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Specializes in rehab.

Hi, I just had a quick question. Recently I got my first write up. I admit it's my fault, I thought I documented but I didn't. I did write a late entry later but anyways this is my first write up ever. Ever since then I've just become terrified. Mainly because I was told if I 'mess up one more time then I'm fired.' This is the first time I've ever gotten in trouble, I was only talked to once but that was for a co-worker that wasn't working, and even that was just a simple 'watch your workers a little closer.'

I don't know if this was meant to be a scare tactic or what but if it was- it sure worked. I'm terrified of losing my job now over any stupid mistake.

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What area do you work in and what is your role?

Whatever those answers may be .... being told ..."if I 'mess up one more time then I'm fired."

is unacceptable legally and professionally and a sign you must move on.

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Specializes in rehab.

I work at a LTC and I'm a charge nurse for a unit.

Thank you for your answer. It's sadly not the first time that one of my bosses has said something close to this to me.

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Specializes in Med Surg - Renal.
What area do you work in and what is your role?

Whatever those answers may be .... being told ..."if I 'mess up one more time then I'm fired."

is unacceptable legally and professionally and a sign you must move on.

I couldn't agree more. They are trying to toilet you and when that happens, they will do whatever it takes to succeed no whether you deserve it or not.

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Specializes in MCH,NICU,NNsy,Educ,Village Nursing.

Why being told if one messes up one more time is unacceptable legally, I'm not sure. If one is in a "work at will state" it isn't. I do agree with the others though, sounds like it's a wise move to move on. Hang in there & best to you.

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Specializes in Psych , Peds ,Nicu.
Why being told if one messes up one more time is unacceptable legally, I'm not sure. If one is in a "work at will state" it isn't. I do agree with the others though, sounds like it's a wise move to move on. Hang in there & best to you.

Legally the employer can do anything , except for discriminate against legally defined groups , but this type of threat shows the managements attitude towards you and probably all who have been in your position , so be wary and look for another position.

Good managers would have identified the problem and were possible come up with a course of action that would have enable you to fulfill that task better in the future .

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Specializes in Med/Surge, Psych, LTC, Home Health.
I work at a LTC and I'm a charge nurse for a unit.

Thank you for your answer. It's sadly not the first time that one of my bosses has said something close to this to me.

Surprise, surprise.... :rolleyes:

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Specializes in Oncology.

I totally forgot to chart once on one of my patients. I got a verbal warning, have been extra careful to double check everything before I leave, and haven't heard anything about it since. Weirdly, it happened in October and it took them until February to warn me.

It's sounds like your place of employment is over reacting.

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Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

I agree that the "mess up one more time and your gone" should not be used by managers, however I really don't think it is legally unacceptable...just a sign of poor management. Also, it may be a sign that the OP needs to move on, but that might not be a viable option in the current job market--and this suggestion ("get out of this place," "find a new job," etc.) is thrown around way too often on AN given the state of nursing and the economy in general. While I'm not saying you should not look for a new job, there might not be another one out there. In the meantime, keep working hard and do the best that you know that you can do. And ignore their scare tactics--don't let it have a negative impact on your work.

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Specializes in none.

It is a threat. You are still working there. Just do your best. All of us nurse have been threaten it goes with the territory. Gets worst there are thing that you can do. But for now do your best and also delete them from your Xmas card list.

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Just calm down. You are not the first to make a mistake and u definitely Wont be the last.

There are other jobs out there.... Granted its a lot harder to get one....

I know If I was a nervous wreck I'd mess up again.. So psychologically you have to act like u don't care

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Specializes in Orthopedic, LTC, STR, Med-Surg, Tele.

I got written up for a totally moronic and preventable mistake. I felt really bad and nervous about it for awhile, but I took ownership and built steps into my routine to avoid making that kind of mistake ever again.

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