is this job nuts or what?

[realnursealso/LPN]

Hi all........I need some advise. I started a job at an assisted living facility about 2months ago. When I interviewed for the job, my supervisor told me, I can't guaruntee you will be out on time every day. I said ok..........I don't mind helping out. Well, I want you to know that in 2 months, I have gotten out on time twice. It is very busy and my job consists of anything they want me to do. Their seems to be no end to the work. I have been an LPN for 23yrs and I have never had a job where I could not finish my work by the end of the day. I work 10-12 hours a day, by the way I am salary, no overtime, and am considered management. My title is LPN/ Supervisor. Their is never enough time to have a break or lunch, in fact if I do take a lunch it is frowned upon. I come home exhausted every day. They need to hire another RN, which they have been trying to do for quite a while., but it never happens, supposedly my work will decrease when they do. When I was hired my supervisor told me that my position was newly created. Wrong, the last 4 LPN's left due to too much work, and overwhelming demands. I do enjoy the place, the residents are nice, the chha's for the most part who work there are good people. But I am so tired all the time. It is almost the end of the month and that means new pages for the MAR's. The other LPN, who works evenings and I are responsible for checking them all before we put them in. We have close to 130 residents. That is alot of pages...some residents are on 25 to 30 meds a piece. Their is no time to do this at work so I have been bringing them home after working 10 or more hours, and checking pages til I fall asleep. I have tried in everyway possible to try and say that the workload is overwhelming and the answer I get is, we all have alot of work to do, you can't get any sympathy from me. Also it seems that everyday a new things will come up and we get told, that is part of your job:eek: . What would you do?

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

I've been there, my friend, and you have my condolences......but let me tell you, this was probably the best thing that could have happened. A year ago I was in essentially the same situation, and the more I put up with, the more crap they piled on me until I literally became ill. Then they fired me, although I had the option of returning if I "got my physical and emotional problems under control".

Well, I thought the world had pretty much come to an end, but I was able to draw unemployment and take a couple of months off to figure out what I really wanted to do......which was NOT management.

I ended up back at the same hospital I'd left three years earlier for what I'd thought were greener pastures. Now I'm just another little fish in a big bowl, making an hourly wage just like every other little fish.....and I couldn't be happier! Now I get paid fairly for every minute I'm on the job, and when I go home at the end of my shift, my time is MY OWN. No more phone calls in the middle of the night, no more 24/7 responsibility, no more taking work home, no more being abused and exploited.

I'm not saying that if you like management you should give up on it completely, but this is a good time to take a deep breath and re-assess your career. You'll probably never get this good of a chance again, as nurses don't often get fired (UNLESS they're in supervisory roles) and there are so many jobs to choose from that the hardest part is taking enough time to research a company and negotiating job responsibilities. And you MUST do this---you need to be absolutely clear with any potential employer as to what their expectations are and what you are willing and able to do. Don't worry too much about what being fired will do to your employment record; you'll be asked about it, certainly, but you can be honest about it without trashing your former employer or making yourself look weak (both of which are big no-no's).

Please, let us know how things are going for you. ((((((HUGS)))))) to you, and best of luck!

[realnursealso/LPN, LPN]

Thank you to all the great people on this board. I'll get by with a litttle help from my friends. I have been pretty sad all week. You made me feel better:)

[SirJohnny]

realnursealso/LPN:

- Pay Attention!!!!

- Do not worry about being "fired" from your current job. No one will find out.

- If you have a friend or two at current employment - use them as references. You cover their butts - they cover yours.

- When asked at interview "why you left current position", you state you left to seek more opportunities. State the place downsized State you wanted to move elsewhere - try something new. State that you are interested in new companies tuition policy. ANYTHING!!!!

- DO NOT STATE YOU WERE FIRED!!!!!

- Now, when new potential employer calls old employer. So help me God if old employer tells potential employer that they fired me. Becuase now you have major grounds for a lawsuit.

- I am not blowing smoke here. Your previous employer (by law) can only reveal employement dates. They cannot provide a "character reference".

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- My advice. Grab a beer - relax - get your emotions in check - and find a new gig tomorrow. It ain't that hard. Especially with your 20+ yrs of experience.

- Wanna feel even better. Go to Barnes/Nobles & look at bookd titles "Knock 'Em Dead Interviews" by Martin Yate. Good read. Tells you just what I stated above. Also approaches the job search as a game. And that's what it is.

- I am in computer software business and used Mr. Yate's approach for last 4 jobs. And have scored (within 2 months of each job search) 4 jobs that pay in the US$100K/range. Been through a few layoffs in past couple years (reason for so many job searches).

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- Hope this helps.

- Also!!!!! File for unemployment benefits. See if you can get them. If so, enjoy the break. Take your parents out for dinner and have some fun!!!

- Gotta run.

John Coxey

[mattsmom81]

John, I am sure you mean well, but my Group One report clearly states I was terminated from a position similar to the OP's...so they WILL find out in Group One areas. Nondisclosure here is NOT an option...as this is a fireable offense as well. Inconsistencies between resume and Group One will generally stop the interview process in its tracks.

I deal with it proactively and professionally. I refer to it as a mutual separation, and include a rebuttal on this same consumer report. I also refer to this on my resume, with a statement I will be glad to discuss particulars at interview. I would NEVER NOT bring it up.

Good counteracting references and a professional attitude will negate one black mark. With all your years of experience assemble all your glowing letters of reference (call and get some now if you haven't) and wow 'em, RealNurseAlso...

I HAVE consulted a lawyer about Group One consumer credit reporting, and it IS legal if they are telling the truth. (in my case a partial truth but the truth nontheless) I just deal with it head-on.

Now if someone in an organization says harmful, nasty UNTRUE things about a former employee, thats different...but the trouble is catching them in the act. If we can we may then have a suit.

Good luck RealNurseAlso...this is not insurmountable. Lots of us here have been fired (gasp) and it's NOT the kiss of death. Most fair employers understand all it takes is a personality conflict with a manager and one can find themselves fired. Hang in there and use it as a learning experience.

Be good to yourself, and (((( RealNurseAlso))))...I'm sorry for all your troubles of recent.....you WILL be alright.

[SirJohnny]

mattsmom81:

- What is this GroupOne reporting?

- Are you referring to employment in the USA?

- The reason I am asking. I've spent 5 yrs in the trucking

industry, and about 10 yrs in the computer science / software

engineering industry.

- No one has ever mentioned the Group One thing before.

- I have a hard time believing that being "fired" can be put on a

credit report.

- I totalled a $100,000 tractor-trailer in 1985, and essentially

lost my trucking business. I turned the truck over to the

insurance company - and walked away.

None of this EVER appeared on a credit report.

- I have walked out the door on several jobs over the past 20

yrs , and again none of this is ony any credit report that I have

seen.

- I definitely would double check this.

Thanks,

John Coxey

[mattsmom81]

John, nurses in my area must agree to authorize a consumer credit report be made on us with employment contingent on the result. Group One is only one of many used nationwide to screen potential job applicants for past employment, court records, licensures, names and past addresses, etc.

We've talked about Group One several times on this BB but not many nurses know about it apparently. We do in my area believe me!! It is used to test one's honesty on resume and screen job applicants. Everything better 'jive' in other words, and one better not 'forget' to mention a firing. Best to deal with it head on.

Nurses need to be aware...ask your local HR folks what background check organization they use, and like any other consumer credit company, you CAN request a copy (for a fee of course) to see if someone has gotten vindictive. I was surprised to find what was on mine...I had 2 blips which I dealt with once I know they were there. 15 yrs ago I left a job at the end of the 3 mo. probationary period, saying it wasn't a good fit. My boss had told me notice was not necessary...well guess what? It showed up on Group One as 'quit without notice'. Well I'm not the type to do this but HR screeners don't know this...and your application tends to go into the circular file...LOL.

Be assured, John, this info is definitely on there. I would know. I speak of it because I was in the dark until someone enlightened me to it's existenceso I try to do the same for others.

There used to be a Group One website but looks like it is gone. Your local HR folks will be your best resource to find what's in use (if anything) in your area. Their local phone # and address was unlisted and I had to get it from HR.

[CseMgr1, ASN, RN]

I don't see what a credit report has to do with a person's ability to practice nursing. Walking away from a job is one thing...and being forced to file for bankruptcy because you are sick and can't work is another!

[SirJohnny]

mattsmom81:

- Couple of things.

- If Group One is a credit report -- I understand that they can can only have dates of employment. Are you sure that they have "fired" listed there?

- I agree that your dates of employment are public record -- and there are several companies that specialize in this.

- Where I am disagreeing with is - the reason you left is NOT public record.

- Group One most likely gets their info from govt. records.

- I doubt a company is going to get off their butts and report to some credit agency WHY you left. The main reason being the fear of lawsuits.

------------

- Next:

- If a company runs a credit report -- I believe you are entitled (by law) to a free copy. I know, if you are turned down for credit, you are entitled to a free credit report.

- Again, look into this.

=======

- Can't wait until one of my previous employers puts the reason

why I left on a credit report. I smell a serious lawsuit.

John Coxey

[mattsmom81]

I will share what I know about Group One in my area.

It is an auxilliary member of the Dallas Fort Worth Hospital Association. It functions as a background check third party organization and provides this service on a 'members only' basis...so it is NOT a public record matter. They DO access court and other records for their report as part of their service to members....hospitals and facilities in the surrounding area. I have heard this group functions nationwide but don't know for sure.

My attorney has told me if one signs on job application agreement to a consumer credit or background check, that authorizes all background checks. Group One gets involved here. This is ALL legal, and of course failure to agree to a background check nets you zero interviews in member hospitals here. (and all the hospitals here are members).

Yes if you can PROVE you haven't been called for interviews due to Group One you can get a free copy. Again, difficult to prove. Employers just say 'we found a better applicant', etc.

Do I think this is suspect? YES. Just another way nurses get screwed in this system, IMHO. BUT my attorney says one has zero recourse without proving what they are disseminating is illegal, false, or libelous. Again, difficult to prove. These hospital corporations and associations are very wealthy. They undoubtedly have plently of high $$ attorneys advising them so they have PLENTY of legal protection I'm sure.

I just deal with it best I can with the knowledge I have. I'm only sharing this info so other nurses are aware.

[SirJohnny]

mattsmom81:

- I understand the part about signing an application - giving the employer the right to examine credit reports. But had never heard of anyone keeping records as to WHY you were terminated.

- Just seems strange that an employer cannot tell another employer WHY you left the company -- yet can report this to a so called "credit agency".

- Thanks for the heads up. Will have to keep an eye out for it.

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- Getting back to the main task at hand. I would just conitnue to "pound the pavement" and look for work. If there truly is a nursing shortage - I would believe that one could find a job with relative ease.

John Coxey

[deadend]

realnursealso

Hang in there, getting fired was the best thing that could have happened to you!!!!!! At least you ledt with your license intact can you imagine what all could have happened in a 30 bed unit??????? Guess who would take the blame> Getting fired was a blessing in disguise. Your employers sound similar to mine I stuck it out until I finished my RN and took on the ADON position with many stipulations, didn't care at that point whether I was terminated or not, But I was no longer going to be a doormat and they are well aware that I will leave at the drop of a hat since I am now a RN. I actually believe they they respected me more for standing my ground on certain issues. You'll do find finding another job They probably found an unsuspecting RN who will be the new doormat!!!

[NurseBenz]

I once worked in AL facility as Residence Director aka RN, med nurse, CNA, maintenance, housekeeping, bookkeeper and even cook. I figured out my salary into hourly form and realized I was making the equivalent of $4.14 per hour. Put in notice the next day...never again.