Question:
Dear Donna,
I have been an LPN for 12 years and have extra certifications. My last job was as an MDS coordinator in a long-term care facility. I was at that job for 13 months. I was careful to ask about support and other pertinent questions at the interview for the job as I understand how difficult this position can be. I was told all the answers I wanted to hear, but when it came right down to it, I was deceived. I got thrown into an impossible situation and worked up to 70 hours a week, plus took work home with me to try to get caught up. It was a losing battle and I talked to my superiors several times about needing help. The support was not there. Needless to say, I was let go because I was behind. At the present time, I am unemployed and wondering if I even want to get into MDS again, let alone nursing. And, how do I tell my next potential employer that I gave 200% and got nothing in return without sounding negative? I am not sure where to go from here.
Sunnysky
Dear Donna replies:
Dear Sunnysky,
It sounds like you got into a less than desirable work situation. That is unfortunate and sometimes happens. I can understand it has left a bad taste in your mouth, but don't let it sour you on nursing and even MDS coordinator jobs if you like the work since you have prior, presumably positive, experience in it. Of course you might just be ready for a change of specialty.
I wonder if you belong to any nursing associations. This is important for every nurse for ongoing education, support, and networking. Consider joining the National Federation of Licensed Practical Nurses (www.nflpn.org) and the Association of Assessment Coordinators (www.aanac.org) if you plan to stay in assessment (MDS). Get out to local meetings when you can, even as a guest at first. And while most state nurses association have membership available to RNs only, some do have coalitions for LPNs in the state, and you always can attend any of the meetings as a guest. Find out more at www.ana.org.
When going on interviews, don't say anything negative about your past employer. When asked why you left your last position, say something like, "Unfortunately I was let go from that position. My workload was overwhelming and there was miscommunication about work objectives. Nothing like that has ever happened to me, and I have learned from the experience."
Even if you believe you couldn't have done anything differently, it is best to present it in this way. If they ask what you learned, you might say, "I would have asked more questions before taking the job and would have tried different ways to communicate my need for additional help. I tried to take on too much, which was a mistake."
Of course, you need to say whatever is comfortable for you.
If I were you, I would look into opportunities at local insurance companies and Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs). Many of them hire LPNs in a variety of roles. And because you already have related experience, that might give you an edge. Look them up in your local phone book and make direct phone contact with the human resources department.
You also need to get out to local nursing career fairs in your area. See what's coming up at Events.nursingspectrum.com/Expo. Sometimes, insurance companies and other non-traditional employers exhibit there. There also might be some LTC facilities with MDS or other offerings. Read my article “How to Get the Most Out of Attending a Career Fair” online at www.dcardillo.com/articles/fair.html. Also read “Picking Up the Pieces of Your Career” at www.dcardillo.com/articles/listing.html.
Additionally, consider contacting your state quality improvement organization for employment (go to www.cms.hhs.gov/QualityImprovementOrgs and scroll down to QIO directory). Again, your MDS experience will lend itself well here.
It always feels awful after something like this happens. But I believe everything happens for a reason. Move forward in faith and the right path will reveal itself to you.
Sending good wishes your way,
Donna