New Grad: Advice Needed

[gbchick04]

I am a new grad nurse that got hired in the operating room starting at the end of July. During my interview process, I was informed that they have a training program for nurses (both new and nurses with experience in other areas) to train them in the role of circulating nurse. I was told that I would be expected to stay as a nurse in the OR for three years, as it is expensive to put nurses through this training program. I was never asked to sign contract.

Even though I was hired in July, the actual training program didn't start until last week. I was not given any preceptor before this so for two months I have not been trained anything and have essentially observed. It was hard to just stand around when I wanted to be learning things. I told two different supervisors that I was not being trained and they just blew me off.

Another nurse, with 2 years experience on a medsurg floor in another state was hired as well. I recently found out that the other new nurse did sign a three year contract, but was also given a $15,000 sign on bonus plus $5,000 moving expenses. I understand she has nursing experience, but since the OR is so specialized I feel that we are starting nearly on the same page. We are both in the training program. She makes more an hour than I do, which I understand and agree with because of her experience.

I assume HR is the one dealing with bonuses and not my supervisor, but I am pretty sure bringing up my frustration with this won't get me anywhere. There are other reasons why I am doubting myself in this position because of the very low morale of co-workers, issues during my hiring process, frustrations with lack of training, and just not feeling needed or wanted as an employee. I keep thinking I made the wrong decision accepting this position. I have had a history of depression and since starting in July it has just gotten worse. I feel like I am trapped because they said they expect me to stay three years, but don't ask me to sign a contract or give me any of those benefits.

Any advice is appreciated.

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

Some facilities offer sign on bonuses only to nurses with experience. While it's not in the specialty she was hired for, the other nurse does have experience.

When I was hired, my facility offered sign on bonuses to all nurses except those of us hired into the OR. Our periop training program without having to sign a contract was considered our sign on bonus.

The big question is: Is this something you're willing to risk your job over? I am one that firmly believes that talk of salary/bonuses/raises/etc between coworkers should not happen. It will only lead to hard feelings and turmoil, as you've already learned.

[gbchick04]

I understand that bonuses/wages are not normally talked about, and I didn't ask her about it, she was the one that mentioned it. The bonus issue, plus all of the other issues is what is causing the problem. One or two of these issues may not be a huge deal, but when they are all rolled into one it just makes me feel miserable.

[Jules A, MSN]

My guess is that you just don't like this job. I get there are a lot of factors but the "not feeling wanted or needed" sounds kind of whiny hence my thought that this job probably just isn't a good fit for you. If that is the case just be honest, cut your losses and the facility's losses and resign.