Over 60, seasoned nurse, fired for not being a "Robot RN."

MrChicagoRN, RN · Oct 1, 2012

My condolences on the loss of your job, I hope you find something soon. Did this come out of the blue, or has it been a progressing issue. If you feel you have been discriminated against based on age, or that you were unfairly discharged, I suggest you contact your local bar association for a referral so you can explore your options.Good luck to you

Davey Do · Oct 1, 2012

I guess I am just looking for validation as a decent human being, and as a good nurse.

What you think of yourself, how you see yourself, is MUCH more important than how ANYBODY else thinks of or sees you. You know that, Wise Woman. You also know that if you believe you are a decent human being or a good nurse, then you are.

We all have to sleep with ourselves, Wise Woman- I get he notion that you would prefer to sleep with someone who is of a Higher Consciousness than not.

If you wish to continue to work in the Nursing Field, then you will. If not, then you won't. But I could tell you stories of Older Nurses who left one job with the screen door slamming them in the behind only to practise somewhere else. It happens.

I'm sorry for Your Hardship and wish you the Best, Wise Woman.

Dave

allnurses Guide · Oct 1, 2012

What values? SOUNDS like you were fed a load of crap.

I mean, seriously, what good reason did they try to give you for

firing you? There had to be something other than "You aren't following

our values".

Good Morning, Gil · Oct 1, 2012

How were you not in line with their values? If they're going to say that, they need to have specific examples, at will employment or not.

You have a right to know why you were let go. You're probably the highest paid on your unit. Nobody wants to pay a lot for a nurse when they can replace you with a nurse that doesn't cost as much. Though this shouldn't happen, it does in some places, and that is true for any profession if management doesn't value the employee.

Keep your chin up, and don't give up on nursing! Apply elsewhere!

Trekfan · Oct 1, 2012

I am so sorry ! Thats just wrong ! they did the same thing to my dad , Do not give up I would want an old nurse over a new one anyday .My friend who is 55 just got a new home health job last week, making more money because they are paying for all her years of nursing .

Wise Woman RN · Oct 1, 2012

6:53 am by [COLOR=#003366]NurseCard

6:53 am by [COLOR=#003366]NurseCard A member since Dec '03 - from 'Kentucky'. Posts: 1,873 Likes: 1,259

Age: 39

Awards:

"What values? SOUNDS like you were fed a load of crap.

I mean, seriously, what good reason did they try to give you for

firing you? There had to be something other than "You aren't following

our values".

Thank you all for your kind wishes and support.

Apparently, some people had the perception that I was rude, and displayed

"unprofessional behavior," as well as "not managing up her new mandates."

First time I was reported, I was "written up" by

the new boss, I was extremely surprised and hurt, as it was totally

unexpected. There was strong encouragement to find employment

elsewhere, also. Second time was based on how I made another staff

person feel inadequate - instead of talking to me, she reported me, so again,

a surprise, and very hurtful to be written up on the basis of gossip.

Again, encouraged to seek work elsewhere. Third time was the charm - CNA

reported me for saying that I disliked working with people who didn't do their

jobs. This apparently was verified by two other CNA's. The disciplinary

steps were not followed, either. So, there you go.. Sounds

unreal and unfair, doesn't it?? In the space of 6 months, I go from being a

valued, excellent employee for many years, to being persona non grata. I

am appealing, and asking that they expunge the write-ups from my records.

Unemployment was denied at first, because I was fired, had to appeal, and I

read them the termination letter. They then granted me the unemployment.

I have never had any disciplinary action before, ever, in any job that I had.

The nurses I worked with were all unhappy with the decision, and they also

feel it was incredibly unfair.

I did see the writing on the wall, but since there really are very few

nursing jobs that the company doesn't own in this area, I decided that even though

I was "strongly encouraged" to go elsewhere, I needed the unemployment

just to survive. It was very difficult to go to work with that target on my back.

This is about as much detail as I can discuss.

There were no issues with my nursing care at all. Needless to say,

There is no union.

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Oct 1, 2012

It is so unfair anymore. We have seen this time and time again. They push out everyone who has any experience and hire those with none. Yes we all need to learn, but you can't have newbies training newbies. It doesn't work. I can tell you we have this same problem at my job. Care is terrible now, and the worse part is Admin couldn't care less. They only see $$$ saved. I hate to tell you, but patients will go elsewhere if you develop a bad reputation, which we are currently doing. Common sense is gone.. :sarcastic:

Ms_ILLRN · Oct 2, 2012

Please, first off, DO consider filing a grievance AND finding an employment lawyer.

TOO MUCH OF THIS IS BEING DONE IN HOSPITALS THROUGHOUT THIS COUNTRY.

Unjustly terminating GOOD, veteran nurses and ultimately replacing with younger nurses who can be paid less.

Same happened to me.

I REGRET not having pursued it legally.

And please remember, it IS NOT YOU.

Send me a message if you wish.

malestunurse · Oct 2, 2012

I wish nurses would treat each other better

Ms_ILLRN · Oct 2, 2012

I also believe, more nurses need to collaborate, communicate, and

file CLASS ACTION LAWSUITS against these money making, greedy,

b@stards!

It takes $$$ to procure an attorney. I truly believe class action IS the way to proceed.

Remember, there are X amount of days to pursue litigation.

You no doubt are feeling the pain right now, but the sooner you look and FIND someone willing to look at your case, the better.

Peace to you.

allnurses Guide · Oct 2, 2012

I'm so sorry, Wise Woman RN. As was said on someone else's post, your story is not uncommon. I watched the same thing happen to a dear colleague in one of my former jobs. She'd been there for decades and all the doctors adored her. The corporate BS just wasn't in her lexicon. Our younger, annoying new manager made her feel so uncomfortable I think she just decided to quietly resign before she got fired. She should've had a corker of a Retirement Party - and had the people who supported her known what was really going on she would have. You just can't blame people for operating in their own spheres. I'm sure days or weeks later they had the thought "where is A****?" It makes me sick.