Finding a job after being fired

[Deleted]

My family member may be let go from her current position in the medical field due to an accidental HIPAA violation. I can't go into a lot of details, but pretty much she was putting charts away for somebody and the spot she was told to place them at was moved into an unprotected area. She has never violated anything before and feels so guilty about it that she has already talked to her supervisor and has taken another class on it. I have three questions for anybody who knows anything about this area. The first is should she quite instead of being fired? The second is while she job hunts is she eligibile for unemployment? And third how would it be the best way for her to answer why she left during an interview?

[mmhmm]

I'll answer the easiest question first:  No, she should not quit.

She's taken another HIPAA class, so she's shown her employer good faith and willingness to learn.  I don't know what level employee she is, but that can play into things, as well.  Much more is expected of licensed personnel than of unlicensed personnel.  I also don't know what sort of facility at which she's employed.  Different types of facilities handle these things in different ways, but I doubt very seriously she'll be fired for this one mistake.  If she did happen to get fired, some states offer unemployment for those who have been fired, but it usually involves a waiting period.  She should check with the state Unemployment office.  The best thing to do when seeking employment after something like this is to be completely honest.  Answer questions as they are asked, don't babble, and give honest answers.

What she needs to do is be very clear about what happened, express her regret at the result, and let her employer know she's willing to be further educated and to put out extra effort to ensure this doesn't happen again.

I'm a nurse practitioner with experience in both hospitals and clinics.  If I can help further, don't hesitate to ask.

[Deleted]

That's really great advice! She works for a general medical clinic and she is on the clerical side with no licenses. I know her supervisor was calling other offices to see what their opinion would be without using any names of who did it.

I know she is stressed out a lot over this because she does love her job and thought she had a great relationship with her boss. Apparently her supervisor yelled at her as if she was one of her kids and felt a bit mistreated.

She immediately attended the HIPAA class the day she was asked to leave for a few days an her boss didn't seem interested at all regarding the fact that she is trying to learn and educate herself more on this error of judgement.

If she is going to be fired should she ask to let her put in her two weeks instead so it doesn't look as bad when she is trying to find another position? Also when a HIPAA violation is filed will her name be attached to this issue?

[thyme4change]

If she is going to be fired should she ask to let her put in her two weeks instead so it doesn't look as bad when she is trying to find another position?

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That depends - if she quits she will most definitely not get unemployment.  So, if there is a chance she will get it - then she should not quit.

Here are some ways to handle the "fired" questions during interviews.  Have her practice her answer, so she can overcome it.

Joyce Lain Kennedy's sample answers to the interview question "Why were you fired?"

• Being cut loose was a blessing in disguise. Now I have an opportunity to explore jobs that better suit my qualifications and interests. My research suggests that such an opportunity may be the one on your table. Would you like to hear more about my skills in working with new technology?
• My competencies were not the right match for my previous employer's needs but it looks like they'd be a good fit in your organization. In addition to marketing and advertising, would skills in promotion be valued here?
• Although circumstances caused me to leave my first job, I was very successful in school and got along well with both students and faculty. Perhaps I didn't fully understand my boss's expectations or why he released me so quickly before I had a chance to prove myself.
• The job wasn't working out so my boss and I agreed that it was time for me to move on to a position that would show a better return for both of us. So here I am, ready to work.
• After thinking about why I left, I realize I should have done some things differently. That job was a learning experience and I think I'm wiser now. I'd like the chance to prove that to you.
• A new manager came in and cleaned house in order to bring in members of his old team. That was his right but it cleared my head to envision better opportunities elsewhere.
• Certain personal problems, which I now have solved, unfortunately upset my work life. These problems no longer exist and I'm up and running strong to exceed expectations in my new job.
• I wanted my career to move in a different direction, and I guess my mental separation set up the conditions that led to my departure. But by contrast, the opportunity we're discussing seems to be made for me and I hope to eventually grow into a position of responsibility.
• I usually hit it off very well with my bosses, but this case was the exception that proved my rule of good relationships. We just didn't get on well. I'm not sure why.
• My job was offshored to India. That's too bad because people familiar with my work say it is superior and fairly priced.
• I outlasted several downsizings but the last one included me. Sign of the times, I guess.
• I was desperate for work and took the wrong job without looking around the corner. I won't make that mistake again. I'd prefer an environment that is congenial, structured and team-oriented, where my best talents can shine and make a substantial contribution.

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