Job interviews tomorrow: need help bad!

[ICURNIAM]

Hi, I have 4 interviews tomorrow which is great BUT the problem is that I got fired from my last job for a medication error (see my post for specific details in first year of nursing)...It was my first med error, I was a new grad in May 08 and had 12 wks of orientation with no problems, had been out of orientation for 8 wks and made an error, pt lived, no major problems and at the end of the shift, NM basically told me that they couldn't have a nurse that made errors on their unit. Now, I've had 4 interviews since then and I've been honest at all of them and have gotten no's from 3 out of the 4, still waiting to hear from the fourth, so not real promising. My question is this, do I continue being honest about the med error in my interviews tomorrow and hope that someone gives me a chance or do I lie?? I'm so unsure of what I should do. I've been told by my ex boss that when someone calls HR all they will be told is that I'm rehirable but I'm not in that particular unit....What do I do?

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

Always be honest. Tell them that you made a error and that you have learned from that error and will not make the same mistake again.

[ICURNIAM]

Thanks so much. My family has been real supportive and they keep saying to just lie but I didn't want to but I really NEED a job, it's been almost a month now and I've been job hunting daily!!

[nrsang97, BSN, RN]

You will find something. Just be patient. I know that is easier said than done.

[DA314]

If you lie, and they find out about it, you will find yourself job hunting again. I second what Nrsang97 said. Honesty is the best policy

[alwayslearnin]

Always be honest,

You'll feel good about yourself and you wont have to worry if that will come up sometime later and "bite you in the backside"

I find it iroinic-most nurses that have been working any length of time have made med errors-we are human for goodness sake and we work in imperfect systems. Many med errors are multifactoral. There is a big push now for honesty with the public when med errors occur. Why can't we be honest with each other and admit they are there for all of us. Thankfully, most of them arn't life/limb altering. Sometimes they are. Don't worry, there are plenty of people that appreciate when someone is honest about their mistake. Don't loose hope! Good luck to you!

alwayslearnin

[ICURNIAM]

Thanks all, Keep your fingers crossed!! The four interviews tomorrow...ugh! I hope at least one of them offers me a position!!!

[grandee3]

Good Luck!

[Wise Woman RN]

When you go in, stand tall, smile and have a strong handshake. Know a little bit about the places for which you are interviewing, and sell yourself... your mistake shouldn't be at the forefront when you are trying to sell yourself. Don't dwell on the mistake you made, instead, put your skills and abilities right out there... Self-confidence is a really important attribute to have when you are looking for work... Hang in there, and let them know how really good a nurse you are. Good luck.