Dismissed from work today - I don't know what to do

[Strawberriess]

I made such a huge error at work and it cost me my job.
I accept liability and made a massive mistake. I work at a drs and a patient had low iron levels and I said I wasn't clinically trained but maybe it might be worth going to the supermarket to buy something fortified with iron so they didn't drop any further - I didn't know I wasn't allowed to suggest something you could buy off the shelf. I would never advise something if I thought I was causing harm. I had the best intentions.
On top of this I've been having trouble with a colleague who is so rude, condescending and snappy. Yesterday I asked a question and she was rude and I said there was no need for it. She has accused me of bullying to the manager.
I went in today and was pulled in to the office and told because I was still on probation my contract was terminated and there was nothing I could do. I've been crying for about 7 hours.
I dont know how this will have an impact moving forward. Putting a patient at risk and bullying sounds awful but not who I am at all. I don't know what to do 😭
I'd been a SAHM for 7 years and this was the first job I applied for and was successful. I've only been there 3 months. I feel like my future is ruined. How can I apply for another job when my reference is going to paint me out to be a monster.

Thank you, you've all been really helpful.

I accept I did something wrong and completely makes sense now but genuinely thought I was helping. I was told to use my instincts and trust my judgement but made a wrong call. I only thought iron could be toxic in huge doses, but that's from things I've read in the past. I've been iron deficient myself so know how awful it can feel 😞

With it being part of the NHS I don't want to lie and anything cross paths later. I'd rather be honest but I just wish it hadn't come to this.

The only training I got was shadowing other people and learning from them. The only proper training I got was using the patient software.

I'll definitely learn from this and I've cried that much I don't think I've got any tears left, just a banging headache.

This is a myth. They can give a factual reference.

@pinksurfer no HR department. Nobody to go to for advise. No warning about the meeting or opportunity to be accompanied. I was in so much shock.

Just dont put it on your CV, you were only there 3 months and we're on an extended career break due to being a SAHM before that. No one will ever know and you won't need to explain it, just apply for other jobs and start again.

Many employers are happy to provide a factual reference for an easy life.

As you were on probation, you could just state that "the post was not extended" on your application form, and expand on this if you are invited for interview.

I've done loads of interviews over the years (as a shortlister and interviewer) and have shortlisted all manner of applications, including ones like yours.

Good luck!

Yes, they can.

I really wish people would stop spouting ridiculous misinformation like this.

Sorry to hear it didn’t work out, OP. Take some time to get upset, then move on. It’s not the end of the world, and there’s probably a lesson here for you if you do remain within healthcare.

Never knew something 'fortified with iron' could be so dangerous
Honestly op, tomorrow is a new day. Good luck finding a better job with nicer people

As someone who works in HR this is not the end of the world. If you stay within the NHS you will have to disclose this information. However, if you apply for other jobs outside of the NHS, being it was only 3 months you do not even need to put this job on your CV. I understand it was your first job after re-entering the workforce but in this instance it may be worth not disclosing this previous experience. If you are looking to bolster your CV consider working in a charity shop or volunteering as this is not only rewarding but looks great on a CV. If you want to take this further you may possibly have a case for wrongful dismissal as it sounds like you didn't receive any warnings prior to being let go. Being on probation is a sticking point but may be worth a call to ACAS.

This

Honestly, they sound atrocious. No proper training at all, told to use your judgement and follow your instinct, then one mistake and it's instant dismissal without following proper disciplinary procedures?! They are unprofessional twats.

When you get interviews for other jobs, ask about the induction and training.

This is not on you, OP. Mistakes happen and good employers give their employees the right training and support to ensure the big mistakes don't happen and the small mistakes are learning opportunities.

If it’s NHS then yes you do have a HR department.

I think just don’t put it on your cv, use it as experience for uou op and don’t stress you will find another role.

on saying that, you don’t say what role you were doing, but I assume reception or admin. When you ask what’s wrong with a patient it is not because you are there to medically advise them, it’s so you can write it in their notes for the doctor or nurse. I am surprised you felt you should give medical advice.

however onwards and upwards next time stick to your job description and if you’re not sure then ask before you act.

good luck. You will find another job.

Were you dismissed or did you just not pass probation? It's fine to not pass probation as long as you don't apply for the same role type

Ah bless you OP, you recognise that you shouldn't have said what you did, you can tell you had good intentions and realise why this was wrong. Doctors surgeries typically have a very high turnover rate as they can be toxic (and low paid for non clinical staff) places so perhaps a lucky escape. It would be a bigger issue imo if you'd shared confidential patient info or something, that would without a doubt follow you around.

Be honest on future job apps, just own it and say what you've learnt from it.

I am surprised you felt you should give medical advice me too tbh

Hemachromatosis (sp) iron overload, potentially fatal advice.

I have too much iron in my blood. I can't even eat fortified cereals.

Jesus, just seen that you are a nurse.

This!!

I'm so sorry. That doesn't sound like a sackable offence to me. You had good intentions. You made a mistake. Everyone was okay. Sounds like their training was amiss. You were new in the job. They should have made the rules very clear. Don't bother putting it on your CV. Keep your eye out for something else. When one door closes etc

This person had low iron, so the advice wasn't "potentially fatal"

It was the wrong advice though as low iron needs investigation in the first instance, and the treatment is likely to be prescription iron, or even a blood transfusion. Over the counter supplements and fortified foods often don't have enough iron to reverse iron deficiency anaemia.

It absolutely sounds like a probation failing offence

I am a wee bit surprised that you gave medical advice when you aren’t a medic. I would definitely know that was a big no no without having had any training for the job

I would have said something similar in all honesty. I don’t think this a massive mistake more a minor one. Seems like they are over reacting.

Your life isn’t ruined and you will look back in 5 years and think thank god that didn’t work out as I’m now doing x/y/z. Anything you always wanted to do? Have a few days to get it out your system then get a plan together, what’s your next steps etc. but for now eat the chocolate and cry

Do not mention this job to future employers.

Forget all this holier than thou honesty bollocks, just pretend you never worked there and move on

If you mean the op, where does she say that she’s a nurse?