Almost Fired !

andreasmom02 · Jun 30, 2011

Sorry to hear about your situation. You're right, nursing school and work are 2 different worlds. Have you thought about maybe leaving this position, & considering something at a slower pace for a while, like clinic work? Maybe until you get comfortable and feel like less of a "newbie". Then you could maybe transition in to the hospital later.... I hope things work out for you.

AlmostBSN · Jun 30, 2011

what would be slower paced? I hear nursing homes you have 30 patients and extra charting. Plus, I can't get a job anywhere in my area without experience. I feel terrible! :confused:

Jenni811, RN · Jun 30, 2011

They sound like typical new grad errors. When you delegate, always make sure that it does get done because you are responsible for it in the end. I know its all overwhelming, and time management is one of the hardest things to learn. Perhaps you could talk to your manager and ask to slow it down a bit. We only take 4 patients during the day and 5-6 at night. But we worked slowly to that point. I was only taking 2 patients on day shift and 3 on night shift, and after getting that slowly added another one to the mix and so on.

netglow, ASN, RN · Jun 30, 2011

Seems it's quite common. You know, I'd just not think about the "next job" quite yet. You still have to play this one out. Are you still orienting? Whatever it is, I'd be sure to sit down and write your letter. If these things happened you have to own up and from what I read on this board, you probably also have to state how you plan to learn and move forward, you have to write actual actions you are going to take. Sometimes this and being humble buys you more time.

I seem to understand from Allnurses posts that often as you near the end of your orientation, it's common for those nurses who just either don't like you, or have a friend who they want to work on your floor, to try to get rid of you. It might be a night nurse who is friends with someone on days who will accept the task of throwing you under the bus, anybody who is pals will do it without a second thought. You just have to decide if you want to stay or not. Sometimes, it helps you feel a bit more control if you write a resignation letter as well, all nice and full of thank you's for the opportunities provided, etc. and have it ready to email, and to hand deliver. Keep it on you in case you are pulled into some office. You never have to use it, but it's nice to have in case you want to whip it out should things get really bad and you want some control.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Jun 30, 2011

I'm against having the "I quit" letter handy at work. That makes it too easy to act on impulse and quit on a moment's notice. I support having it at home, but having it with you...well...that might not be in your best interest. It's always good to think something over and not respond in the heat of the moment.

What's the statement you're supposed to write supposed to include? Since I don't know, maybe it would fit to state the facts, just the facts, without emotional content, and also include a plan for how you want to improve...again, the facts, just the facts. Do NOT blame anyone else for anything that happened.

sam4cnm · Jun 30, 2011

Sorry to hear this. I just graduated in May and understand. As a new nurse you can't work anywhere but Med-Surg at a hospital. Everywhere else wants experience, heck most of the hospitals near me want experience for med-surg. I can say that April-June is very little time to develop those management skills needed to deal with all the patients needs, delegation, etc. I wish I could get 6-7 patients. We are expected to take 8-9 right out of school in a Med-Surg, some high acuity. Possible....yes....safe...no. Be strong, be honest, calm down so that no-one perceives you as whining (which gives them more of a reason to let you go), and rationally discuss this. Maybe this job is not meant to be.

biker nurse · Jun 30, 2011

Ever wonder why the position was open in the first place? If it were a great floor to work on there wouldn't be a position available, that's why it was offered to a newbie. Not picking , we all have to start somewhere. You were put in a sink or swim situation with lousy co-workers!! don't be so hard on yourself !! Hang in there! I know you can do it!! your co-workers only know how to talk to the nurse manager instead of you .

netglow, ASN, RN · Jun 30, 2011

Well I disagree with that. I assume the OP is an intelligent person and understands. I am one to pretty much not act on impulse, that is why I have the letter ...so I don't have to, you see? It's best to control your situation, no matter what happens. Nursing admin more than any other (and I've worked with many) are very much to act on impulse, which is why the OP is in the situation she is in. You have to counter that aggression with calm on your part.

HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD · Jun 30, 2011

The OP begins by acknowledging that she/he is "not doing well" & this is a very positive step. However, as someone who has been in a similar situation many times, I can understand why the OPs manager is escalating the performance discipline process. From the information provided, it appears that a "pattern" of poor performance has emerged. I am troubled by the fact that the OP feels "I am always thrown under the bus and to the wolves" & characterizes the work environment as "hostile". This does not appear to be the case based on the information provided.

Accepting personal accountability is always hard - no matter what the circumstance. For nurses, it's even harder because we tend to set unrealistically high personal standards so it's much more painful to 'own' the behavior rather than blaming someone else. Been there, done that (many times). None of us is perfect. We just need to forgive ourselves, learn from our mistakes and move forward.

The OP would fare much better by taking accountabilty for what appears to be a series of omissions - most likely due to time management & prioritization which are skills that all new grads need to develop. If she/he goes into the meeting with a pro-active plan that includes specific corrective actions (e.g. always 'close the loop' when delegating by making sure the task has been done; always check and document IV sites at least two times per shift, etc.), the discussion may have a more positive outcome.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Jun 30, 2011

I stand by my opinion of not having the letter of resignation with you. If it's given to the boss in the heat of the moment, even if you feel calm in doing it, all you've won is the lack of a job.

A while back I worked with someone who calmly quit during a meeting to discuss a problem. The next day the person changed mind, but the taking back of the resignation was not accepted.

Bruin's Mom · Jun 30, 2011

The OP begins by acknowledging that she/he is "not doing well" & this is a very positive step. However, as someone who has been in a similar situation many times, I can understand why the OPs manager is escalating the performance discipline process. From the information provided, it appears that a "pattern" of poor performance has emerged. I am troubled by the fact that the OP feels "I am always thrown under the bus and to the wolves" & characterizes the work environment as "hostile". This does not appear to be the case based on the information provided.
Accepting personal accountability is always hard - no matter what the circumstance. For nurses, it's even harder because we tend to set unrealistically high personal standards so it's much more painful to 'own' the behavior rather than blaming someone else. Been there, done that (many times). None of us is perfect. We just need to forgive ourselves, learn from our mistakes and move forward.
The OP would fare much better by taking accountabilty for what appears to be a series of omissions - most likely due to time management & prioritization which are skills that all new grads need to develop. If she/he goes into the meeting with a pro-active plan that includes specific corrective actions (e.g. always 'close the loop' when delegating by making sure the task has been done; always check and document IV sites at least two times per shift, etc.), the discussion may have a more positive outcome.

Hospitals especially med surg are breeding grounds for hostile work environments. I believe she should go to the meeting with hospital admin, make a game plan, and proceed if she wishes to stay there and work. She has nothing to forgive herself for it is all a learning process.

If the facility wants to keep her as an employee, she may have or orient more, or do a class, whatever.............I am sure you have made mistakes in your career, did you really have to set down and forgive yourself for all of them to continue on?

She needs support not a spiritual lesson. :mad: