What happens when you get fired?

I can imagine how awful it might be to get fired from a job.  You know, with many of us, our life is our profession.  We really care about our patients and want to do the best job for them.  So, when we do get terminated, it is a huge blow to us both personally and professionally.

Unfortunately, if you have been terminated, you are required to disclose that job and the termination on all your future job applications.  With that in mind, I have some tips for you on how to write your employment application so that you have the best chance to get a position.

First, when you fill out your job application, it is going to ask you if you have been terminated.  You have to put “yes.”  But then, it asks the reason for the termination.  You don’t have to give a reason.  Just simply put down that you will discuss it in an interview.  In that way, you have control over what you say and it is not forever a permanent record on your employment application.

Look at the reasons why you were terminated.  Was the position you were in a poor fit?  Were you understaffed?  Did you forget something?  Think about the reason or reasons but do take responsibility.  Owning it is the biggest power that you have.  Owning whatever happened, whatever the situation, because if you DON’T own it, then you’re always at the effect of somebody else.

Where, if you are choosing what happened and learning from it, then you have much more power.  It is a much more powerful place to stand.

If you think about times in your life when a bad thing has happened, think about the good that came from it.  I know there is some.  I know when I was laid off from my position as a partner in a law firm doing medical malpractice defense, I was devastated.  It was a horrible time in my life and I was pregnant with my second child.  But what a blessing it was for me to start my own practice and to be here for my children.  So, find the good in your termination.

Also, make sure you keep a copy of your last employment evaluation.  If it was shortly before the time that you were terminated, it may show that whatever happened was an isolated event and could show that you are good nurse and should get hired for whatever position you are seeking.

I hope these tips can help you in realizing that although termination is very unfortunate, they can help you in dealing with it and to move forward with your life.