Hey everyone.. I was recently let go from my new job in IR. I have about 5 years of experience (ICU and cardiac procedure care - pre/post/intra). Earlier this fall took a new job at another hospital. First week on the job, I experienced a pain I had never felt before - my upper shoulder and neck muscles began contracting out of the blue and continuously. It hurt bad…felt like a "charley horse" in my shoulder and neck that just wouldn’t stop. I was escorted to from my unit to the ED to get checked out. After the ED PA and MDs saw me, a CT of my neck was ordered right away, and it showed that I had a C5-C6 protrusion. I was given pain meds and a referral to ortho surgery. By the time I got out of the ED, my shift was over. I returned to work for my next scheduled shift.
I made an appointment as soon as I could with Ortho, on an off day. Ortho doc advised that I not do any sort of strenuous exercise (which was crushing... I am avid backpacker/hiker.. I bike, practice yoga, play tennis, weight lift, run, etc...) and now suddenly could not do anything but light stretching and walks, and was given an order to see PT 3x a week. Being new to the unit, I was transparent about the injury (not the details of the cause... just that it existed….as the cause of the injury was an assault that had happened a couple months back... by an angry family member who was not in their right state of mind… I shared that with the ED and the Ortho doc, but that feels a bit too sensitive to share with my new workplace people).
Moving forward, I stayed flexible with scheduling. I remained cautious and mindful about my neck while I worked. But I still worked. Per preceptor, I was a hard worker. Even though I was not permitted to exercise, my doc said it was fine that I still worked. So, I continued working per usual: including pushing beds, transferring, carrying / shifting weighty tech machinery around, repositioning patients, wearing lead during procedures, etc… After each shift and on my off days, I focused on self care. I rescheduled and put off PT to accommodate my new job ever changing schedule... so that I be consistent and work with my preceptor, follow her schedule.. and also that I could complete orientation in a timely matter despite the missed days.
Fast forward ~6 weeks I hurt my lower back at home… Annoying… something about not exercising for that long has made me clumsier I guess… but, NBD. There was a little bruising and a nagging sensation, otherwise felt that it was not that bad. Then the next day I worked ( on a particularly fast moving, short staffed, bustling & busy day ) I ended up hitting the exact same spot on my lower back (on patient bed rail). It hurt at first, but subsided. I shook it off and I kept working. Later that afternoon, I could feel the spot on my lower back swell .. and grow... and it became more painful. I asked a co-worker about it. She took a look and suggested that I get it checked out asap because it looked like a hematoma. I approached my manager, explained what happened, and went to the ED. CT of my lower back confirmed a hematoma. I was given a doctors note and was instructed to take it easy the next few days so that the area can heal and not get worse. I kept my manager updated via text and calling, and immediately provided a copy of the MD note.
I returned to work a few days later as instructed. I was eager to get back to work and was feeling much better. Near the end of the shift that day, my manager pulled me into the office, and called HR. With me, my manager present, and HR on the phone, HR stated that as a new hire I am on probationary period, and during that that time, it is expected that employees be at their best. The number of unexcused absences has made them feel that I am not a good fit to work there anymore. Reasons were irrelevant... She said that at the end of the day, the number of unexcused absences was concerning, so much so that they felt they could no longer keep me as an employee. I was terminated. Just like that.
I am still stunned... It's not like I caught a cold or didn't feel like coming to work... It's not like I just went to the ED on a wim and nothing was found... Is this really grounds for termination? Is there any way to fight this? I followed advice of co-workers, I followed MD instructions, I kept my manager updated, and thought that I was doing the best one possibly could in keeping that balance of being a diligent worker and caring for self. Should I have done something different? Is there anything that I can do now? I am really at a loss...
Feeling like Im not grasping how the whole nurse world business really works sorta thing ? if that makes sense? Not sure what I learned from this ...
It is a business and like any other business the bottom line is money. You proved to be a liability to the company, you were still on probation so they can let you go for any reason and they did (even though the injuries were not your fault). In their eyes it probably seemed like you would (over time) have more than the normal absences. Going forward I would add the job to your resume bc they will indeed find out and it won't go well for you if you don't, just explain (with little info) best you can. If the injuries are cleared up then just say something like not a good fit. If the injuries continue they will probably come up during the pre-hire physical so you should be prepared to show back to work type MD note. I would also advise not over-sharing with co-workers in the future (ie asking them to look at your injury etc), sometimes it is best to keep a low profile when and until you absolutely know who you can trust.
I would word it that, while orienting to the new job, you were injured and weren't able to complete orientation. Something along those lines.
It's not that you are failing, it was just that that particular facility didn't want to risk a brand new employee, who was needing some time off to heal. Another hospital might feel differently.
I would not try to assign blame, but voice your understanding of their position.
I like this idea very much. No finger pointing. Neutral stance. And honest. Thank you!
It is a business and like any other business the bottom line is money. You proved to be a liability to the company, you were still on probation so they can let you go for any reason and they did (even though the injuries were not your fault). In their eyes it probably seemed like you would (over time) have more than the normal absences. Going forward I would add the job to your resume bc they will indeed find out and it won't go well for you if you don't, just explain (with little info) best you can. If the injuries are cleared up then just say something like not a good fit. If the injuries continue they will probably come up during the pre-hire physical so you should be prepared to show back to work type MD note. I would also advise not over-sharing with co-workers in the future (ie asking them to look at your injury etc), sometimes it is best to keep a low profile when and until you absolutely know who you can trust.
Sorry this has happened to you, best of luck!!
Hmmm... so, thats making sense, in a way... am still feeling hesitant to go that route, however, its just my feeling this moment, and you have some very valid points that I need to take into consideration in moving forward. Appreciate the advice. Thank you very much!
Emotions are finally beginning to settle... am starting to see more clearly what my options are... I don't have the security of family being there to support me emotionally or financially in times like these. Always believed that as long as I was a hard worker I would fine. Never thought I'd be in the position that I am in now... Not feeling great necessarily, however, am feeling less overwhelmed. The responses here have been incredibly helpful in grounding me and getting me to a better state of mind. Don't know what'd I'd do without this community. Everyone's ideas, advice, and words of encouragement are all sincerely appreciated.
I truly hate to say this, but from my perspective and in my humble opinion, you posed a very real potential risk to your past employer for future injury that you could claim as 'occurring while on your job'. That made you VERY UNATTRACTIVE & less than desirable. All they'd be waiting for is when you'd announce 'I got hurt here doing ...'. You'd be a Workman's Comp LIABILITY just waiting to happen!
Sorry, but a few other posters have commented this also.
I also agree with klone & Wuzzie and many others re the inclusion of this position on your resume. While it's admirable that you have steadily worked many positions since your teen years, I note your ID blurb lists 5 years nsg experience. Posters Emergent, Daisy, klone, Wuzzie and I, myself, have YEARS, and I mean YEARS of nsg experience. We all have been there, seen that, done it!!!! We have the experience to know that omission of any nsg position from a resume can be the 'kiss of death'. Kinda like you trying to 'tailor' your resume to 'capture more attn' by using fluorescent pink bond paper and text-speak! You mean well, but this is an instance where being safe is BEST. Just list it.
It seems EVERYBODY responding here is sympathetic to your plight and we all wish you well. You got a raw deal for something unavoidable. You did EVERYTHING right.
Please take care of yourself - your health should come first and is irreplaceable! Nsg will still be around.
Welp, don't know what to tell you. You clearly do not agree with those of us who suggest it's a bad idea to omit the job from your resume. I'm just saying, a simple "I wasn't able to complete orientation due to some health issues that have since been resolved" would answer any questions, without giving the appearance that you're being deceptive or evasive.
I think omission from a resume is fine, as it's more of a showcase. An actual application should include every job, with short, factual explanations on request.
I think omission from a resume is fine, as it's more of a showcase. An actual application should include every job, with short, factual explanations on request.
Agreed. I asked a friend who works in management about this when I applied for my first healthcare job, and I got similar advice. A resume is just there to give employers an idea of why they should hire you, leaving something off is fine. Applications often ask you to list past employers, and all of your history should be listed there as employment history is usually seen during credit / background checks, and a discrepancy there would look bad.
Thank you everyone for your feedback... really is helpful and appreciated.
Already looking at other jobs and question came to mind: would it be better to not list this employer on my resume? In between this job and my last position, I moved back home for a time to where family lives (outta state) to help take care of a sick family member who was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. It was during that time at home when assault happened. The police were called by another family member who witnessed it. I did not press charges per request of other family members. Not wanting to worsen the chaos and messiness that already exists in my family (and to save myself from the stress) I decided to just return to VA earlier than originally planned... to create distance from them and to be safe. Shortly after my return to VA, I began job hunting, and got the new position.
Since I was at the new job less than 2 months, wondering if it would be best to leave it off the resume .. If selected for a job interview, I could explain the job gap was simply due to spending time back home to help take care of a sick family member who lives outta state... and just leave it at that. Never been in this situation and am not sure how I feel about it. Explanation of job gap would not be completely untrue... feel that sharing more beyond that would = shooting myself in the foot ? Feel like I just need to prioritize caring for self, do what I need to do to move forward, and gain new employment without getting caught up in the weeds.
Thoughts?
Omit this unfortunate employer from your resume and applications. I have seen it work for people in similar situations (being fired). To the holier-than-thou crowd, I know that omission is deception, but nearly everyone has embellished some details on their resumes/applications. No need for sanctimonious rhetoric.
To the holier-than-thou crowd, I know that omission is deception, but nearly everyone has embellished some details on their resumes/applications. No need for sanctimonious rhetoric.
Literally not one of us has been sanctimonious or holier than thou. The OP asked for thoughts and we obliged. I seriously doubt that a large majority of us have embellished or stretched the truth on our job applications because we didn’t need to. Furthermore, we are not about to counsel someone to do as you say and risk not getting a job that he/she needs.
I certainly do list every single NURSING job I've ever held when I apply for a new job. Most job applications require/request that. As a hiring manager, if I saw that someone left off a job FROM WHICH THEY WERE FIRED, then it would seem to me like they were being intentionally deceptive.
I list my nursing jobs as well. On the side things, unless relevant, don't get listed, because most are over 30 years ago. Anyone who doesn't list recent things, throws a big red flag WHEN found out. Nursing is a very small world...
Literally not one of us has been sanctimonious or holier than thou. The OP asked for thoughts and we obliged. I seriously doubt that a large majority of us have embellished or stretched the truth on our job applications because we didn’t need to. Furthermore, we are not about to counsel someone to do as you say and risk not getting a job that he/she needs.
I was not referencing existing replies, but rather the ones that may arise that are contrary to what the OP is ostensibly leaning towards -omission of the firing from resumes/applications. Inclusion of the firing is in itself a risk of not getting the job. Therefore, it depends on the scope of perception and the pros vs cons of chosen approach. Nonetheless, I applaud you and your ilk for never embellishing any details to make yourselves appear more appealing on any application.
Different approach... anyone willing to offer a piece of their story in their reply? Don't have to, but encourage it. Helps to prevent debate from infiltrating the thread, as its not very substantial or useful to try to convince another that their life story is more correct or more incorrect... its just their own personal experience.
Whether that story is long, short, detailed, vague, I'd really like to hear it and would find it very helpful. It paints a picture, and allows ppl to follow along and better understand the train of thinking of why one believes what they believe. Stories are much more informational and valuable than lists of "do's and don'ts."
If anyone's here has been fired before, how was it explained to your next employer? Was it a fair or unfair situation? How do you tell the difference - as in, how did you learn and come to know that ... vs realizing that you need to stand up for self, advocate for self? (especially if taken advantage of) ? Have you ever had to navigate through a situation where you desired to be honest in paper and in person, but also were experiencing a dilemma (where you had to just get a job, get income, to take care of self and/ or your family) and how did you find a balance? If you have never been fired, were you ever close? How did you handle that?
I don't wish to "stretch" truth. There is where a real dilemma exists: how, in this situation, do I care for self, and also gain employment? At the end of the day, there's a point where I cannot care for self without income. What factors do I need to be mindful of? How do I stay true to self and true to values (like, honesty)?
Some of these questions have already been answered to an extent and I am starting to see how both sides (omitting, or not omitting prior employer from resume) can lead to different outcomes (good and bad). There is a professional and appropriate way to frame things, too... I am more worried about shooting self in the foot on accident and would like to avoid that... But what does that actually look like? Sounds like there's no perfect answer?
At the end of the day... just try something and see what happens?
Daisy4RN
2,238 Posts
It is a business and like any other business the bottom line is money. You proved to be a liability to the company, you were still on probation so they can let you go for any reason and they did (even though the injuries were not your fault). In their eyes it probably seemed like you would (over time) have more than the normal absences. Going forward I would add the job to your resume bc they will indeed find out and it won't go well for you if you don't, just explain (with little info) best you can. If the injuries are cleared up then just say something like not a good fit. If the injuries continue they will probably come up during the pre-hire physical so you should be prepared to show back to work type MD note. I would also advise not over-sharing with co-workers in the future (ie asking them to look at your injury etc), sometimes it is best to keep a low profile when and until you absolutely know who you can trust.
Sorry this has happened to you, best of luck!!