[MR.PICURN]

Help!

I just had my first talking to by the assistant/acting unit manager about my job performance and a perceived job unhappiness. I've just been told that I have two weeks to improve or else. My co-workers and or charge nurse seems to think that I don't like my job or that Im not doing a good enough job according to the way they do things. I have worked in an emergency dept. for about 7 years prior to getting my nursing lic. and am now trying to make a go of it as an PICU nurse. My desire to work there has been questioned, which prob. bothers me the most, because I really love what I'm doing. Unfortunately it would seem that some are not convinced. I feel like I have been given a diagnosis of CA and have two weeks to live. I feel like no matter what I do at this point, I'm a deadman walking......
I work hard!!!!!!!!!!!!and I help others when ever I can..
This sucks........ now what?

[wv_nurse 2003]

Try not to think of this as a death sentence! I know it will be difficult, but you've been given an opportunity to improve, and show to them your desire to work in PICU, as well as your competence. Take a long look inside, and see what behaviors they may have mis-interpreted as dis-interest--and take steps to change those behaviors.
I really don't know enough to give you any more specific advise, but I wish you the best of luck!!

[llg]

It may not be the death sentence you fear. I've coordinated lots of NICU orientations (OK, not PICU, but close) and know for a fact that not everyone who gets a similar counseling session is terminated.

1. Did they give you a list of specific concerns and/or things you need to do to show improvement? If yes, then make sure you do those things as well as humanly possible. That's probably what you will be evaluated on in two weeks.

2. Is the conversation well-documented? If yes, then what I said in #1 is even more relevant. If not, then try to get a list of things you should be doing in writing. Having it well-documented protects you from unjust claims that you did not do as you had been asked to do. It also forces the leadership team to identify specific behaviors/skills that need to improve.

3. Seek feedback after 1 week -- if not after every shift. Again, you want to demonstrate that you are meeting the specific documented criteria. Seeking feedback will also demonstrate that you care about the job and are making an effort.

4. Be brutally honest with yourself. Are they right in any way? Are you really right for the job? Is it really the right job for you at this point of your career?

5. You might want to talk with someone about other opportunities at the same hospital. When new grads struggle with orientation to the ICU's at my hospital, we make an honest effort to help them find a "better fit" on the general care floors. If you feel you can not talk with your current manager/educator, perhaps the Nurse Recruiter can help you think through your situation. Is there somebody who knows you and who knows the hospital with whom you can discuss this and get some good feedback. As much as the people on the is bulletin board would like to help ... we don't know you ... and we don't know the situation very well.

Take care,
llg

[MR.PICURN]

Thanks for the words of advice and encouragement. I will definately put my best foot forward. At the end of the next two weeks if the worst case senario happens then at least I'll know that I did everything I possibly could to make it work. I'm trying not to use any excuses for my short comings having anything to do with my being a male in a female dominate profession. "I plan to be a great nurse in my career". unfortunately this is not the great start that I had envisioned. Well I have to go get ready to put in 12 plus hours of enthusiastic effort. May the force be with me.........................Thanks again!!

[renerian]

llg great post........

renerian

[RN2007]

Mr. Picturn, How are you doing so far on your probation? How are the staff relating to you since? Has any of your coworkers or supervisor mentioned any other reasons why they thought you seemed not to like your job, etc? I mean just how much enthusiasm do they expect a new employee to have? Some people just do not go around chirping as they walk, and that should not be a reason to be put on probation. It is another thing if the staff notices a nurse talking badly about their job and/or having a hand in bringing down staff morale. Some people are very focused and intent in a new job and that certainly should not be reported as unhappiness with a job. Please let us know how things go for you and BEST WISHES!!

[MR.PICURN]

So far so good. No axe has fallen yet. I started getting called off of work as did many other nurses due to low senses. But I have not heard anything negative so far. I've been putting more effort to get my work done faster so that I could ask others if they need help. When I get my patient assignment I just take it and go. I'm not able to be floated to other units to pick up hours either. So that's not even an option. Oh well. However there is some good news.... I think........ My unit educator who I believe likes me has just become my new Unit Manager. there may be hope yet..... keep your fingers crossed for me...