New Grad Fired From First RN Job After 90 Days

[ChinupNewRN21, ASN, RN]

I’m devastated. Next week was going to be my last day of orientation and I was so excited. But I was surprised  when my manager called me into her office only to announce that I was going to be terminated for not making any progress. I was fired on the spot without being given reason. No option to resign.

You should have seen the smile on her face. I wonder how humans can be so cruel.

I was working on a step down cardiac unit in my hospital and truly loved the job. 2 weeks ago she told me that my training was going to be extended and also placed me on a PIP for performance issues. I worked my butt off to improve as I thought she truly loved me and just wanted to be a great nurse. Oh boy was I wrong!

Now I’m back to job searching again. I’ve decided to list this job on my resume, even though I worked only 3 months. Went to 2 interviews already and none of the interviewers even asked me about it. This AM, I saw a text from the recruiter for one of the job (PCU) stating that they were considering extending me an offer and that I should call back when I have a minute. I saw it 1hr later and immediately called back. But this recruiter hasn’t answered the phone or even returned my calls. I left a message, to let him know I am excited and looks forward to his call l, but nothing since then. The day is now over- 6pm, and  nothing new. I’m so worried. Are they reconsidering their decision because of my job history?

[Kat12340]

You will be fine. You're still a new grad, so finding another job will be easier for you than any other experienced nurse who has been fired. Just leave the first job off your resume and keep applying to other jobs.

[K. Everly, BSN, RN]

I think you made the right decision to list the job. Technically one can get into hot water with their state BON for not being honest about jobs on resumes. 

I'm sorry that it all turned out this way. I believe preceptorships should have a lot of feedback (both offered freely from the preceptor and elicited from the new grad) which will enable the new RN to know clearly which areas they need to work on so situations like this don't happen and sneak up on you. Setting SMART goals with your preceptor is vital to this, so you have a concrete sense of whether you are getting to the place you need to be. Unfortunately, all preceptors and preceptor programs are NOT created equal!

I'm a new RN, have not gotten my first job yet, but I have been finding the info from FreshRN (Kati Kleber's podcast and courses) to be very helpful in knowing how to elicit feedback and be the best new nurse I can be. 

Most importantly, don't beat yourself up, know your worth, and do a personal inventory for yourself of your strengths are areas for improvement. This too shall pass!

[JKL33]

3 hours ago, K. Everly said:

Technically one can get into hot water with their state BON for not being honest about jobs on resumes. 

Can you elaborate on this? I wasn't aware.

 

[K. Everly, BSN, RN]

15 minutes ago, JKL33 said:

Can you elaborate on this? I wasn't aware.

 

So I’m thinking this is very state specific, but I took a free video course with Empowered Nurses .com (Lori Brown, RN, JD) and one of her videos talked about how not mentioning on your license renewal form if you’ve been terminated from a job or reprimanded on the job as an RN, it can be considered deceptive and get a nurse’s license in hot water (some states ask that question specifically on a license renewal form; I’m not saying you should to go out of your way to tell your BON if they don’t ask).

I don’t know if it’s that way for every state, and I don’t know if one not including it on their resume could result in any issues. I’m truly not sure, but I think the safest option is to be honest about your past employment and not omit it. If you really feel unsure about it, maybe consult a legal nurse consultant in your state. I am overly aware of these kinds of things because I have a criminal record and I had to work closely with a nurse attorney to become licensed in the first place, but her stories had be realizing how frequently ppl get into licensing issues for simple little things. 
 

That free course I took from Lori Brown, is here. I can’t remember specifically but I think it was a series of Youtube videos and a free book. https://empowerednurses.org/newnurse

[JKL33]

Thanks for clarifying your statement. I didn't want to comment further until I understood where you were coming from. ?

23 minutes ago, K. Everly said:

one of her videos talked about how not mentioning on your license renewal form if you’ve been terminated from a job or reprimanded on the job as an RN, it can be considered deceptive and get a nurse’s license in hot water (some states ask that question specifically on a license renewal form;

Yes.

That is very different from one's résumé.  A resume is a marketing tool.

Even a job application is different from a resume. It isn't advisable to omit things on a BON license renewal form if it is information that is required, and it isn't advisable to omit jobs on a formal job application as these typically also request specific information and the applicant is asked to attest that the information is "true and complete to the best of [their] knowledge." Omitting information on an application such as one like that could lead to an offer being rescinded or I suppose in extreme cases even to termination after having been hired.

Generally speaking, though, a resume is a compilation of expected information (name, personal contact information, relevant education/qualifications) and then a short compilation of experiences that the applicant feels will demonstrate their suitability for the job. The formal application is where it may be necessary to list things as requested on the application.

35 minutes ago, K. Everly said:

I think the safest option is to be honest about your past employment and not omit it. If you really feel unsure about it, maybe consult a legal nurse consultant in your state.

Many feel it is the best policy to just include all previous jobs. And you are right, consulting a professional is best if there are specific questions or situations.

Good luck with your Job Search! (To you and the OP, both!)

 

[K. Everly, BSN, RN]

42 minutes ago, JKL33 said:

Thanks for clarifying your statement. I didn't want to comment further until I understood where you were coming from. ?

Yes.

That is very different from one's résumé.  A resume is a marketing tool.

Even a job application is different from a resume. It isn't advisable to omit things on a BON license renewal form if it is information that is required, and it isn't advisable to omit jobs on a formal job application as these typically also request specific information and the applicant is asked to attest that the information is "true and complete to the best of [their] knowledge." Omitting information on an application such as one like that could lead to an offer being rescinded or I suppose in extreme cases even to termination after having been hired.

Generally speaking, though, a resume is a compilation of expected information (name, personal contact information, relevant education/qualifications) and then a short compilation of experiences that the applicant feels will demonstrate their suitability for the job. The formal application is where it may be necessary to list things as requested on the application.

Many feel it is the best policy to just include all previous jobs. And you are right, consulting a professional is best if there are specific questions or situations.

Good luck with your Job Search! (To you and the OP, both!)

 

Thanks. I recognize, obviously, that a résumé and a license renewal form are different things and I may have misspoke in my first statement to the OP, which is why after I was asked about it (I thought when you asked me the question you were actually the OP) that I went back to the video course I mentioned and spent 20 minutes making sure the info I gave next was as accurate as I could make it and also broad enough that I wasn’t giving false info. It’s always best to consult a legal professional when unsure.

Alternatively, as you mention in your comment, some actual job applications ask specific questions about prior employment, termination, etc. And if one is not honest on their résumé they may not end up being honest on those questions  in the actual application and/or in the interview and it’s worth mentioning that lying to employers about this could result in a complaint to the respective BON. Is that common? I highly doubt it. Has it never happened before? I highly doubt it. 

Everything I have been through to get to the place I am at today has taught me that it’s incredibly easy to get into hot water in life so 1) honesty is the best policy (with tact and limited self-incriminating details) and 2) knowledge about what having this license means, and what it takes to make it safe, is exceptionally important and discussed so very little during the nursing school process. 

[Kat12340]

8 hours ago, K. Everly said:

 

Alternatively, as you mention in your comment, some actual job applications ask specific questions about prior employment, termination, etc. And if one is not honest on their résumé they may not end up being honest on those questions  in the actual application and/or in the interview and it’s worth mentioning that lying to employers about this could result in a complaint to the respective BON.

That is entirely false. OP should omit being fired from their first job on their resume. They do not have to tell employers unless it's required for a federal job. I have worked 4 jobs but only list two on my resume. The first I was also fired from as a new grad and it's never has put me in hot waters. I'm saying this because OP is still a new grad who was just on probation. So that job did not count for him/her.

[K. Everly, BSN, RN]

54 minutes ago, Kat12340 said:

That is entirely false. OP should omit being fired from their first job on their resume. They do not have to tell employers unless it's required for a federal job. I have worked 4 jobs but only list two on my resume. The first I was also fired from as a new grad and it's never has put me in hot waters. I'm saying this because OP is still a new grad who was just on probation. So that job did not count for him/her.

Thank goodness we have an expert. 

[JKL33]

10 hours ago, K. Everly said:

Thanks. I recognize, obviously, that a résumé and a license renewal form are different things and I may have misspoke in my first statement to the OP, which is why after I was asked about it (I thought when you asked me the question you were actually the OP) that I went back to the video course I mentioned and spent 20 minutes making sure the info I gave next was as accurate as I could make it and also broad enough that I wasn’t giving false info.

I understand. ?

The only reason I posted about the issue is for kind of a larger reason: It is very important that nurses have correct information so that they can make decisions in their own best interest.

You probably haven't experienced it yet, but nurses often face situations where someone who stands to gain something is giving us bad information. This serves to incite fear and uncertainty, to constantly have people walking on eggshells. They are easier to control that way. I know that your intent was definitely not to mislead anyone, but as a group we just need to help each other know facts. There are plenty of things to worry about; I hate to see nurses worrying about things needlessly. That's the only reason I commented. I hope you understand and I appreciate your efforts to provide good information.

A resume is more like a business card than an application. An application is a different deal and it typically includes an attestation of truthfulness and completeness, which should let people know that they may lose the employment opportunity if they lie or omit things according to their personal preferences.

Take care~

[K. Everly, BSN, RN]

To the OP, it's really unfortunate that in my original post directed at you I misspoke about the resume vs. application vs. licensure renewal aspect of things in terms of the level of honesty and completeness required. I apologize for that. I also find it unfortunate that in my entire post (which I believe did include some relevant and helpful info about preceptorships and other resources) that my 1 misspoken sentence was the one that got the microscope. 

I hope you don't let that one thing I said keep you from looking into the other resources I mentioned such as the FreshRN podcast and courses. They are awesome, and some of her stuff is free (like the podcast and notes). Know that you are far from a failure for this termination and you'll take the lessons learned from it to make you an even better, more prepared nurse going forward ?  

EDIT TO ADD: I respect the desire of other nurses to ensure accurate information is out there in aiding nurses to make the best decisions about their careers. Let's all remain humble and kind. 

[Hopeful RN]

Wow! I'm sorry to hear that. Are you financially responsible for the training program? I just got offer letter for a residency and the promissory note states that I'm responsible from the training program cost as soon as I sign and submit the note. I did think to myself "What if they let me go after the training, I'll be in debt regardless if I stay or not." ?