FIRED!!! What to do now?

Fired. Yes, I was fired by the state agency I was working for as an RN just a few weeks before my probation ended. They said that they will not tell me the cause of my being fired. They only said that I "was not a fit" and that "I was not able to perform the job" they hired me for!! Now what can I do? I tried to apply for jobs after this but it is really a hard thing to say "terminated" when they ask "what was the reason for leaving your previous job?". Remember, I got my NCLEX last Oct. '10, then worked part time for a few months in nursing home and home health. So this was the real first nursing job I had. Has this happened to anyone early in their career? What did you do to get another job? What steps should I take to get a job? I will REALLY, REALLY appreciate all your helpful comments. Thank you!!
Be honest and include this aspect of your employment history on your resume and future job applications. When/if asked about this job, be honest and tell them that you were not a good fit for the position. Do not badmouth your former coworkers and supervisors under any circumstances because this will make you look like a whiny person who cannot take any personal responsibility.Emphasize how you will be a great fit for the new position for which you are interviewing. Good luck to you!

You might want to look into the details of your firing a bit more. You mentioned it was a state agency. Government-affiliated employers often have HR guidelines that are more strict than the private sector. You have to weigh whether it's worth it or not, but you may want to consult a lawyer to see what your options are (eg, are you afforded access to your HR file?) Even if you don't want the job back, perhaps there is a way to convince this agency to change your separation status to resignation rather than termination. This may become an appealing option to them if they perceive it to be a way to avoid costly prolonged litigation. Even if you're not planning to sue, being contacted by your lawyer will definitely raise their concern.

If it's state then it's union ... did you contact your union rep? Also, how can they hire you if you're on probation and then terminate; what I'm saying the language is wrong. They can't fire someone they haven't officially hired yet. Anyway to the point of why ... doesn't matter when they or you decide it isn't a good fit before the probationary period is up it's completely legit, it doesn't matter who decided to not follow through with the contract. Look into the language of the deal, contact the union rep; they will help you. AJ is right, they will jump to change things once litigation is considered.

As a former and retired state employee, I can tell you that what happened to you is happening to RNs all over the US. Just before the probationary period ends, they unload staff. You probably cannot do anything about it. You are entitled to unemployment so apply ASAP. Best wishes.

I know someone who was let go days before their six month probationary period ended. Not a nursing position. Happened years ago. This is a typical tactic, not confined to nursing.

Quote from tyvinIf it's state then it's union ... did you contact your union rep? Also, how can they hire you if you're on probation and then terminate; what I'm saying the language is wrong. They can't fire someone they haven't officially hired yet. Anyway to the point of why ... doesn't matter when they or you decide it isn't a good fit before the probationary period is up it's completely legit, it doesn't matter who decided to not follow through with the contract. Look into the language of the deal, contact the union rep; they will help you. AJ is right, they will jump to change things once litigation is considered.

Quote from tyvinIf it's state then it's union ... did you contact your union rep? Also, how can they hire you if you're on probation and then terminate; what I'm saying the language is wrong. They can't fire someone they haven't officially hired yet. Anyway to the point of why ... doesn't matter when they or you decide it isn't a good fit before the probationary period is up it's completely legit, it doesn't matter who decided to not follow through with the contract. Look into the language of the deal, contact the union rep; they will help you. AJ is right, they will jump to change things once litigation is considered.

Not all states are union for gov employees. I know where I live, it's spotty. Some are, some arent. Op, I'm sorry about your situation

What is the point of probationary period if employer can fire you for any reasons after the probationary period?

Quote from Ms.RNWhat is the point of probationary period if employer can fire you for any reasons after the probationary period?

Do you h ave a sense of why they chose to fire you? I think to move on you kind of need to be able to address that question with potential new employers.

Sorry to hear of your misfortune, especially at this time of year. Details aside of my saga, I was just honest with the DON that interviewed me about what happened at my previous position, and she thanked me for being honest and was very willing to give me the chance to "get back on the horse". Hope you land a better job this time around