I want to quit during orientation...

Nurses General Nursing

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I've had 5 days of orientation so for at this LTC facility only one day on the unit I'd actually be working.. I hate it, most of all hate how i cant really care for my patients. It feels unbearable, its 35 patients. So many accuchecks,blood pressures and orders and things to do. You're always interrupted by Doctors , management and everyone thinks nurses do it all. Its 5 12 hrs a week. I haven't been properly trained on the policies and procedures. I FEEL BAD about wanting to quit but its how i feel. I don't know if its fear but i'm scared of jeopardizing my license, I'm scared of making a mistake. Its not a bad facility everyone is friendly and like family. But honestly i'm the youngest there and feel i'm not assertive enough and won't be a good fit. Any advice?

I'd say try to tough it out while looking elsewhere. It took me 3 tries at different LTCs before I found a relatively reasonable one. Keep in mind you are interviewing THEM as well. When they ask why you are leaving your current position so soon, they will understand or they won't. If they don't, you know that's not a fit for you either.

When interviewing, I wouldn't tell them you don't think 5 days orientation was enough, but that they weren't of good quality. Acknowledge that you know you won't learn it all during orientation, and don't expect to, but that you need a reasonable baseline. 5 days in LTC is standard if not more than many. Not that it SHOULD be, especially as it heavily attracts new grads who are then thrown to the wolves.

When I was a brand new CNA, I quit during orientation at a facility that is a HUGE chain. Even 10 years later, now as an RN, I'm not rehirable at ANY of the facilities. So, there are consequences that can follow you throughout your career.

Gladly it's not a big chain they only have 3 facilities here and only facilities in this state and I plan on moving in a year.

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I always thought the LTC orientations were too short, especially for a new nurse. Heck, hospitals are giving up to 12 weeks orientation.

Yes and agency nurses are there daily. The first thing I picked up on when I did my first day. Its a lot of mess and treatments. A lot until the cart have no more room. Patients have no id bracelets.

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Oh hell, no. The quickest way to burnout is too much OT when your still LEARNING. Honestly, the most I've seen for a normal is 4 one week and three the next. Five days should be 8 hours.

I emailed her and told her full time isn't going to work because something came up. She's not returning my calls or email. So idk

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Specializes in Case manager, float pool, and more.

Tough it out while looking elsewhere. I got 2 weeks orientation as an experienced RN at a LTC ( this was a few yrs ago & maybe things have changed ). 5 days with Bt12 hour shifts is just not right for anyone. Either way you choose, you need to do what is right for you. No guilt about the others there. Only you know what is really going on and if you truly think this is not a good fit and you are not ready or getting what you need, then make the decision that is right for you.I do understand your frustration and concerns and I wish you the best.

Hope you can switch to part-time maybe? Go in and find her for a face to face if she does not return your call or e-mail.

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Tough it out while looking elsewhere. I got 2 weeks orientation as an experienced RN at a LTC ( this was a few yrs ago & maybe things have changed ). 5 days with 12 hour shifts is just not right for anyone. Either way you choose, you need to do what is right for you. No guilt about the others there. Only you know what is really going on and if you truly think this is not a good fit and you are not ready or getting what you need, then make the decision that is right for you.I do understand your frustration and concerns and I wish you the best.

I have home care lined up and an interview next week. I just hate to burn bridges. I know I can do it but the training sucks and for some reason every nurse quits that hall.

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Specializes in Case manager, float pool, and more.
I have home care lined up and an interview next week. I just hate to burn bridges. I know I can do it but the training sucks and for some reason every nurse quits that hall.

Red flag.

You might really love home health though. Sending positive vibes your way. Ask about training and ensuring you will get a heads up on the homes you will be going to so you know what you need to put in your car. I loved home health.

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Infection Control/Geriatrics.

You need to ask yourself if you truly know what your limitations are. Proper training is critical so if you aren't getting it, let someone know. Perhaps they can make arrangements for you to continue Orientation.

Your feelings are understandable. In time, you will learn how to multi-task and delegate.

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Thing is I'm passed my orientation days. I was only supposed to get 3 but they gave me 2 more. All which I thought was going to be on the unit I was going to be working on but only got 1 day there and I'm supposed to start on my own Friday. So I'm really contemplating on quitting . They have an agency nurse there all the time on my unit so it's impossible to get training. All the nurses are sweet and begged me to stay so I don't want to let them down. But its alot. Esp the 5 days 12s.

The nurses are begging you to stay, and the orientation is so short.. is because the facility is desperate for nurses. They are so desperate, that they are trying to schedule you in advance for over 80 hours/ per pay period.

Run.

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The nurses are begging you to stay, and the orientation is so short.. is because the facility is desperate for nurses. They are so desperate, that they are trying to schedule you in advance for over 80 hours/ per pay period.

Run.

I don't "know" the polite way to quit though.

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Specializes in Case Manager/Administrator.

OSHA says any work over 40 hours in a 168 hour period is counted as overtime (based on an 8 hour work day, 5 days week), however there are exemptions and of course nurses are one of those exemptions. Each state has there own laws like Colorado requires overtime pay when you work in excess of 12 hours per day. You more than likely will not get overtime pay so do not be surprised when this does not happen. Your time equals out to approximately 8 hours daily over a 2 week time span. I would contact my local labor board and see what laws your state has.

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You are still in orientation. It works both ways. The facility can say it's just not working out, and so can you.

Best wishes.

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surge, Ortho.

I wouldn't do five 12 hour shifts back to back in LTC, you will burn yourself out. Also, do not put your license and peace of mind in jeopardy for no one.

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