job search after being terminated

[fusionfire32]

I sincerely need advice with this situation. A bit of background. I am not a new nurse but I am new to USA. My education is not from USA and neither is the culture. Long story short: I passed my NCLEX and got a job straight away. I moved 400 miles away from where my family is just to get the foot in the door. It was a new town, new country, new state, new colleagues, new slang and language, (terminology is different)new specialty within the OR. I had specified this at the interview that I do not have any experience working in this specialty. And I was hired. After 5 months and a lot of misunderstandings, I was fired from work. I was told that I was not picking up as fast as I should and that I was not a right fit for the organization because I was not listening to feedback. But when I was called into the office, I gave them several examples of me listening to feedback and taking constructive criticism. I know that, being a seasoned nurse that in order to learn, I must listen, accept my mistakes, and I have reflected every single day on what I can do if that situation reoccurred. I even demonstrated that I can be assertive and handle a conflict in a professional manner. the sad part is on one hand I received complements from doctors and my current preceptors and on the very same day I was suspended from work when someone heard that compliment and decided to bring up a conversation that was 4 months old. I was fired on that basis that I was being disrespectful and talking down. But as far as I know, it was just a conversation between 2 people: myself and a colleague. I am not sure how to take this further as it has broken my confidence even though I have been nursing for a long time in my country, I have not come across this type of behavior from other nurses. I felt that this environment was hostile and that the colleague (who has less years of experience than I do but her experience was from USA) was being jealous and couldnt see me getting better at my job especially when I was finding it hard to get my footing right initially. I cant say that I have not learnt from this experience, but more so, it has broken me.

My questions are: How do I move forward? Should I include this in the application? I contacted the HR and they said I am not eligible for rehire? Is this going to affect me in my future job search? what should I say to my potential new employers? Mostly, should I apply as a new RN residency? I know that I am a safe nurse but the only thing is that I am new to this country and people. I specialize in OR. I do not have any floor nursing experience so where else can I apply because I would not feel that I am practicing safely if I have to go to LTC or case management kind of job. Do they offer training?

Thank you all for listening and I would appreciate any advice.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Culture is a very powerful force. In any organization, it's always stronger than anything else. When someone is categorized as an "outsider" it's very difficult to overcome. For you, it's a double-whammy because you had to deal with both OR Culture and Ethnic Culture. I know from experience that the OR Culture can be very closed to newcomers. Even when individual members don't get along very well, they will quickly join forces and present a united force to support a group member in any type of conflict. You were an easy target.

I am assuming you are multi-lingual. This can be a real asset, particularly if you are in an area of the country with a significant portion of the population that shares the same language. Make sure this skill is listed on your resume. I live in the most diverse city in the US (as evidenced by the latest census data) and multi-lingual staff are valued, particularly if they are certified as Medical Interpreters. I would also encourage you to connect with nursing colleagues that share your heritage. If there is a relevant professional organization or even an informal group, they can offer you a lot of support and guidance.

I hate that you're going through this. My organization does categorize newly arrived (experienced) RN foreign grads as "new grads" because US nursing practice is so different - so they are eligible for the new grad transition programs. However, this is not the case for all organizations.

I wish you the best of luck on your job search.

[fusionfire32]

Thank you for your support and you are right on target as to what happened. It has been a confidence shattering experience. I am tri lingual and I understand 2 more languages but don't speak them. I have now moved to where I can find more people that share my language. I will surely include that in my resume. Do I put this experience in it?? I called HR and they will only confirm the dates of employment. Can I trust that? How long do the orientation last for surgical centers? I appreciate your time and really value your input. Thank you.

[lizrn1214]

What kind of a floor did you work on previously? If you could find a position in the area that you have experience on, maybe just not mention this job. Do you have a work visa etc?

In the mean time, try to get more used to the culture/slang. Read books or US medical books or watch US youtube videos etc about the different areas - you can get the hang of it. Try to maybe go where you are familiar?

[fusionfire32]

I worked in the OR for 7 years doing multiple specialities. What I have learned so far, aseptic techniques and sterility concept never change and neither does the technique to operate. I have used the same equipment and instruments before. It's the people and the culture within the OR that was toxic. OR attracts strong personalities and sometimes the environment can be very clicky. But I guess I was too comfortable in my previous environment where management looked down upon people who were into hierarchy and that promoted very good communication with each other.