Out of a job

[underpaidrn]

I came into work this morning as usual and told the owner of the company that I was looking for a new position that made more money. I told him I wished him and his company well and held no hard feelings. The administrator of the home health side, which is where I worked, found out that I was looking for another position and fired me on the spot. I didn't even have a chance to talk with anyone. I was escorted out of the building as though a common criminal. I was working at a pay rate half of what I usually made. I was leaving because the administrator I worked for was incompetent and could not get the agency started without my skills and knowledge. Needless to say, I am now unemployed, I may lose my home and car and I feel as low as a whale's belly. I have never been treated like this and I don't even know where to turn. I am at a loss as to how to handle this. I'm crying so hard now I can hardly type. I did not go to the administrator and tell her that I was looking elsewhere because she was the reason I was leaving and I didn't want to leave with hard feelings. I've learned some hard lessons here. 1. Never be honest and tell someone what you are doing, even if it's to give them a heads up as to what is coming. 2. Never, ever discuss any concerns with anyone as it will do you in no matter how truthful the concerns are. 3. Scum always seems to rise to the top. Thanks for letting me vent.

[Katnip, RN]

Thank you all so much. It means so very much to hear support. I live in a small town and opportunities are not many. I don't have any savings left as I used them up this year working at a position that was half of what I used to make. It sucks so bad. I felt like a common criminal being escorted out. I haven't even told my husband yet. He's going to flip out. I can truly understand why people go over the edge. I have never felt so worthless in my entire life. I just can't stop crying.

Don't feel bad about being escorted out. I've seen high level execs get the security escort, so you're in lofty company.

[RN1989]

Obviously there are problems with that employer or you would not have been escorted out ASAP. Employers do this when they feel that you could be a liability to them. It is happening more and more frequently. The day I turned in my resignation at a job they sent someone from the corporate office with my paycheck and told me to get out that day. They were afraid that I would rat them out to the state since I no longer needed them and would not be afraid to open my mouth. That is probably what happened to you. You scared them and they did not want you to be able to "do" something to them or their property. Gather your wits about you. Go to the unemployment office and file. Then update your resume and get back on the wagon. It is not the end of the world - I promise. It just gives you that feeling that something is wrong with you when in reality there is something wrong with them and they are afraid that you could sabotage their plans.

[justme1972]

I am so sorry that you had to learn this the hard way. Unfortunately, this is the one thing that you can't be honest with employers about because most of them have chips on their shoulders.

[Dolce, RN]

I have never felt so worthless in my entire life. I just can't stop crying.

First of all, you are not worthless!!! What a ridiculous thing for that company to do. It was extremely unprofessional and vindictive. :angryfire

I know you live in a rural area but I'm a small town girl, too and I can testify that even small towns have nursing jobs. Our profession is in demand everywhere in the country. Why don't you post your resume on the internet on sites like absolutelyhealthcare.com, monster.com, careerbuilder.com, etc. I can guarantee that you will have nurse recruiters from all over the place calling you.

Remember, you wanted to leave them first. They are trying to get the upper hand by saying that they fired you but the reality is that you didn't want to work for them because they were not compensating you adequately. They are a bad place of employment but that does not reflect negatively on you.

((((hugs)))) :icon_hug:

[happydays352]

Omg suzie heard her boyfriend was going to break up with her so she broke up with him first!

Yeah I guess the "real" world is really like high school.

I'm so sorry this happened to you. Shame on them for behaving so poorly, you were doing the right thing by them and they screwed you. You clearly are a loyal employee just remember your personal integrity is priceless!

I'm sure you'll find someone who will appreciate your loyalty and dedication.

[leslie :-D]

underpaid, do NOT give them this power over you.

ultimately, you will have the last laugh, when you land a job that appreciates the qualities you have to offer.

i've been fired too.

and i can now say it was undoubtedly the best thing that ever happened to me.

after you've had a good cry, it will be time to lift yourself up and shake yourself off.

you are a loyal, sensitive, intelligent nurse.

anyone would be lucky to have you work for them.

time to be your personal best.

leslie

[missdeevah, NP]

i am so sorry that you had to learn this the hard way. unfortunately, this is the one thing that you can't be honest with employers about because most of them have chips on their shoulders.

:yeahthat: i don't believe in letting an employer know that i am leaving as some employers immediately begin to treat you like a crook :angryfire. i believe in waiting until one has found a new job, then give a notice

cheer up, another door will open up for you. small town or not, you will find a new opportunity where your skills will be appreciated. i will keep you in my thoughts and prayers. just start looking as soon as you can...something will come your way .

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

Try to calm down. I know easier said then done! I too have opened my mouth many times at jobs, and have found that honesty is not always the best policy. I know things look really bad right now but, there probably is another better job, that you will get. You have to be true to yourself, and working like a slave to make other people rich, really stinks! Hang in there!

I have to agree that honesty is not the best at times. People are threatened when they are challenged. I know that you didn't mean anything by this, and these people are dead wrong for treating you the way that they did. I do think that another position will be in store for you, and the lesson learned from this is to keep misgivings to yourself until you actually have another position in tow.

[CHATSDALE]

blessings in disguise -

there are somethings that you can only look back and see that this was only a bump not a mountain

[Diary/Dairy, RN]

Awww - I am so sorry - Losing a job is rough - Hope things get better soon! :icon_hug:

[karbyr]

I think I read somewhere that on average, the best nurses get fired between 2 and 4 times during their career.

Having said that, I am in your shoes also. Including the small town bit. Just keep looking up as you look around, it will work out!!!!!

[santhony44, MSN, RN, NP]

blessings in disguise -

there are somethings that you can only look back and see that this was only a bump not a mountain

Not only that, but this "bump" will be what steers you in the direction of something much better. That's been true in my life, anyway.

I don't tell an employer when I'm looking for something else. They find that out when I turn in my resignation. I don't think that being an honest person requires you to tell your employer that you're looking. Unless, of course, you are asked point-blank. I'm also very careful about who I tell that I'm looking and I've never had anyone let me down in that way.

At any rate, this may well turn out to be the best thing that ever happened to you! I certainly hope that it will!