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I got fired from my last job. I worked there (in LTC/short term rehab) for a year and a half. I told them I'd work on my off day so long as it wasn't on a specific cart; they put me on that cart. I had texts saying I wouldn't work if it was on that cart. I had conversations four days in a row about how I wouldn't work that cart. I notified them that I wasn't going to work it (after making sure every other cart was covered by nurses on their regular carts) and left. I didn't clock in, I didn't accept report, nothing. They fired me for bull **** reasons. Where I worked the MDs relied on me, trusted my opinions, and used me as a resource (because I caught numerous potential problems and got their oks on fixes prior to it being a problem). I got things done and made sure things were all above board. Still fired. Now 6 months later, no one will hire me. Hospitals won't hire me because I don't have a BSN despite having my a Bachelors in Biology. Interviews go well, then I never hear back. A little over a week ago I was sent for a drug screen (the best sign I've had yet) and haven't heard back or been able to reach the interviewer; left two messages and still haven't heard back.

I'd been saving prior to being fired and I've cut as many extraneous expenses as I could. My nest egg is now gone. Unemployment was denied (yay "right to work" state). I've applied in Town, out of town, in state, out of state, everywhere. It doesn't matter. I've applied to places where former coworkers put in a word for me. I've applied to random places. I've applied online. I've gone to places to apply in person. I've applied to hospitals (urban and rural), LTC, dialysis, physicians offices, dialysis. I've applied everywhere that's even slightly responsible. I've done everything I can think of. I don't know what to do. I don't even want to get out of bed anymore except to take a shower and eat once a day. I can't handle this anymore. I don't know what to do and I don't even know what I can do. I don't want to do things with friends because I don't want to ask them to pay and I don't want to hear them ask if I've found anything. Hell, going to a friend's wedding this past weekend I couldn't handle going to the reception just because everyone would ask me where I'm working and how it's going. I just can't.

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I am very sorry that this is happening to you.

You say that you have applied in town, out-of-town and everywhere in between. I have no idea where you live, but have you considered moving to another state?

A rehab facility in central KY is offering a $7,500 sign-on bonus. Pikeville Regional in eastern KY is offering $25,000 retention bonus.

I have no advise to offer regarding the situation where you live. Is there a psychiatric facility nearby? They often hire nurses who have been fired from other facilities.

Best of luck to you. I completely understand the level of depression you are experiencing. In 2008, I lost my media job. I couldn't find another media job. I didn't even shower everyday! I just didn't see the point. I stopped going out and interacting with friends. I really isolated myself.

Hugs, hugs, hugs.

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I got fired from my last job. I worked there (in LTC/short term rehab) for a year and a half. I told them I'd work on my off day so long as it wasn't on a specific cart; they put me on that cart. I had texts saying I wouldn't work if it was on that cart. I had conversations four days in a row about how I wouldn't work that cart. I notified them that I wasn't going to work it (after making sure every other cart was covered by nurses on their regular carts) and left. I didn't clock in, I didn't accept report, nothing. They fired me for bull **** reasons. Where I worked the MDs relied on me, trusted my opinions, and used me as a resource (because I caught numerous potential problems and got their oks on fixes prior to it being a problem). I got things done and made sure things were all above board. Still fired. Now 6 months later, no one will hire me. Hospitals won't hire me because I don't have a BSN despite having my a Bachelors in Biology. Interviews go well, then I never hear back. A little over a week ago I was sent for a drug screen (the best sign I've had yet) and haven't heard back or been able to reach the interviewer; left two messages and still haven't heard back.

I'd been saving prior to being fired and I've cut as many extraneous expenses as I could. My nest egg is now gone. Unemployment was denied (yay "right to work" state). I've applied in Town, out of town, in state, out of state, everywhere. It doesn't matter. I've applied to places where former coworkers put in a word for me. I've applied to random places. I've applied online. I've gone to places to apply in person. I've applied to hospitals (urban and rural), LTC, dialysis, physicians offices, dialysis. I've applied everywhere that's even slightly responsible. I've done everything I can think of. I don't know what to do. I don't even want to get out of bed anymore except to take a shower and eat once a day. I can't handle this anymore. I don't know what to do and I don't even know what I can do. I don't want to do things with friends because I don't want to ask them to pay and I don't want to hear them ask if I've found anything. Hell, going to a friend's wedding this past weekend I couldn't handle going to the reception just because everyone would ask me where I'm working and how it's going. I just can't.

I don't have any specific advice...I just want to let you know that you have been heard and that someone cares.

I know of facilities (big hospital corporations) in my region that will hire RN's without a BSN if they sign a contract that they will complete a BSN within 5 years. Have you tried applying to those jobs? Would you be willing to get that BSN if it got you a good job? It's at least worth considering...

Best Wishes to you

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Specializes in Rehab nursing, critical care, tele.

So sorry you are experiencing this. Have you tried applying for non nursing jobs? Keep your license active,of course, but just to have work...you may find you enjoy a new

area. Somewhere will hire you, and it may not be a dream job....but it will be a job at the very least. But you may find you like it even better.

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You probably should spend more effort applying to other LTC facilities, as that is the area of nursing more likely to hire without being as "picky". I met, or heard of, several nurses (and CNA's) with 'stories', who were on another LTC facility go around. There has got to be one somewhere in your general locale that really needs another licensed nurse on its staff.

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Good news. I've been a bit busy. Had two facilities contact me almost the same day (morning after?) that I posted this and kinda forgot about this. I actually started training Tuesday. It felt like a perfect fit which is why it all moved so fast. My "work wife" (nurse friend who I worked with where I was fired from) had switched there and put in a good word. Had a nice long interview explaining what they were looking for and how I could fit in, etc. it really kinda restored my faith that there are still people who care more about good service than the bottom line. The administrator even seemed like this great down to earth guy instead of a greaser.

I don't know much about hospitals except from reviews I've seen left on them. But my experience in LTC (being familiar with almost all of them in my area) is that the ones that don't care and are not "picky" about staff are the ones you don't want to work for (or go to).

@LilNel and Pixie: I really appreciate the support. It really made me smile when I saw the update email and looked back here.

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