Tell the truth about being asked to resign?

[Vaviora]

Hi. Almost 2 months ago, I was asked to resign (in lieu of being discharged) because according to management, I did not pass my orientation/training program. To make a long story short, during my orientation, I was placed with a preceptor that I did not work well with. I asked management and the educators if I could have another preceptor, but they basically told me to "develop a thicker skin." I took on the challenge thinking I could prove to them that I can work with anybody. However, despite my efforts, my preceptor nit-picked my weekly evaluations to the point that many of what she wrote were either not true or overblown. No matter what I did, I couldn't win the battle because it was a "her word against mine" and being the "new kid on the block", it was a no-win situation for me. Now that I am out of work and looking for another job (preferably in the same specialty), I don't know if I should state that I was asked to resign or give another (true) reason which is I left because my commute was 3-4 hours long each day. I don't want prospective employers to think I will not be a good employee or I am incapable. I feel that they will think so if I tell them the truth that I did not pass orientation and was asked to resign. On the other hand, I'm afraid that they might find out even if my former employer doesn't say anything... nursing is a small world.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

I'd roll the dice and leave it off my resume.

[imintrouble, BSN, RN]

I tried looking for a job once, being honest about being fired.

I wouldn't recommend that to anybody.

It came down to my need to tell the truth vs my need to find a job.

After weeks of honest, I omitted the fired part on my application.

The first job I interviewed for after that decision hired me.

On the other hand, I went to work everyday fearing somebody would find out I'd been fired, and didn't tell the truth.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I'd include the job on my resume, but be vague about it "not working out." If asked, mention the commute as the main reason and then say vaguely that the commute left you unable to focus completely on the job itself. It got you off on the wrong foot -- and you resigned because you could see it was not going to work out in the long run.

By emphasizing the commute, you draw attention away from the fact that they were not satisfied with your performance without really lying about it. If you former boss gives you a bad evaluation, that is consistent with your story -- but you have provided a believable explanation for it.

[Hollybobs]

No need to state that you were asked to resign. You can always say the job wasn't a good fit, either because of the commute (which sounds horrendous) or because you wanted something different in some way, that the job you next apply for can provide.

It is a small world but that works both ways. If you had an unjust and unsupportive experience like that then your old job might be well-known for not treating its employees properly.

I hope you find something you like and are treated with more fairness.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

I don't know about leaving positions off your resume. Nursing is a small community in which news travels fast. People gossip. Getting caught at leaving a position off your resume would not be good.