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Dear Cindy – My "Late" Career - Medhunters Medical Community
By Cynthia M. Piccolo (Career Questions)
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Dear Cindy: 
I was recently fired from my RN job at a hospital for having excessive tardies. I was usually tardy only a few minutes clocking in, but not to my workstation. I guess I thought that since I was still getting to my workstation on time, that I was OK. However, I have obviously learned my lesson and will never be late to anything again.

Nonetheless, I am having a difficult time securing new employment. I am applying for positions, but I am not receiving responses. I suspect it is because termination for tardies is on my application.

Do you have any suggestions? I am afraid I will never work in nursing again. I miss going to work and taking care of my patients.

Sincerely,

Is My Nursing Career Over?

Dear Career: 

It's not hard to believe that you were fired for repeated tardiness, but it's hard to believe that it's preventing you from getting another job. Do you live in a very small community and your reputation (accurate or exaggerated) is preceding you? Are you in one of those extremely rare areas of the world that is not experiencing a nursing shortage? Are you older, and although employers aren't supposed to, they're discriminating against you due to age? Were there other reasons in addition to tardiness for your termination?

If you think that you're not finding work as a result of what you write in the "reason for leaving your last job" box on an application form, there are a couple of things to try. First, try applying using a cover letter and résumé (which doesn't include "why I left my last job" information), rather than an application form. It's much easier to explain being fired in person than on paper. But if you must send in an application form, rather than just writing "Fired" – which lets the recruiter assume many things – try a mini-explanation, e.g., "Fired for Tardiness. Issue now solved," or "Fired. Details on request."

When you do get to the interview stage, or if a recruiter calls and asks why you were fired, explain:

  • the situation clearly, briefly, and without making excuses;
  • why what you did was wrong (e.g. inconvenienced coworkers, impacted patient care, etc.);
  • what you did to make sure it won't happen again.

    • Also, find out from your former manager what s/he plans to say about you if someone contacts her/him for a reference. Finally, it would be a good idea to tell your former manager the same things that you plan to tell the recruiter or the person that interviews you (i.e., the points above).

    Good luck with getting back to your career!
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