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...
I’m from Canada, so my personal experience may be a bit different over here in regards to keeping/omitting jobs that you were fired from on your resume.
As a freshly minted new grad, I took up a rural nursing job, far away from the big city I grew up in. I didn’t make it past a month of orientation before I was let go. The facility I was at wasn’t equip to provide the level of support I needed as a new grad, and I wasn’t able to perform at the level the manager expected me to perform at. Made lot’s of stupid mistakes, my preceptor and I didn’t mesh well, and I was expected to do things beyond my grasp at the time, such as being the triage nurse within days of the start of my orientation. It really just didn’t work out. All I remember is that two weeks in, at the end of one shift I was told by my preceptor that the entire shift was a test set up by her and the manager, and I had failed it. The next shift I approached the manager with the intention to speak to her about ways I can improve for the remainder of the orientation, and I was told I was being taken off orientation and being let go. She was kind enough to say she’d give me a neutral reference if asked, but she’d be truthful about me not succeeding at the facility. She also encouraged me to fly home and get a job in the city, where they can better support new grads.
I didn’t go home because I didn’t want to be seen as a failure. Also, the job market back home was very tough to crack for new grads. So I applied to another rural facility about an hour away, and landed an interview. I explained what happened at the other facility (I had put it on my resume), and explained how I’ve learned from it. I got the job, and did well in my second job.
I’ve left out my first job from my resume ever since, and it hasn’t come to haunt me. The formal application for jobs I’ve applied to doesn’t mention anything about listing every nursing job, although it does ask if you’ve been let go from previous jobs due to egregious conduct. I can honestly say no to that question, and use my resume without my first job listed. Landed two jobs with my current resume, and currently, there’s no point in me adding my first job back on it.
I was told by my preceptor that the entire shift was a test set up by her and the manager, and I had failed it.
Talk about a learning environment that fosters growth !!!? Glad you were able to move above this fiasco. They were trying to get a seasoned nurse for the salary of a new nurse and with no orientation provided.? Are they still in business? just curious
Specializes in Oncology (Prior: Ortho-Neuro, Metabolic Surgery).
On 12/8/2020 at 12:50 PM, BeatsPerMinute said:
Feeling the pressure to get back to work asap... Assault happened and that caused an initial injury.. from there experienced pain, and I grew weaker, clumsier... and just have had some bad luck. No evidence of something serious...
Do need to hear and be reminded that its OK to take care of self first. So, thank you ?
I understand the pressure to get back to work. The paycheck alone is hard to give up and it sounds like you are passionate about nursing. It is good to enjoy your work! Still, take care of yourself! You may not have had an ortho problem earlier, but two spine issues in quick succession does make me concerned. Not to get too far into medical advice, but continue to watch yourself and your back, just in case.
Consider this: you don't have to be a bedside nurse. One of my coworkers who had been a nurse for just under 2 years hurt her back at work and discovered that she had degenerative disc disease. She was devastated because she loves bedside nursing. She got a job as a case manager for a hospice and palliative care agency and is doing very well. No more lifting and she still uses her nursing brain to the fullest. She is doing very well and couldn't be happier. Another nurse I attended school with had a similar issue and is now in NICU, where all her patients are under 15 lbs, which is her max lift weight. It was a big switch for her from acute stroke care, but she is also very happy in her new specialty. There is almost no limit to the kinds of nursing you can do, even when your body isn't cooperating.
I can honestly say that I've left off a job from a resume.. I had one job with an agency that, despite being completely honest about my skillset, placed me in a job as a traveler that I had no idea what I was doing. It was bad. I was harassed by other nurses and even though my preceptor/charge nurses were amazing, I needed a lot more than the 5 days of orientation they originally intended on giving me.
My contract was cancelled early, on a day where I was rushing to work and tripped down my stairs and had to call out. (Though honestly I still tried to drive to work) They terminated me a few hours later so it worked out for them I guess.
Needless to say, I do not list the facility I work for nor the agency I work for on my resume, nor do I include it as a job on my application. It has never come up and I've had multiple jobs since then. Might be a little different since it was a travel job but it was still full time for a month.
Honestly, it's just corp healthcare at its finest! These days in a lot of places nurses are replaceable widgets and not people. Consider yourself lucky not to waste any more of your time with them.
Can you go back to your prior hospital system? Five years is enough to be vested in the retirement plans and if you get back in you may be able to keep your seniority!
Steer clear of abusive family members and call the police if you didn't already! Don't tolerate the abuse!
I really wonder if this 2 month job would be seen by a new employer, especially if it was out of state. I know people do leave off short term jobs that didn't work out and I bet most of the time it turns out OK. The only place I absolutely wouldn't chance this is with a govt job like the VA. They do a very thorough background check taken to an extreme. I doubt other systems are as thorough, unless national systems in several states, perhaps.
I guess you could try to speak to the mgr and ask if they would give you a neutral review if asked. What do you have to lose?
Still if it's possible consider if going back to your prior employer is an option, even if only temporarily or as pool.
Other options are agency and travel nursing, but I would say they are not for the faint of heart!
I've quit two jobs one as a secretary that wasn't working out and one as a nurse where I knew they were gunning for me. I had no trouble finding other jobs.
There is a nursing shortage now especially due to corona so don't psyche yourself out! You can and will get another job and no doubt a better one than what you left!
As noted, some systems just suck.
But even If the system isn’t toxic, there are certainly areas within all systems that aren’t nurse friendly.
You have a solid background. You’ve had a run of bad health luck or consequences.
So, a solid nursing positive. And a scary to HR nursing negative (don’t focus on it, but nurses with brittle health issues make HR twitchy as disability claims can arise — fair or not, it is real).
Focus on your physical and emotional recovery, realistically look at what your health will allow and go forward.
You’ve got this. Go forward.
List the employer as a disclosure, explaining that you had some “family/personal/health” issues that have resolved and unfortunately the new job did not work out. That your “issues” are fully resolved.
FTR — no employer can ask about your health, nor should you volunteer anything until post job offer and then it’s an issue of can you meet the physical demands of the position. (I.E. — lift 50 pounds from ground to table alone or 150 pounds with assistance, push 200 pounds, reach overhead, dexterity, hearing, etc.). I would think that given today’s litigation climate, few ex-employers will disclose much about a departed employee. (Nothing health related, only date of hire/departure and perhaps if eligible for rehire — which being “let go” during an orientation/probationary period — I think it’s less likely they even state “ineligible” for rehire). Just my opinion, tho.
There are companies that will check your application and references and record all given responses to you. Might give you peace to invest in one. If you find that anyone is giving out of context negative info, a few hundred on a cease and desist letter from an attorney will likely stop that cold. Keep in mind that they were needing nurses when you were hired and most employers have lots to do to keep things running and dealing with an ex-employee that had a run of health problems will take away from the time they have to deal with their real issues. Just a thought.
Good luck. Move on. Don’t let this suck your energy away or keep you from good. ?
I am sorry to hear about your injuries. You have to be careful with omitting a position from your resume. For example, to get a job at the VA you need to pass a FBI background investigation. Their applications require you to account for gaps in employment. For renewal of my nursing license, I am asked if I was fired by an employer.
You haven’t done anything wrong. Don’t omit anything. Just make a truthful but brief response. I hope you heal very soon.
Definitely take care of yourself within the bounds you can afford - you are important! FWIW, seems like you were upfront about everything and had an excused absence from work. Did they provide you with paperwork spelling out the details of your dismissal?
I'm sure there's an attorney in your area that would be willing to look at the facts of your case if you'd want to go in that direction. Might be worth it. Best of luck to you whatever you decide.
Specializes in ED, Tele, MedSurg, ADN, Outpatient, LTC, Peds.
Op ! I hope you are feeling better mentally and physically! Sorry to hear about the health issues.Lots of good advice on the posts. My two cents---.
Getting fired- they are within their rights during probationary period. At my place, the employee can quit within the first 3 months, no questions asked. Likewise the employer looks at performance, absenteeism as a precursor of how you may be after probation. So the sick time is looked as a red flag even though it is legit. In an ED environment they would hire a "safe bet" rather than someone with "issues".
Looking for jobs- Look for something that is not physically taxing or can worsen old injuries. It will save you in the long run if you plan to work many more years in nursing.
Resume- In an application, put that last job and reason for leaving as personal. You can say, I had to leave due to family issues that is resolved now. If they have a box that says may we contact the employer-check no. If asked, say it was for a brief period and did not work out.Mentioning your health is NOT a good idea as it may make the employer pause and wonder if hiring you is worth it. The irony is that we take care of the sick but are expected to be in " best health always"!
All luck! Stay safe! Do NOT tolerate abuse from anyone-family or otherwise.
Will keep you in my prayers! Next year, may your cup runneth over with good health, happiness, peace of mind and fortune!
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.
You gave an honest answer... no need to apologize for that. I appreciate this very much actually because of your honesty. I have re-read your reply several times, stepped away, revisited it, digested it, gave some time to really understand your point of view...
Honest reply back: what caught my attention is that initially I was tempted to dismiss your answer, because claiming of # years of experiences doesn't automatically mean an answer is trustworthy and kinda turns me off (baby nurse here has seen that used and abused too many times already)... I also understand that I am not going to get very far following the advice that I may want to hear, nor by soley accepting advice from nurses with experience around my own # of years of experience...
There's a really great balance in your answer: understanding, reassurance and empathy along with factual reasons of why I should believe you, and you list valid and reasonable points. Even if it's a hard truth I can get on board with accepting that as truth. Something about your answer makes me trust it, which allows me to learn something from this... and I can do something with that... and I appreciate it all.
I will take some time to heal (just what is needed; not too much) and I will include my last job on my resume. Will take all advice given by other users into consideration while preparing self for the hard questions.
MPKH, BSN, RN
449 Posts
I’m from Canada, so my personal experience may be a bit different over here in regards to keeping/omitting jobs that you were fired from on your resume.
As a freshly minted new grad, I took up a rural nursing job, far away from the big city I grew up in. I didn’t make it past a month of orientation before I was let go. The facility I was at wasn’t equip to provide the level of support I needed as a new grad, and I wasn’t able to perform at the level the manager expected me to perform at. Made lot’s of stupid mistakes, my preceptor and I didn’t mesh well, and I was expected to do things beyond my grasp at the time, such as being the triage nurse within days of the start of my orientation. It really just didn’t work out. All I remember is that two weeks in, at the end of one shift I was told by my preceptor that the entire shift was a test set up by her and the manager, and I had failed it. The next shift I approached the manager with the intention to speak to her about ways I can improve for the remainder of the orientation, and I was told I was being taken off orientation and being let go. She was kind enough to say she’d give me a neutral reference if asked, but she’d be truthful about me not succeeding at the facility. She also encouraged me to fly home and get a job in the city, where they can better support new grads.
I didn’t go home because I didn’t want to be seen as a failure. Also, the job market back home was very tough to crack for new grads. So I applied to another rural facility about an hour away, and landed an interview. I explained what happened at the other facility (I had put it on my resume), and explained how I’ve learned from it. I got the job, and did well in my second job.
I’ve left out my first job from my resume ever since, and it hasn’t come to haunt me. The formal application for jobs I’ve applied to doesn’t mention anything about listing every nursing job, although it does ask if you’ve been let go from previous jobs due to egregious conduct. I can honestly say no to that question, and use my resume without my first job listed. Landed two jobs with my current resume, and currently, there’s no point in me adding my first job back on it.