Recently let go, how can I explain it

[katerinsols, BSN]

Hello everyone,

I am devastated that I was recently terminated at my job over something stupid. I called out sick because I was feeling unwell two days (calling out two days back to back counts as one call out) on the second day I felt a little better and one of my co workers who came to my wedding was celebrating hers, I had told her I couldn't make it bc I was sick but stopped by a couple hours bc I felt better.

I told co workers not to post pics but I think I missed one so I got called into the office for misuse of sick time, they asked me to provide a doctor's note as well because I was out of essta protected hours and they said the note wasn't valid because it didn't specifically specify those dates. I was first told I was gonna get a final warning because I had a good reputation and am a good nurse but then  a week later they ended up terminating me "as per HR"  so I feel it was an unfair termination.

Basically to the point of my post is how do I explain this when I start interviewing for new jobs! I live in New York City but I am not sure if employers can disclose that I was terminated and the reason why in NY state. I'm in a panic about having to apply just because of this reason. I have never gotten in trouble like this before.

I appreciate any advice you can give! 

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

Even as a child I was taught if you are too sick to go to school you are too sick to go out and play. That teaching stuck with me in my adult life...if you are too sick to go to work you are too sick to go out.  Sorry you had to learn that lesson in such a harsh manner, losing your job over this does seem a bit extreme.

Not sure about state specifics but generally your former employer will only verify that you worked there, for how long and if you are eligible for rehire. So hopefully you won't need to go into much detail about why you are no longer employed there. 

 

[chare]

katerinsols said:

[...]

Basically to the point of my post is how do I explain this when I start interviewing for new jobs! I live in New York City but I am not sure if employers can disclose that I was terminated and the reason why in NY state. I'm in a panic about having to apply just because of this reason. I have never gotten in trouble like this before.

[...]

A previous employer can provide any information to a prospective employer that they wish; as long as it is factual.  Having said that, I agree with @kbrn2002 that most choose to provide dates of employment and eligibility for rehire.  And, a growing number of employers are using third party sources (e.g. the Work Number).

At the minimum you are going to have to explain why you are not eligible for rehire.  And, considering that you don't know what your previous employer is going to say, I think you should be prepared to discuss this.  You can tailor your responses to answer the question asked, and provide the least amount of information possible.

If you haven't done so, you might contact HR at your previous employer.  While I doubt they will give you specifics of what they will release, the should be able to tell your their policy, and types of information they release.  If possible, this should be via email.  And, it might be worth discussing this with an attorney as he or she, after reviewing the specifics of the case can best advise you on how to proceed. 

Best wishes.