Did I completely ruin my nursing career?

[NikthePNstudent]

Here's the story: I am 20 years old and I have worked at a LTC facility as a CNA for a year and nine months. It was my first job and I loved working there, and I never thought I was going to leave the place, however I did. I am in the middle of an LPN program, I was working part-time and everything was going great until a dear family member, that lives with my mother and I, was diagnosed with stage IV cancer. The stress of it all began to eat away at me and soon I found myself depressed, stressed out, and just entirely overwhelmed. In that state of mind I knew that I could not give my residents the best care I could give. So I decided at that moment that I had to choose between working and school because I truly felt like I could no longer handle both, and I chose school.

After coming to that decision I went to work a few days ago, explained everything that was going on to my supervisor and ADON, who were both very sympathetic about the situation, and resigned immediately without a two week notice. I wasn't on the clock so I know that it wasn't counted as abandonment, but now I feel like I've completely ruined my career before it even really got started since this was the only job I've ever had. Now I'm scared that once everything in my life has settled down and I'm ready to go back to work, somewhere else of course, that nobody will hire me due to me resigning without proper notice. I was never written up and never had any disciplinary action taken against me, my resignation was my only mistake. Have I inadvertently messed everything up, or is there still hope?

[RN403, BSN, RN]

Rest assured, you did not ruin your nursing career. Life happens.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

How did your supervisor react? There are exceptions to every rule and if you were forthcoming with your personal dilemma and honest that you couldn't put your patients first with such turmoil, it's likely you did not burn bridges. Your managers can waive automatic do not rehire status in extenuating circumstances.

So it's probable you did not ruin your future career, especially since it seems that your ADON were understanding. If you just stopped showing up it would be a different scenario or worse let your work suffer.

[cd365c]

No, that is not the case. If you give the explanation why you had to quit then there will be no problems. Especially if you use the staff from your work to explain the situation when you give them references. Also, you were there over a year, which shows employers that you aren't swapping facilities all the time.

You will be more than okay. Don't worry! You seem very dedicated.

[MerryMary67]

No worries sweetie, everything is fine and you did NOT ruin your career. You were quick to bring it to you supervisor's attention and you were dedicated to your job because you worked there for a year. Just concentrate what you need to do and everything will into place.

[NikthePNstudent]

Thank you all so much. I can't even begin tell you how much it helps to know that others don't believe that I ruined my career :)

To JustBeachyNurse: My supervisor was very sympathetic towards my situation. After I was done explaining it all to her she told me that she just wants me to take care of myself first and foremost and then went on to say that I had a bright future ahead of me.

[JustBeachyNurse, LPN]

Then you are in the clear, thankfully honesty and being forthcoming was appreciated by your ADON. Go forth and have a prosperous and successful nursing career. You have learned the first lesson take care of yourself first so you can successfully care for others. Best wishes!

[caliotter3]

If you live in an "employment at will" state you did not have to give notice. And in view of what you explained the reaction was, do not be surprised if you are not welcomed with open arms to come back to that place of employment when you get your license! Stop stressing over it and move forward.

[Paws2people]

You'll be fine. I'm sure down the line you'll be able to use them as a reference. I would send them a letter either mail or email thanking them for their understanding, showing your gratitude for employment, and wishing them the best. It can't hurt :-) Sorry your loved one is ill. Hang in there.

[mintygirl]

No you did not ruin your career, people forget that CNA is a certification and that LVN is your license. Even if you were fired for god knows what, most of the time you don't need to show it or report it because it doesn't apply to a license.