved several outstanding evaluations, etc. Do I tell my possibly future employers that I sued my last employer? I am soon to be an LPN and begin RN school. I don't want my horrible experience with that employer to ruin my chances at a future.

Any help on this would be a great help. Thank you in advance.

[caliotter3]

By the time you seek employment in the healthcare field this other situation will be further in the past. I went through much the same thing, although I didn't sue. I asked the person in HR how to put down some derogatory stuff regarding the problem and he told me to write a short statement as part of the job application and since it was in a different line of work, they would pay very little attention to it other than to verify my dates of employment.

I would write the words "please refer to interview" in this space whenever you apply for a job. When you do interview try to say as little as possible. You can say what went on without divulging that you sued. Never offer the info that you sued. Do not allow the interview to dwell on that episode. Try to steer it to your qualifications in nursing. That is what future employers will be interested in anyway. Good luck to you.

Added thought: Bring a copy of your "good standing" letter with you to interviews.

[VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN]

Moving to the Nursing Career Advice Forum for better exposure.

Some excellent advice on interviewing by Donna Cardillo:

http://www.dcardillo.com/cgi-bin/swish_test.cgi?query=interview&sort=swishrank&.cgifields=reverse&Submit=Submit