Called Into Office After 5 Shifts at New Job

Dear Nurse Beth Advice Column - The following letter submitted anonymously in search for answers. Join the conversation!

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Dear Nurse Beth,

Not sure what to do. Called into office after only 5 shifts at new job? 12 years of nursing and has never happened ever. Thinking I made a huge mistake taking this job as they seem very petty.

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

Dear Not Sure,

My assumptions- you're an experienced RN with a good track record who was called on the carpet for something minor. That cannot have been a pleasant experience. I can only imagine that I would feel it's unfair and that they don't yet know me and my level of nursing practice.

If it was something minor, there are better ways to handle it than being called into the office. It could be a rookie mistake by an inexperienced manager. It could be reflective of a petty or fault-finding culture, as you say.

You sound understandably baffled by this treatment. Five shifts is too soon to decide if this workplace is too unprofessional, or toxic, or whatever the case may be. Once you make your assessment, you'll know what to do. In the meantime, be non-reactive and just do your job.

You'll decide if you are better off with this job or better off without.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth