Being let go after not progressing during preceptorship

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Specializes in CT ICU, Med Surg.

I landed my dream job, and was the only new grad hired into my med surg unit and was elated to get it! I was hired to start on nights; and my preceptorship was anticipated to be 10 weeks total. I did 4 weeks in the morning shift, while taking 1 of the 3 days in didactic. And then switched over to nights. I didn't learn anything because I was constantly being shuffled around and was pushed from 3 to 5 patients right away. I freaked so I advocated for a constant preceptor through my night supervisor, who basically ignored me, then finally getting the educator involved. They also gave me 2 more weeks and put me with a nurse on nights. Unfortunately my constant preceptor now and I just didn't "click".. and many other people at nights ended up turning their back on me because I know she's been telling them my mistakes on the floor.. This is no assumption, I've heard her complain about me to another nurse when I passed by a patient room room once and I had to run to the bathroom and cry.

My manager had a talk with me yesterday about how she's concerned I'm not progressing, and that pretty much I have these last 4 shifts to prove that I can be on my own, or they will have to let me go. I know I still have a lot to learn-- I'm always backed up on my charting, and I don't have all the skills to deal with the various patients and I have absolutely no support. So it's just a matter of time :(

There are a million things running through my mind.. How difficult it was to get this job in the first place. How I was offered 2 positions at the same time-- and what would have happened if I took the other one. How it wasn't fair how I wasn't trained properly. How I'm one year past my graduation, and feel like I can't even use this experience on my resume. And if I still want to be a nurse.

I love working with patients-- I love the floor-- But sleep deprivation, depression, and going 130lbs to 110 lbs in 4 weeks just because of this experience is really pushing me off the edge. I don't know what to do, thoughts???

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I was let go for similar reasons, I had little support and too many preceptor. First and for most, don't panic, you will get through this. Do what I should have done and, talk your preceptor, ask her to stop talking behind you and help you. Ask her what you need to do to succede. then go to your manager and tell her everything, that you and precepitor do get along spends more time telling other about your mistakes rather teaching you, tell her about the lack of support, that you are willing to what it takes to make things work but still need the support of the staff.

If things to work, make sure you leave on your own. I didn't and I think that is what is happering my finding a job. Don't let this be your undoing, don't let them get to you! Start looking for a new job within the company on a different floor first, then outside. If you know anyone at another hospital, network with them. Good luck

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Geriatrics, LTC.

Find the educator in the building and talk it over. Ask what it is you can do to improve, then do it! Be very humble. Not everyone is ready for the floor right out of school. This is hard. Take care of yourself and try to calm down with eating right and some meditation. Talk to someone who loves you and have them tell you your good points and remind you of how hard you worked to get where you are.

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Specializes in CT ICU, Med Surg.

Thanks for all your support. Despite my greatest efforts, I was let go today anyway. I don't know if I want to continue on with nursing.. or if I even have a chance at an opportunity, since it's been 1 year past my graduation date and there are absolutely no opportunities for new grads. I don't even know if I should mention this in my resume? Ah!

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Thanks for all your support. Despite my greatest efforts, I was let go today anyway. I don't know if I want to continue on with nursing.. or if I even have a chance at an opportunity, since it's been 1 year past my graduation date and there are absolutely no opportunities for new grads. I don't even know if I should mention this in my resume? Ah!

Don't let this defeat you!! If this is what you really want to do then, be a nurse. I've been out for 2 years, so I'm worse off then you, but I keep applying and keep trying. recently I found a refresher course for new grads at a local college, and if I can find the money I gonna take it. that will look better, what happened to use will serve as a learning opportunity. Did we wither and give up, or did we dust our shoulders off and find a better place with the kind of support we deserve!!!! Cry now for a bit, I did, But don't cry forever, this too shall pass. Good luck!!!:hug:

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Reading this totally reminded me of what I went through. MY UD told me the same thing. I was given two weeks to show that I can handle taking care of patients on my own. I felt the same stress and pressure. And I lost weight because of that stress.

And here is what I can tell you that my friends told me, when I was sad and crying after my meeting with my UD.

It's not the end of the world. Think about what you have in your life. Think about what you learned, your support system, family, food, shelter.

If you have read The Alchemist, the message says that "when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." You may have mixed feelings right now but if you reflect and see that you still love nursing despite this situation, then keep at it. God will help you find a place that is better for you, and he will open doors for you if you believe it. I know it's not as easy as it sounds but keep positive, pray, find your support system. Everything will be OK.

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Specializes in CT ICU, Med Surg.

Thanks eeyorelov and withaD for your very kind words, they've given me hope and a realization that I want to continue nursing. As I reflected on the position I left, I realized I still love nusing; I enjoyed taking care of and listening to my patients, and I still have a lot of care and compassion left to give. It was ultimately the environment I was in, and it was those few nurses who made my life hell that killed it for me-- and while there is this fear of having that same situation re-surface when [hopefully] get another position, I will try my best to not let that fear hold me back.

Thank you again for your support, If I could give you guys a hug, I totally would.

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Specializes in OB/GYN,PHN, Family Planning.

There are so many types of nurses -I would have run from nursing if I started on a Med/Surg floor. What was your favorite rotation in school? I know the market is brutal right now but your quality of life is also important -find a job you love. Not all nurses work in hospitals -that's the best part of nursing careers -so many different opportunties. Good luck.

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I know exactly how you feel! Getting back into the job market is not going to be easy but it is surely doable. It's amazing what nursing school doesn't teach you about working on the job. Trust me, you are NOT alone. You can start again and go farther than before. Don't put this on your resume. Apply to other new grad positions and then also possibly look into SNFs and work your way back up. You can do it! I know what its like to feel stressed and not hopeful but you will rise. This is just a minor setback:redbeathe:)

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