Help anyone??

Jolie, BSN · Aug 11, 2006

I have no experience in licensing issues, but as a former nurse manager, I would like to make a suggestion: It is best to keep your opinion on the severity of your discipline to yourself.

Obviously, I have no idea what happened, so I can't possibly form an opinion as to whether your discipline was overly-severe, but employers do not look favorably upon employees or potential employees who don't take responsibility for their own actions, or who complain about the consequences of those actions. If you go into an interview discussing the unfairness of your discipline, you will get no-where. Far better to be prepared to discuss it, talk about what you have learned from it, and how it will impact your future practice in a positive way.

Good luck to you!

NaomieRN · Aug 11, 2006

April, you have to first acknowledge where you went wrong, and hopefully you wont make the same mistakes. I do not know any detail with your case, but as a supervisor myself, not nursing, anyone who is suspended for six month had to be a violation of some sort. From my experience most of the employees that have been suspended, usually involve major violations. I wish you well.

aprilangel01 · Aug 11, 2006

Ok, so I really just wanted some advice on what I am looking at in the future when going for a job. I am a very open and honest person and do not intend to play down this situation at all. I cannot go back and changed what happened and I do not intend to make this seem like less then what it is. So, if anyone out there can offer any words of advice on what I am potentially looking at that would be great.

Jolie, BSN · Aug 12, 2006

My advice in terms of seeking future employment would be to consider a large, teaching hospital. Such institutions are typically in greater need of staff than smaller community hospitals, and may be more willing to "take a chance" on a candidate that has a disciplinary action in his/her background. They also tend to have large, well-established education departments and may be better able to plan and supervise an orientation that would focus on helping you to strengthen your nursing practice, skills, judgement, critical thinking, etc.

As much as I don't want this to sound negative, it might: You will probably have to accept a position that is not highly desirable, in order to "get your foot in the door" and prove yourself. That may involve working off shifts, taking a weekend-only position, or going to a unit that doesn't particularly interest you. While I don't want you to take just anything in order to get a job, you will probably not land the job of your dreams at first. Be willing to work hard in order to prove yourself and work your way into the position of your choice over time. As I recommend to any new grad, be certain that there are adequate numbers of experienced RNs on your unit to assist you in your professional development. At least 1/2 of the RNs on your unit and shift should have 2 years or more of experience. Anything less and you will step into a situation where you have no one capable of guiding your practice.

Good luck!