I graduated May 09, passed my boards in August with 75 questions and received RN license. I feel really bad, not to mention discouraged. My first job was in the ER, I was assigned one preceptor, but worked with several. After 3 months, I was still overwhelmed, but was being evaluated by my assigned preceptor as being "on the right track." However, near my orientation, while meeting with the department managers I was informed that my evaluations stated differently, such as "not doing well, poor time management skills, etc." My experience there was so terrible, that my anxiety level was out of control to a point where I started to have migraines on a continuous basis. My preceptor was horrible, ex. telling me company policy was to perform a task one way, but informing me that management said I did this incorrectly. Anyway, I was given two options resign or termination. I had been with the organization before graduating a total of 5 1/2 years, but not performing direct patient care duties. I was not given the option to transfer. However, I did ask to take a leave of absence b/c the migraines were beginning to affect my attendance. I was told I did not qualify for this. So, I was terminated, and told this would not be held against me and I would be in good standing to reapply to this organization once I was well. Later, I contacted the nurse recruiter, and she informed me that I was in good standing and should explain to perspective employers that ER was not a "good fit for a new grad RN."
I was unable to find a job for about 2 months, when I finally received an offer at a ltc facility. This job lasted for 1 1/2 months. I felt totally deceived, being misinformed of the orientation offered. I was told I would be gradually worked up to the amount of pts nurses general cared for daily, but was just thrown out there. I explained all of this to the DON prior to being taken out of orientation, but that did not help. I felt like I was practicing unsafe patient care. My preceptor did not teach me anything. I was just observing her passing meds to 17+ pts (depending on the # of nurses on the unit), and never checking vitals prior to giving certain meds. I also observed her dismissing pt concerns with their health. I was never shown how to do the required paperwork other than in class (which the trainer did not have all of it available to show us), was not shown how to use the computer system for admissions (never given a sign-on for that), and not shown the procedure for doing treatments (treatment log, etc.). I informed my DON of this and of course nothing happened, I was just thrown to the wolves, so I felt. I felt really bad for quitting, but like I HAD to protect my license.
Currently, I have been applying for positions, but every one I apply to comes back "thank you for your interest, we've selected a candidate with qualifications that matched more closely." The only offers that I have been receiving are from ltc facilities, which I dont feel safe working at. I recently applied to a med/surg position within a hospital and the next day went to personally deliver my resume to the department director. I did have a nice conversation with her, but was told that the nursing shortage was over and don't be discouraged. What should I do to improve my chances while I am competing with other new grads? Should I include these experiences on my resume? I have included my ER experience, b/c I feel its relevent, b/c I did learn a lot despite my preceptorship. I don't want to jeopardize my license and place a unstable nurse label on myself. Can any experienced nurses or nurse recruiters or nurse managers, give me any advice to help? Looking forward to hearing from you.
