Why did you leave your most recent job?

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Background: I was employed as a Pedi Nurse (my first private practice position) so they knew I didn't have much experience other than sub school nursing for an agency. I was there 6 weeks before being let go (but I was still in my orientation period; week 6/12). I know they didn't have to give me a reason to let me go since I was still in my orientation period but they did give me a reason and I think it borders on discrimination: I'm on Adderall to function but all it does is keep me awake/alert. You'd never know I was on it. I let it slip that I thought maybe I lost a pill one day while at work (before we opened and no pill found). I kept a pill in my pocket (to take around lunch) to remind myself to take it.

A few days later, I was called in by my manager and executive director of the practice to talk about it. They told me they had to let me go because of the potential a child could've picked up the pill (that was never even dropped and I do get where they were coming from but still a simple mistake) and couldn't have a Nurse with that kind of "lapse in judgement". I didn't get a chance to defend myself or a second chance. I believe it was because it was an Adderall and that was the issue. No performance issues or anything else had ever been brought to my attention.

Anyway, I'm in the process of applying to other jobs but want to list that one for the experience because I learned a lot and did a lot of things I hadn't done before. I just don't know how to answer the question as to why I left after such a short time. I wasn't technically fired but I loved the job and wouldn't have left on my own. Any advice?

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Pediatric Float, PICU, NICU.

Out of curiosity, why do you believe that you weren't technically fired? Based on your post, you very much were fired.

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I didn't think it was considered being fired because I was still in my orientation period and employment was at will so they could just let me go whenever if they wanted, regardless of reason. I used the term "fired" at first but in consulting with others they probed the question of if I was technically fired. Regardless of terminology, it was a mistake that didn't cause any harm and in no way speaks to my performance as a Nurse. I want to be able to use the experience without it haunting me for other opportunities. I just don't know how to explain it on an interview and because of that I'm putting off setting up a potential interview.

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I would not list this job. Avoid having these people tell a prospective employer what you did so they can prevent you from learning from your mistake at a new job.

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Specializes in NICU.

Forget about this job,they are being typical nasty nurse whatever.I woud like to see what their resumes really say.This is so like this profession you will meet the nastiest,phoney, cheating,drug using managers and staff nurses,administration and if you one day find the right fir for you ,you will also meet patient,caring,nurses who have you back.Keep your personal stuff private,you don't need twisted sisters or debbi downers or nancy nurses stabbing you in the back.

One day you will find the place for you do not give up.

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Specializes in ICU.

I would also just not list it. But if you wanted to be honest, you could say that during your orientation you realized it would not be a good fit. and if they ask why, give them an answer that touches on the truth but not in a way that raises red flags. Something like, "I am very passionate about the quality of my work and the care that I give. During my time there, I came to realize they had different priorities and so it was a mutual agreement to end the relationship." that is an example but it touches on the truth without making yourself look bad. You have no reason to feel bad- you have prescription medication that you need to perform your duties. How can you give quality care if you arent allowed to take your medication? I would talk to a lawyer.

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Definitely do not list the job, and I hope you learned something from this.

You could be there 6 years, not 6 weeks, and if someone decided they didn't like you, the same thing could happen.

Never reveal anything even a little personal that someone could twist around.

Nursing is cutthroat.

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