New nurse, having issues at first job out of school, advice is appreciated

[jlb1988]

Hi, I graduated in April 2016 with my BSN, and I started my first job on May 2nd on a GI/GU surgery services floor. I used to be very excited about learning and asking questions, but this has recently changed and I now dread working. I am precepting and little to no feedback is provided during the shift. My preceptor goes to the education coordinator and nurse manager and this is how I find out I am not excelling. By the time I find out I made a mistake, the people in charge have been alerted and it makes my actions amplified. When this happens, every small instance that was a teaching moment was missed and I feel like I am in trouble. I feel very left out of the process of my education and this is discouraging. If my preceptor would simply tell me the issues I am having, I can fix my mistakes.

Our progress meetings are every two weeks and the last one held was centered around a list of instances written by my preceptor, which were taken out of context and I was heavily reprimanded for the actions on the list, which I felt were half-truths. The nurse manager was very disrespectful to me during this meeting and threatened me with my 90 day trial period. Unfortunately, I have felt very fearful and uncomfortable at work and I am unable to excel in this environment. I feel as if I am set up for failure and I would like to pursue a career option that is conducive to a graduate nurse's learning. I have felt a great deal of anxiety about whether leaving is the correct option. I think about how I will explain this situation during interviews and I am worried this will prevent me from being hired elsewhere.

[middleagednurse]

This job is not a good fit for you. You need to cut your losses and find a different job ASAP.

[Kssrn404]

It does not sound as if you are not in a very good learning environment. I'm so sorry this is the case. When I graduated with my RN I was hired for an internship for cardiac critical care. It included three months of classroom and hands on lab learning specific to my new unit. Then I was assigned to a wonderful but tough preceptor in my new unit. She pushed me to learn and work hard. I was given feedback for every procedure throughout the shift and was given a packet to track my progress and check off skills. Then when I started my regular working schedule I was assigned a mentor. She was someone who had my back and had my best interest at heart. She was always there to be my backup and answer my questions throughout the shift. We worked the same schedule for months. It was the best of the best experiences.

Before i graduated I looked for a hospital that had an excellent education program for graduate nurses. Also one that provided CE's and tuition reimbursement. Don't forget a good retirement program too. Do your research on the places you wish to interview. Know how they handle the transition process for new grads. A graduate internship is your best bet. Find your nitch and work as hard as you can to learn everything about that specialty. The best of luck to you as it seems you may be looking for new employment in the near future if you're not happy. Great work places are out there although you won't find it perfect, some are much better than others. You have to do your research. Take care and best wishes to you !!!!!

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

Since you've already discussed your concerns with your (unsympathetic) manager, I urge you to follow the chain of command outlined in your organization's policies. Generally, this includes escalating to HR if there are personnel issues which are not adequately addressed by your manager.

Practically speaking, it costs a lot to recruit a new nurse. Your organization is probably very interested in trying to salvage you by arranging a transfer to another department rather than lose you to a competitor. When you talk to HR, make sure you focus on the facts - dates and events. Avoid whining. Don't try to interpret other people's feelings (e.g., they hate me). If this still doesn't produce a good outcome, it's time to move on to a different employer. Stay classy.

[DTWriter]

OP, I was in a similar position not too long ago.

Here is the advice that someone I trust gave to me that I now pass on to you:

Get out. Run. Disappear like ninja. Do not let them guilt trip you into staying. Give a two-weeks notice of resignation and bounce. Do not believe the naive notion: "it will get better."

I agree that you should try talking to HR about transferring to another unit, but if HR will not let you transfer, then bounce. Please do not make the mistake of trying to aim for 6 months. The nursing manager pretty much let you know that they plan on firing you at the end of orientation; do not let them.

IMO, it is risky to continue a job where you feel uncomfortable while looking for a new job; the longer you stay, the longer you put your license at risk, right?

Unless you are currently having financial difficulties, there is no reason to not cut your losses ASAP.