kwagner_51
Junior Member
What is the name of your state? Indiana
I am a new RN. I was hired by the local hospital in July of 2005 as a "graduate nurse". My first day on the job, no one on the unit knew who I was or why I was there!
I was told by my Nurse Manager [NM] to follow the other RNs around to see how things were done. I watched as they passed meds, took vitals, and charted.
I have a very strong work ethic and couldn't stand the fact that I was sitting around doing NOTHING and they were paying me. I asked the NM exactly what I could do because I felt guilty doing nothing. Her response was to just keep doing what I had been doing.
In August I was transferred to nights by my request. I had problems with the State board of Nursing not being able to find the picture I sent so that I could schedule my test.
I was allowed to answer call lights, get patients out of bed, pass meal trays, and do accuchecks. When I went in to assess the patients another nurse was in the room with me. When I charted, the other RN would read what I wrote and then co-sign my work.
On September 9, I finally got the paperwork from the State giving me permission to take Boards. I left a note for my NM letting her know that I was scheduled to take Boards on Oct. 3.
On Sept. 20, there was a note for me stating that I was to meet with the NM in the morning after my shift. I went into the meeting and they had a list of lies about me. [I have a copy of them and my response.]
Basically, they said that I had BO, that my uniforms were wrinkled, that my nails were dirty, that i made statements like, "When I'm an RN, I won't have to answer call lights" and " I don't do blood, poop or vomit."
I didn't know how to respond to the accusations. I denied the BO, wrinkled clothes, and the direct quotes, but did state that i would do everything listed to correct the problems listed.
12 Days later, I passed boards and became an RN!!
My former instructor was on the unit and found out that I passed boards! She told my NM and the NM called me! She acted really happy for me. My next scheduled day, we were short a RN and they wanted me to handle a team by myself. I refused!
I told the other nurse that I had had no training for RNs and the nurse backed me up.
In the meeting on September 21, I was instructed to ask for help if I didn't understand something. We had a patient who had a subdural hematoma [a bleed]. I didn't know what to look for as far as signs and symptoms go, so I asked.
On Oct. 10, I was called into another meeting and was told I was fired!! Some of the reasons listed are: Neuro checks lack detail, unsure of subdural hematoma assessment, In the last 2 days has pointed to her badge stating "I am an RN" to a subordinate, continues to smell very stongly of smoke.
These were all dated for 10/06/05 a mere 3 days after I passed boards!!
Fast forward to Dec. I had 4 interviews between Christmas and New Year's at 3 hospitals and Home Health. After the New Year, I had 4 more interviews 3 at one hospital and a second interview from another.
I got a letter from 2 of the hospitals telling me that they found someone more experienced. I have no problem with that.
I have heard nothing from any of the other hospitals. I interviewed for another position at one of the hospitals on Feb. 6. I have heard nothing!!
I am so angry, because I know what the NM said are lies, but it is my word against hers. How do I go into an interview and explain why I was fired, when I don't even know why I was fired?
That makes 9 interviews from December 23-Feb. 6.
What do you think? Is there anyway to salvage my reputation? All of the hospitals are within a 50 mile radius of each other.
Thanks!!
____________________
In His Grace,
Karen
I am a new RN. I was hired by the local hospital in July of 2005 as a "graduate nurse". My first day on the job, no one on the unit knew who I was or why I was there!
I was told by my Nurse Manager [NM] to follow the other RNs around to see how things were done. I watched as they passed meds, took vitals, and charted.
I have a very strong work ethic and couldn't stand the fact that I was sitting around doing NOTHING and they were paying me. I asked the NM exactly what I could do because I felt guilty doing nothing. Her response was to just keep doing what I had been doing.
In August I was transferred to nights by my request. I had problems with the State board of Nursing not being able to find the picture I sent so that I could schedule my test.
I was allowed to answer call lights, get patients out of bed, pass meal trays, and do accuchecks. When I went in to assess the patients another nurse was in the room with me. When I charted, the other RN would read what I wrote and then co-sign my work.
On September 9, I finally got the paperwork from the State giving me permission to take Boards. I left a note for my NM letting her know that I was scheduled to take Boards on Oct. 3.
On Sept. 20, there was a note for me stating that I was to meet with the NM in the morning after my shift. I went into the meeting and they had a list of lies about me. [I have a copy of them and my response.]
Basically, they said that I had BO, that my uniforms were wrinkled, that my nails were dirty, that i made statements like, "When I'm an RN, I won't have to answer call lights" and " I don't do blood, poop or vomit."
I didn't know how to respond to the accusations. I denied the BO, wrinkled clothes, and the direct quotes, but did state that i would do everything listed to correct the problems listed.
12 Days later, I passed boards and became an RN!!
My former instructor was on the unit and found out that I passed boards! She told my NM and the NM called me! She acted really happy for me. My next scheduled day, we were short a RN and they wanted me to handle a team by myself. I refused!
I told the other nurse that I had had no training for RNs and the nurse backed me up.
In the meeting on September 21, I was instructed to ask for help if I didn't understand something. We had a patient who had a subdural hematoma [a bleed]. I didn't know what to look for as far as signs and symptoms go, so I asked.
On Oct. 10, I was called into another meeting and was told I was fired!! Some of the reasons listed are: Neuro checks lack detail, unsure of subdural hematoma assessment, In the last 2 days has pointed to her badge stating "I am an RN" to a subordinate, continues to smell very stongly of smoke.
These were all dated for 10/06/05 a mere 3 days after I passed boards!!
Fast forward to Dec. I had 4 interviews between Christmas and New Year's at 3 hospitals and Home Health. After the New Year, I had 4 more interviews 3 at one hospital and a second interview from another.
I got a letter from 2 of the hospitals telling me that they found someone more experienced. I have no problem with that.
I have heard nothing from any of the other hospitals. I interviewed for another position at one of the hospitals on Feb. 6. I have heard nothing!!
I am so angry, because I know what the NM said are lies, but it is my word against hers. How do I go into an interview and explain why I was fired, when I don't even know why I was fired?
That makes 9 interviews from December 23-Feb. 6.
What do you think? Is there anyway to salvage my reputation? All of the hospitals are within a 50 mile radius of each other.
Thanks!!
____________________
In His Grace,
Karen
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