I was terminated

Published

Specializes in Ed.

I was terminated after 4 years at a hospital doing what I loved. Applying for others jobs but not sure what to put on application. I was terminated because it was a busy day in the Er I had seven patients in our minor treatment area, I pulled out a nebulizer and was going to give it. I got busy left it in work area and tended to other patients. The patient kept asking our nurse aide how much longer, the nurse aide then started the treatment for them. Well the pt was an employee of the hosp and knew aides were not supposed to give them and they called corporate compliance. Question is that I know this is reportable to Bon, as I'm doing applications to I put that I was terminated? Do I have to say why if there was no discipline from the Bon at this time? I'm sad and upset and now worried about getting a job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

From the information you provided, you did not 'delegate' the resp tx to the CNA - she took it upon herself to assume that responsibility and step out of her role.

Are you sure that this has to be reported to the BON? Of course, every state is a bit different but if you violated policy by leaving the prepared tx in an uncontrolled area &/or failed to administer within the time frame ordered, I would have thought that counseling would be a better option than termination because those actions are probably not blatant violations of your NPA. Most BONs are following the "just culture" model for determining disciplinary measures. This means that discipline should always be aligned with 'intent' because the only "correctable" aspect of an error is the perpetrator's decision-making process. You can't correct human error. Significant punishment is reserved for incidents of deliberate violation of the NPA.

Honestly, I would provide the facts (only) to prospective employers... e.g., you were terminated for a policy violation that did not result in patient harm. If they want additional information, you can provide more information about the circumstances. It sounds like you are already doing this, but be sure to take accountability and stress "lessons learned" if you are asked about it. No one expects perfection. Real Life is much harder than the classroom - because 'tests' always come before the lesson.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.

I'm curious as to why you were fired if you honestly did not delegate that treatment to the tech.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ed.

Conflicting stories, of course the CNA stated I told her to do it she too was terminated. They said because I didn't report it when it happened. Angers me because I'm always honest no matter what then this happens and I get punished.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in M/S, LTC, Corrections, PDN & drug rehab.
Conflicting stories, of course the CNA stated I told her to do it she too was terminated. They said because I didn't report it when it happened. Angers me because I'm always honest no matter what then this happens and I get punished.

If this was a first incident & you got fired I'd say maybe it was a good thing. They were looking to cover themselves & didn't give a rat's ass about you. Sorry it happened but obviously it wasn't that great of a place to work.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ed.

I had a clean record never even a verbal in four years working there. Just hoping to try to find job, sucks to have to put terminated on job application. Just have to pick myself up and put myself out there and stop fretting over this. They made huge deal about scope of practice with this, I even asked for a suspension but they didn't bother.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in School Nursing.

Just be honest. There are a lot of people out there who will appreciate your honesty and give you a chance. You're a nurse with 4 years experience at the same position. That alone speaks volumes, if you ask me. Acknowledge your mistake, own it. You will find another job! :) Good luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Sounds like a set-up to me. You said the pt was an employee? Sounds like they were trying to find excuses to cut staff. It just doesn't make any sense to me and I've heard of hospitals that cut out staff to improve their budget. Just consider it a blessing and a door shut to open another one. Not sure what you would put on a resume as far as the reason you are not there any longer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ed.

I received letter from opd to come in for meeting on investigation of alleged delegation of respiratory treatment for a patient to a nurse assistant. Should I contact a lawyer or not?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.
I received letter from opd to come in for meeting on investigation of alleged delegation of respiratory treatment for a patient to a nurse assistant. Should I contact a lawyer or not?

Sounds like a very good idea to me.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Educator.
I received letter from opd to come in for meeting on investigation of alleged delegation of respiratory treatment for a patient to a nurse assistant. Should I contact a lawyer or not?

Yes, it will add some teeth to your petition. If you can at least leave with an 'eligible for re-hire' on your record instead of a termination it will be much better for your job prospects. This sounds like your word against the CNA's. For sure go to the meeting, stick to the truth, obviously they are second guessing the decision to terminate you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion