Trying to still love my profession

[cowsmoo2]

Hello out there. I write knowing I am going to sound whiney but I truly need some advice. Back in October 2013 I was terminated from my job as a LVN clinic nurse assigned to a nurse practitioner. I've had my license for 20 years and have worked with a variety of healthcare providers. This NP was by far the worst in terms of arrogants and demands. She was new to the clinic and struggled with learning the electronic system and requirements of this specialized healthcare system --Veteran's system. I did everything I could to assist her but found myself training a provider. I repeatedly reported to my administrator/supervising RN for the 3 months I was assigned to the NP, as well as HR, but then an accusation of working outside my scope of practice surfaced by this NP --thus my termination. I won my unemployment, originally declined benefits due to being fired for "misconduct." I won because the judge ruled there was no evidence of misconduct. I was never written up, was not given my annual performance evaluation, and the NP did not show up to the hearing. But I am struggling finding work due to a termination on my record. It is hard to explain why I am no longer working for this position. I am also afraid of any new job I might get. This situation has truly winded me and am struggling in how to overcome it. Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[Marshall1]

As a past employee of the VA I can tell you that if push comes to shove, the VA is going to side w/the NP over an LPN. MD's and NP are needed too badly in the VA - right or wrong - that's how the politics seems to roll. That being said...

As far as another job, be honest if asked why terminated - that you really aren't sure, were never written up and that you can't really offer an explaination beyond that. Provide references at the VA that can substantiate your performance and from there it's up to the person doing the hiring.

[cowsmoo2]

Your comment was most helpful. I've recently learned that a new hired RN was assigned to this same NP and he has since walked off the job due to the same treatment he got that I dealt with. I think it is shameful for any organization to treat their employees like this. I did get a letter of recommendation from one of the doctors I worked with at the clinic who felt my being fired was not right. I have since obtained a temporary job as a camp nurse for a local school district---outdoor school camp for 6th graders. Am hoping this will give me back my confidence and move on. Thank you again for your comment.