Awkward Situation

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Recently was hired as a hospice nurse, after three days on the job realized it was not for me. I truly loved the residents but there were many things I was not told during the interview. As a hospice nurse for this company we have residents in different nursing homes. The nursing home I oriented at I really liked. The nurses seemed happy and they had a good nurse to resident ratio. While at this facility I got to know some of the staff. Well, here is my dilemma. I really liked this nursing facility and would like to work for them. However, I feel so awkward applying there. I know some of the staff would recognize me. How do I explain to the person interviewing me if they find out I only worked for this hospice company for three days. They probably would think I wouldn't stay with them long. What should I do?

The hospice company I worked for contracts with different nursing homes. I was not employed in any way by this nursing home. Didn't want to confuse anyone.

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Have you already quit the hospice job? I don't know if three days is really enough time, but that's up to you. If you really can't stand it, by all means apply to the nursing home. If you get an interview, explain as best you can your reasons for leaving and why this is where you really belong.

Best of luck!

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Yes, I quit two weeks ago.

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There are certain jobs that you cannot know if you will fit until you try them on. It's better to find out after a few days, then to invest yourself for weeks.

I saw many nurses 'try' dialysis, and then leave in a few weeks, some after just a few days. Same with home health and hospice. I'm sure almost any specialty area has seen its share of revolving door personnel. I know I couldn't work in a burn unit, pediatric oncology, and a few others.

Don't feel bad.

Best wishes.

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Thanks

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Specializes in Peds Medical Floor.

Just say it wasn't a good fit for you, but you really liked how the nursing home was ran and the staff. Good luck!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, MS/MT, PCU, CM, House Sup, Frontline mgr.

i agree with the above. talk about this facility and what you were and are impressed with related to this facility. do not dwell on the fact that there is an elephant in the room unless they point out the elephant.

if and when they point out the elephant, then briefly mention how it was not a good fit but that you do not think that will be the case with this job due to [fill in the blank that focuses solely on this job]. in fact, kill the elephant in the room!!! practice, practice, practice the possibility of them pointing out the elephant with a friend or family member so that you do not stumble on your words and you remain professional. good luck...

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Specializes in M/S, Travel Nursing, Pulmonary.
Just say it wasn't a good fit for you, but you really liked how the nursing home was ran and the staff. Good luck!

We had to sit in on a "Career Development" class before graduating nursing school. It was the final week of the class and focused in interview skills. The guy running it was great, loved his lecture. He spent some time on how to answer "Why did you leave your last position?" when you left on bad terms.

He advised us to say "Nice place, bad fit for me." and leave it at that. By no means should you bad mouth bad mouth the former employer.

I would say it was something like.............the travel was more than you thought (distance) or something like that.

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Specializes in Emergency, Oncology, Leadership.

As a manager, I'd ten times rather know you were unhappy early in the game than invest any more resources in a situation that is not going to be long term. You deserve to work where you are happy and the hospice company deserves a nurse that is happy in their job. Make sense?

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I am more confident applying for this job after reading all these great comments. Will be applying first thing Monday morning.

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I don't think you should feel awkward. You knew the situation wasn't right for you and giving notice quickly enabled the hospice to hire someone else from the applicants who were just recently interviewed. You gave someone else the chance at their dream job and hopefully you'll find the one that suits you.

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Thanks for all the great advice, I love allnurses.com!

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