Terminated the third week into my orientation

[HippyHappyRN]

I’m looking to get advice from nurses this may have happened to because I’m feeling especially blue at the time being. OK, so little backstory - I graduated in December ‘19 with my ADN and got hired at my areas bigger hospital for a new grad position in the mother/baby unit. I was also offered a peds position as well as on oncology. However, I took the MBU because my passion is to be in LDR one day.

The first week went well, it consisted of class time and learning the hospital. The second week consisted of a class and two shifts in which I was placed with a preceptor. This is the where my first bad incident took place - I didn’t make it to the 6:45 huddle because my badge wouldn’t let me in through the employee door by the employee parking lot so I had to walk around the building to get in.

I made it in by 6:55 before report was given on our patients but that was considered late (which at the time they were sympathetic, but later used it against me.) I spent the two days learning my preceptors routine, figuring how to do the charting, and going solo on the steps she had taught me to do on the mommies and newborn babies. This preceptor was awesome and I appreciated how she was patient with me and helped me find my own way while teaching me.

That was about the extent of my “good” experience because the following week, I made the rather unfortunate mistake of oversleeping for a required class. I text a classmate to let her know of my plunder and that I was on the way. The text I received in return stated that they had decided to shorten the class and that the teacher claimed it wouldn’t be an issue for me to reschedule if I so chose to do. I agreed and went about my day until it was time for me to come in to shadow my charge nurse at 4:30.

That’s when I received the call from my clinical coordinator wondering why I wasn’t at the class and why hadn’t I told them about it. My exact words to her was that at the cost of sounding ignorant, I simply wasn’t aware that it was necessary to inform them and that I was told I could reschedule the class within a few weeks. I was told not to come in for the shadow and to expect a call from the clinical coordinator as well as my manager the following day. I get that dreaded call and they proceed to tell me that I cannot come to work till after they speak with HR because 1. I was late the first day, 2. I didn’t let them know I missed the class, 3. I “lied” by telling them I was told I could reschedule the class because it wasn’t the teacher who told me that but rather a fellow friend/co-worker.

It took them a week to get back to me, they ended up telling me I wasn’t a good “fit” for them, and they cut up my badge in front of me. Now, I am well beyond aware of my mishaps and what I should have done differently - I should’ve set aside time to make sure I could get in and out of the building before my scheduled shift, I should’ve set 5 alarms if that was what it would’ve take to ensure I didn’t oversleep, and I should’ve contacted my employer rather than my co-worker about the blunder. I am taking these unfortunate happenings and 100% learning from them so as to be the best nurse I can.

That being said, it’s been a week and I’m terrified I’m blacklisted from this hospital since I have been applying for other positions and have yet to hear anything. Should I wait it out? I was offered interviews at another hospital, however it’s an hour away so I’m hesitant to accept. Do I have to list this on future resumes? I don’t feel as if I got to truly “nurse” and I’m discouraged my skills will atrophy if I don’t use them. I’m also concerned that that was the only time I will ever get to experience my “dream job” as this manager is over both the MBU as well as LDR. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks

[Emergent, RN]

I'm curious if you've had a problem like this in the past? It's pretty bad oversleeping and missing work in the first few weeks of a new job.

They understandably decided to cut their losses. I don't blame them. If you've had trouble with attendance and punctuality in the past, this is a big wakeup call.

[Hoosier_RN, MSN]

If you were terminated at this hospital, the chances of you being hired there for the foreseeable future is pretty slim. You are most likely going to have to start elsewhere and get experience before applying there again. And in some cases, per policy, you may be not eligible for rehire. It varies by employer. Take this as a lesson learned and move forward

[DextersDisciple, BSN, RN]

Sorry to hear that. Sounds like you Started off on the wrong foot but cutting up your badge was a little dramatic. That being said, I definitely would not reapply to the same hospital. Your first impression was not a good one and it would probably get back to any other managers in the hospital.

Even if you can’t get an L&D job it doesn’t mean you can have one later on in life. Take this as a lesson learned and make an excellent first impression at your next job.

[HippyHappyRN]

Actually no, I’m very punctual. It was a an unfortunate mistake but I could see where your comment stems from. And this wasn’t an actual shift per se, it was a class. But thanks for the feedback I suppose.

I am eligible for rehire according the manager, I asked during my final meeting.

[Emergent, RN]

Just now, HeartbrokenBabyNurse said:

Actually no, I’m very punctual. It was a an unfortunate mistake but I could see where your comment stems from. And this wasn’t an actual shift per se, it was a class. But thanks for the feedback I suppose.

You sound like a high school student, actually. Time to put your big girl panties on. This is real life.

When your employer cuts up your badge in front of you, I think it's pretty obvious that you are probably not going to get a job with that organization.

[HippyHappyRN]

Emergent, who hurt you?

[DextersDisciple, BSN, RN]

2 minutes ago, HeartbrokenBabyNurse said:

Actually no, I’m very punctual. It was a an unfortunate mistake but I could see where your comment stems from. And this wasn’t an actual shift per se, it was a class. But thanks for the feedback I suppose.

I am eligible for rehire according the manager, I asked during my final meeting.

You may be eligible but like I said, word spreads. Chances are managers will want to hire one of the many applicants who do not have a history of tardiness. Not trying to rub it in but it’s just how it is.

It sounds like you really like this hospital but the time you waste trying to get rehired is time better spent filling out applications and interviewing at other facilities. Good luck with your job search.

[HippyHappyRN]

I do prefer this hospital but I have been putting in applications elsewhere. As I said, I was offered several interviews from another hospital an hour away.
I was told when I accepted this position that the manager was a nightmare to work for and that I should’ve accepted one of the other positions. But I didn’t listen because I was enamored with the fact I was starting on the floor I wanted during nursing school. I sincerely appreciate your advice DextersDisciple.

[DextersDisciple, BSN, RN]

I wouldn’t want an hour commute either. What I was trying to say was apply to more hospitals that are also doable commute wise. This way you won’t be tempted to keep looking at your previous employer due to the much quicker commute.

[HippyHappyRN]

2 minutes ago, DextersDisciple said:

I wouldn’t want an hour commute either. What I was trying to say was apply to more hospitals that are also doable commute wise. This way you won’t be tempted to keep looking at your previous employer due to the much quicker commute.

I applied to the other hospital within reasonable distance but they are owned by the same company as the hospital I was terminated from. All other hospitals will be at least an hour commute in either direction. I am not opposed completely to the commute to be honest, I’m more so terrified of ever making the mistake to be tardy again, especially living further away. I’ve never been a tardy person to be clear, I show up to events generally half an hour early. The fear of being tardy again is just from anxiety. I’m just full of anxiety for already making a bad impression. I wanted to be the best I could.

Maybe I should apply to LTC? My mom is a 20 year LPN and she has mostly worked LTC. I’m just worried about the fact I’ve never gotten a proper orientation where I got to use my skills as a new nurse. I am not sure how LTC facilities train new grads. Something to look into.

[caliotter3]

1 hour ago, Emergent said:

I'm curious if you've had a problem like this in the past? It's pretty bad oversleeping and missing work in the first few weeks of a new job.

They understandably decided to cut their losses. I don't blame them. If you've had trouble with attendance and punctuality in the past, this is a big wakeup call.

I don't think this situation is very pleasing to anybody concerned and certainly feel sorry for the OP. Grandson, as I recall, was very late for first day on his first decent job. I about had a cow. He survived that, but now, a year later, he is on his final warning for attendance and punctuality issues. He has no one to blame but himself. I have provided him with two clock radios (he resides with me) and he unplugged and refuses to use both of them but he sleeps right through his iPhone alarm. Like I said, it is on him. No employer is going to coddle an employee that does not seem interested in getting to work on time. At least they won't put up with it forever when there are plenty of employees out there who are so eager to work that they will be there ten minutes prior to clock in time.