Left job to safeguard my license - what "reason" to add on new applications?

[KatiejonD]

I was in my fifth year of school nursing and my administration (Principal, Superintendent, and School Board) were not supportive of medical (including emergency situations, or adherence school policies & procedures OR state laws on immunizations).

After an emergency situation involving a student going into anaphylaxis, and administration telling me that I "jumped the gun" on calling 911, and having absolutely no one in my office to help during the incident - I felt that my license was consistently put at risk by the school. I wanted to retire at this job, but felt that I had no choice but to resign, mid-year. [Details are in the post on the general Nursing topic threat, titled "I left my job and now feel lost"].

I'm filling out applications now for other jobs - what is the most appropriate thing to write in "reason for leaving" my school nurse job? I'm thinking "safety" or "safety concerns" -but I'm not sure. Any advice?

[KatiejonD, RN]

LOL - that's funny!

[KatiejonD, RN]

I think that's a really good way for me to think of it! Thank you. As far as seeking a new job... would you have any advice if I'm not seeking a different setting, but instead another school nurse job?

[Kooky Korky, BSN, RN]

TriciaJ said:

I completely relate to the correctional facility scenario. But I would bag the "seeking professional growth" routine. I would say "I clashed with admin over the handling of a medical emergency." They will of course ask you for details and you tell them "A child was having an anaphylactic reaction and they refused to call 911. There are other similar instances and this is the one that broke the camel's back." You aren't bad-mouthing a previous employer. You are truthfully answering a pertinent question.

Seems like it's speaking negatively of the staff who refused to call 911 and the other similar issues. Truthful and pertinent, yes, but still speaking negatively, isn't it?

[TinyDancer01]

I would've filed a grievance. That's ridiculous! Schools want nurses and then don't want to listen to them. I think to some principals it looks like they couldn't keep things under control in their school or keep a child from getting hurt, etc if an ambulance has to come which is just crazy because you can't control seizures, accidents, etc but once again these are people not part of a medical background. Just a theory...

[EnoughWithTheIce]

I agree with focusing on student safety (or lack thereof). I was in a similar situation at my previous school. Nobody really seemed to care about policies, procedures, and just plain ole doing the right thing. I did not feel supported at all. The administrators were very weak, had their own clique and could be two faced.

Nobody needs that kind of stress. I was able to move on to a new school with a positive, supportive and by the rules philosophy and have never been happier!

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

That would scare me away from school nursing. The principal, et al, have no basis to question your judgement on nursing. It's like a chef telling engineers how to build a bridge!

As for job interviews, keep it simple."I called an ambulance for a child experiencing a life threatening emergency. Non medical management questioned my judgement." or similar. Short, sweet, and factual. Be sure to ask the interviewers question(s) about similar situations at jobs you've applied for.

Good work and good luck.

[TriciaJ, RN]

On 9/28/2018 at 9:53 PM, Kooky Korky said:

Seems like it's speaking negatively of the staff who refused to call 911 and the other similar issues. Truthful and pertinent, yes, but still speaking negatively, isn't it?

You're just stating facts. "I believed 911 needed to be called and they disagreed." You don't say "They're a bunch of morons and they're going to kill someone's kid." That would be negative.

[dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I]

"Professional differences" covers a lot of territory. If asked for details; "If I'm not allowed to give the care needed it puts my career in jeopardy." Or maybe "Non nursing personnel undermining my nursing care." If they push for further information, simply say you "wont get into the details of medical care to protect confidentiality." This should impress them.

If they push you for more details, thank them for their time and say adios. I hope this helps. Interviewing at a school vs a hospital are likely much different. Accept that you may need to set limits, and some employers are not the ones you want.