Advice needed. Frustrated about new job. Thinking of going elsewhere.

[kimmicoobug]

I am so frustrated with my new job. I have only been there for six weeks, but really thinking about looking for another job. I don't have a lot of nurse friends and you guys have been a huge resource for me regarding nursing issues. So, here is story. I graduated in June. I took a job with a new 12 orientation program. 2 weeks of class, 2 weeks of ortho/neuro, 2 weeks of med-surg, then 6 weeks of OB--which I was hired into. Well, the nurse-tech position I was hired into is a temporary position, and I was told that. But, in the past, it was pretty much a given that if you were hired into the unit, you would be working there for good. Well, the hospital hired all of us...but there are no positions. I found that my position in OB would be on-call only. So, I say, that is better than nothing. But since I am still on orientation, it technically isn't my job yet. So, the director hired a nurse for that spot based on the word of 2 or 3 senior nurses--this nurse and the 2 or 3 nurses are all good friends. So, it seems to be an issue of who you know. Then, we were told that we would be retained...somehow. Most likely, on-call float. So, here I am orienting to OB, and I will most likely become a float in med-surg, ortho-neuro, ICU, SDS...I feel like I am wasting my time orienting to OB.

I am flippin mad. I haven't talked to the director yet, since this knowledge has come about only recently. I haven't talked to human resources. Now, I am thinking of job-hunting again.

I have been a nurse for about 3 weeks now. I feel that my inexperience is going to set me back. I think I am doing a great job learning. Besides a very rough week in med-surg with a terrible preceptor (thread on that), I have received positive feedback. I have worked in OB for only 3 days and I am taking full patient loads, and have since day one. My mentor is great. I love providing patient care, especially the teaching. I love doing procedures. I actually like charting. I like the hospital. It is just this crap with my job security. I don't want to burn bridges. I don't want to do anything rash. Don't know if it would be wise to leave a job I have only been at for six weeks. I was hoping to stay here for at least a few years. But, I have to pay bills.

Ok, well I am going to quit rambling. I am a ball of stress. I am the sole provider for my family and a ton of bills. Thanks in advance for any words of wisdom.

[hoolahan, ASN, RN]

Definitely sounds like bait and switch. You wanted OB, they needed med-surg, so they hooked you, and now they have you right where they want you.

I would complete the orientation, and stay there per diem. I would apply at other places for a FT spot.

The other places could be worse than med-surg in this facility. Worst case scenario, you go back to hosp #1 and accept a med-surg spot FT. You can pick up one day a month just to keep your foot in the door at the first place, usually, check the on-call policy.

I know from experience though, it is hard to please two employers at once. It is always better to stay on one location when possible, it keeps your life simple.

If I were in your shoes, I would probably stay at the first place and take whatever FT spot I could that is based in one unit (I also think floating a new nurse is not a good idea, and ICU is OK, but additional orientation is needed. Our new ICU grads were on orientation for 6 nonths, and I mean they did NOT have their own assignment!)

Good luck to you!

[kimmicoobug]

Well, from some of the things that I have read on this site, I think my facility has some issues they need to work on regarding us new nurses. I wish I could say they could use me in med-surg, but the reality is that they hired 3 grads for med-surg and have room for only one person. 2 of the new grads in that unit will be in the same boat I am in. I do plan on staying on-call, and will take another job elsewhere. I am already doing on-call for OB. Well, tomorrow is a new day. I hope to have a new job within the next few weeks.

[Agnus]

It is not inappropriate to switch employers so soon. You will likely have to give a reason and the real reason is the correct one in this case.

i. e. you need to work. You believed there was a full time position for you (don't say misled, eventhough it sounds like you were). It turned out they hired more new grads than they actually had positions for with the idea that the excess would be used for on call.

You are right in not wanting to burn bridges. And you must take care of yourself. Your first loyalty in this day, must be to yourself.