Terminated in probation - no reason given

Nurses General Nursing

Published

Hi all, I worked at a hospital for around 9 months and accumulated approximately 1500 hours. I was 12 hours away from probation, when I was handed a letter that said I was being terminated, without any reason specified. Based on information from co-workers, a particular co-worker complained against me which lead to this. The union also stated that a reason wasn't necessary, and that a grievance even if filed wouldn't be effective so it wasn't done. This is my first job out of nursing school. I'm now in the process of applying to other jobs, many of whom ask a reference from this employer and also ask me what my reason for leaving was. What should I do in this situation to secure employment elsewhere?

Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

I am sorry this happened to you. Such destruction from such venom when all that was probably warranted was a quiet conversation between two professionals. I hate this kind of vicious passive aggressiveness.

I hope you find out what went wrong and I hope you move past it quickly and in stellar fashion, with a better job and better pay.

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×

The passed performance evaluation should help you in your unemployment case. If they oppose it, when you have your hearing that may get you the information you are after regarding why you were terminated.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
On ‎6‎/‎22‎/‎2019 at 8:59 AM, Anon101 said:

I inquired about a reference, but the union said that the hospital doesn't provide references for fear of litigation, so all inquiries are directed to HR - I'm just not sure what they might say to any prospective employer (I'm assuming that if I was terminated for a complaint, it would probably be negative).

In our case, about all that HR would say is to state the dates of employment and whether the employee is eligible for rehire. The problem with references is that if you give a negative one, even if it is totally honest and justified, the person receiving the reference may sue you if they find out what you said. I avoid giving them, unless it is someone who I can unconditionally endorse.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 6/23/2019 at 11:13 AM, Anon101 said:

Thanks for your response. I've filed for unemployment benefits. I'm curious about the employee file part, in what circumstances would I want to look at my employee record?

You were fired. Maybe you can glean some info as to why.

Whether someone was or was not a Charge Nurse, you can ask them for a reference if you worked with them and they could give some feedback about you.

Do you have to list this job on your resume? Maybe you were just taking some time off after school and NCLEX.

I think it utterly stinks that you were given absolutely no inkling that you were being fired and the reasons for that. Have you sat down with your former boss to see what you can learn? Maybe you get a few minutes with him or her. Put it as you would really appreciate his or her help. You do have to move on and would really appreciate any pointers for improvement and demystification of this ridiculous mess.

Good luck. You will find something.

2
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in OR, Nursing Professional Development.
5 hours ago, Orca said:

The problem with references is that if you give a negative one, even if it is totally honest and justified, the person receiving the reference may sue you if they find out what you said.

They may sue (in this society people sue for pretty much anything), but if the evidence is there, it's unlikely they will win.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
9 hours ago, Kooky Korky said:

You were fired. Maybe you can glean some info as to why.

Whether someone was or was not a Charge Nurse, you can ask them for a reference if you worked with them and they could give some feedback about you.

Do you have to list this job on your resume? Maybe you were just taking some time off after school and NCLEX.

I think it utterly stinks that you were given absolutely no inkling that you were being fired and the reasons for that. Have you sat down with your former boss to see what you can learn? Maybe you get a few minutes with him or her. Put it as you would really appreciate his or her help. You do have to move on and would really appreciate any pointers for improvement and demystification of this ridiculous mess.

Good luck. You will find something.

or caring for a family member...

3
Up Vote Up Vote ×

Do you have any idea what this complaint was? I’m guessing it was a very serious one.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Hospice, corrections, psychiatry, rehab, LTC.
20 hours ago, Rose_Queen said:

They may sue (in this society people sue for pretty much anything), but if the evidence is there, it's unlikely they will win.

That is part of the issue. If someone was fired with cause, no problem. If you are giving a subjective evaluation of the former employee's performance and suitability for a particular job, then you may have an issue.

We have specific instructions to refer anyone to HR who calls us asking for a reference on a former employee. They have told me that all that they disclose is dates of employment and eligibility for rehire.

Gone are the days when you could talk freely about the performance of former subordinates.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 6/24/2019 at 8:51 AM, not.done.yet said:

I am sorry this happened to you. Such destruction from such venom when all that was probably warranted was a quiet conversation between two professionals. I hate this kind of vicious passive aggressiveness.

I hope you find out what went wrong and I hope you move past it quickly and in stellar fashion, with a better job and better pay.

Thank you! I'm actively interviewing for other positions and trying not to let this affect me.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 6/24/2019 at 10:29 AM, jetsy62 said:

The passed performance evaluation should help you in your unemployment case. If they oppose it, when you have your hearing that may get you the information you are after regarding why you were terminated.

Just found out I qualified for the employment insurance benefits. At least I'll be able to survive until I can find another job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 6/25/2019 at 1:50 PM, Kooky Korky said:

You were fired. Maybe you can glean some info as to why.

Whether someone was or was not a Charge Nurse, you can ask them for a reference if you worked with them and they could give some feedback about you.

Do you have to list this job on your resume? Maybe you were just taking some time off after school and NCLEX.

I think it utterly stinks that you were given absolutely no inkling that you were being fired and the reasons for that. Have you sat down with your former boss to see what you can learn? Maybe you get a few minutes with him or her. Put it as you would really appreciate his or her help. You do have to move on and would really appreciate any pointers for improvement and demystification of this ridiculous mess.

Good luck. You will find something.

I've been thinking about using a colleague as a reference. The problem is if I don't write this job on my resume, it's not very likely I'll get a job in this specialty since I never had a placement in this area during nursing school. So it'd be kind of a gamble. Also I noticed that some government jobs conduct their own background investigation so they'd find out anyway that I worked there if I didn't mention it on my resume.

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
On 6/23/2019 at 9:13 AM, Anon101 said:

Thanks for your response. I've filed for unemployment benefits. I'm curious about the employee file part, in what circumstances would I want to look at my employee record?

The entire response was Hppy was very insightful, I did want to add the review of your personnel record is also subject to state mandates. In our state, the employee may request to review AND receive a copy of their personnel record in its entirety as it relates to their performance or any grievances filed against the employee. The employer may only charge the actual cost of duplication and postage if requested to mail the copy, all the employee need do is submit a written request

As far as next job opportunities, someone mentioned maybe reaching out to a charge nurse or someone else in a supervisory position that may be willing to help with a reference that could be contacted directly. I would agree with Hppy though - if HR will only provide employment verifications and not references for liability reasons they will be highly unlikely to disclose anything at all about the reasons or even nature of your separation (whether it was voluntary resignation or termination) - many will give only title and dates of employment and not even answer “is this employee eligible for rehire?”

1
Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment