3 Written Warnings for a Facebook Post

[careo180]

I worked at a hospital for three years and in that time I showed up to work on time and did my job. I was hired as a new grad and worked in Adult Med/Surg. I floated to another unit for a friend and had one of the worst shifts of my life. After the shift, I went home and wrote on my friend's facebook wall something like "I am never working for you! I had the worst shift ever on 3e! Manual disempaction, psych patients..." I wrote about my night, but did not meniton any room numbers or any patient names. About 3 weeks later I recieved an e-mail from the nurse manager of the unit I floated to. Apparently someone had seen what I had written and printed it out and showed her nurse manager. Then, that nurse manager brought it to HR. I was given THREE written warnings that I signed, I was told that I broke their social media policy. I was so upset and quit the job shortly after to go into pediatrics. Several times I have thought how unfair it was that I was given 3, not 1 written warning! I had never before had an disciplinary actions against me at this hospital. Now a year later I have applied for a job in pediatrics at the same hospital (but a different campus). I am concerned that they will not hire me over this silly mistake I made when I was a new nurse. Does anyone know if a nurse's file stays at that hospital forever? How many years until their file is deleted or is it never? And should I bring it up at my interview to explain or let them bring it up? I really want this job, as it is three miles from my house. Any advice!?

[SionainnRN]

What do you mean "do not hire" I recently left long term care on not so good terms. I am concerned about this facility affecting my excellent previous job performance and references.

If you were terminated or left on bad terms many places will have you on a DNR list, do not rehire. This is one of the things future employers will ask your previous employers, if you're eligible for rehire. If you're not, it's a big red flag.

[Cisl4him, RN]

I was not fired, I resigned my position after the DON threatened to suspend me for doing a finger stick on a resident without a written order. It was an oversight on my part. This facility was almost closed down a month ago. The DON, I believe was looking for a reason to show he was looking for potential mistreatment of resident. I had just received a satisfactory review on July 8 accept to improve my med pass.

[Cisl4him, RN]

Ps. Do they legally have to make you aware that you are placed on this list so that one is prepared to disclose this during the interview and explain the circumstances?

[SionainnRN]

I don't know if they have to inform you of anything. Legally they can say whatever they want about you as long as it's true. Generally they just stick with dates you worked, if you resigned or were terminated, and if you're on the DNR list. One hospital I worked at had a policy where no matter what the circumstances were for your leaving you automatically went on the DNR list.

[Cisl4him, RN]

All I can do is hope for the best. This primary care practice is very large and has advanced technology. They are seeking excellent nurses. I thrive in the office setting, but my confidence in my ability is shaken because of this negative experience in long term care. Other than that, I have excellent references, a letter of recommendation from a physician I worked under in the cancer care setting.

My interview with the physician is at 3:30 today. I'm nervous, but I believe I can pull it off.

Thank you for your support.

[caliotter3]

They gave you three written warnings at once because they were fast tracking the disciplinary process and covering their bases. You were right in leaving because your days were numbered. Trust that you learned from this experience.