New grad got fired, help

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I just started my first LPN job in October and got fired 2 days ago. Its the only nursing experience I have so in order to get another job, i have no choice but to put it down. The experience I got looks good on my resume.

I got fired for being absent 4 times during my probation period. What should i say to prospective employers when they ask why I left? I dont want to say I got fired. Can I just say it wasnt a good fit?

Also, on my resume, i didnt put an end date, it just says Oct 2009-present. Should I change it?

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It wasn't a good fit.

But why were you out so much? Not to be snarky, but that would be a real problem for me, too.

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Is there a good reason you were out 4 times, did you have the flu or need surgery? Something like that doesn't make you unreliable and in that regard being out 4 times is better than being fired for a patient safety issue

I just started my first LPN job in October and got fired 2 days ago. Its the only nursing experience I have so in order to get another job, i have no choice but to put it down. The experience I got looks good on my resume.

I got fired for being absent 4 times during my probation period. What should i say to prospective employers when they ask why I left? I dont want to say I got fired. Can I just say it wasnt a good fit?

Also, on my resume, i didnt put an end date, it just says Oct 2009-present. Should I change it?

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i was absent mostly due to babysitter issues and health one time. When u get fired, is it reported to board of nursing is that checked by other employers? i really want to lie and say i quit not a good fit, etc.....

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Specializes in Med/Surg, ICU, educator.

don't lie! There's always someone who knows someone.....and word gets around. Be as honest as you can be. And find a more reliable babysitter, this shouldn't become any employers issue!

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The BON does not hear of it unless there was a patient issue.

Not a good fit.

And fnd more reliable child care.

:)

Good luck.

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Specializes in Chiropractic assistant, CNA in LTC, RN.

Are your babysitter issues resolved? If they then I would just tell them the truth if they asked. It's human to have issues but if they are resolved it shouldn't be an issue. If, however, you are still having issues with a sitter, you really should get that worked out before applying again or you will likely set yourself up for disaster again. I have children too and it's hard to work it out sometimes. I always have a back up just in case, sometimes 2 backups. lol

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i have been working hard allot to find jobs too as an rn with little experience and i feel your pain. it’s hard finding a position that you can even apply for these days. i found one website that lists all for the hospital by state and its better then a job board because i can go straight to the hospitals website and search the most up to date and full job description.

i would be honest about being fired if asked but it doesn't have to go on your resume. saying it’s not a good fit on online apps could be ok say the job schedule and your lifes schedule ie due to the babysitting wasn't compatible.

my last full time job was back in feb. last year and i stupidly made the mistake of leaving a night shift job at another nursing home. i did management for this other company and worked my buns off learning to write mds reports without training which i was told in my interview were easy. i started to finally find a rhythm with it when they said i wasn't doing the cna's job's enough for them. i made efforts to pitch in and then was told i was to well robotic would be a term to describe the situation i was so focused on work i was always in a rush whenever people were communicating and didn't make enough eye contact to make a good impression i guess. of course i was usually multi tasking like getting meds ready while talking to them but they wanted a different personality type.

imagine me trying to explain that to a new employer so i just say it for what it is. i was the wrong fit.

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Specializes in Wound care, Surgery,Infection control.
I just started my first LPN job in October and got fired 2 days ago. Its the only nursing experience I have so in order to get another job, i have no choice but to put it down. The experience I got looks good on my resume.

I got fired for being absent 4 times during my probation period. What should i say to prospective employers when they ask why I left? I dont want to say I got fired. Can I just say it wasnt a good fit?

Also, on my resume, i didnt put an end date, it just says Oct 2009-present. Should I change it?

claudette737 : I have been nursing for many years and I see some red flags that you need to work on. This is not to discourage or scold, it's advise that could help you in the future.

My first concern is your 4 absences in 12 weeks. I am sure you were made aware of the policy when first hired and were most likely warned prior to being let go. Why the excessive absences? Your team depends on you to be at work on time every day. When someone calls in, the schedule for the day needs to be rearranged and your work is given to others. If you have health problems keep all documentation of doctors visits and calls.

As for your question about what to say to an employer or on an application - Never Lie ! You will be found out and lose any chance to work. Being honest does not mean sharing every detail of your life but you need to tell them that you lost the job. Reassure them that they will not have the same problem. On your resume change it and put the end date of this last job. When a new employer calls the old one the only thing they are allowed to say is that you have worked there. Your previous job should not divulge the reason you left, although they are permtted to say if you are re-eligible for hire.

Nursing is hard work. Don't make it harder on yourself and burn bridges so early in your career. I really do wish you the best for the new year. Be well !

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thanks for the advice, i will change the end date on my resume.But just curiuos, if i lied about being fired, how would a new employer find out since my old job can only say dates, dept that i worked? I just think saying i was fired isnt gonna help me get the job, and i need this money badly, three kids and behind on morgage, need i say more.....

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Legally, they can only verify employment dates and that you worked there. However, as others have said, it seems to never fail that somebody knows somebody and information is given "off the record". Is it fair? Probably not, but then it becomes a case of you having to prove that your previous employer gave more information than they were allowed to. Which I imagine would not be easy.

As far as lying- don't ever lie. It will come back to haunt you. Be honest with the new employer- tell them you were fired, explain that you had childcare issues, and tell them how you have resolved those issues, so that they are now non-issues. I think if an employer sees that you have taken steps to correct the issue that you got fired because of, it will look a little better.

Good luck.

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thanks for the advice, i will change the end date on my resume.But just curiuos, if i lied about being fired, how would a new employer find out since my old job can only say dates, dept that i worked? I just think saying i was fired isnt gonna help me get the job, and i need this money badly, three kids and behind on morgage, need i say more.....

Your old employer can say you were terminated for excessive absence because it is true. And a supervisor can say anything they want about your job perfomance because it is their "opinion". Found out these realities from an employment attorney. Fix your babysitter problem before you start looking for a new job. That is the best defense to any problems you will find in getting new employment. Best wishes.

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