Do you think they'll hold a grudge? (a bit lengthy rant)

[lllchillylll]

Well here's the deal. I'm currently an LPN working in a LTC/rehab facility. I've been there for almost a year per diem. Initially, when i first started, I was practically working roughly 16-24 hours/week. Around Jan. I think I finally had my last straw! I completely burned out and finally cracked. The place I worked at was miserable! They were fireing people left and right over stupid politics BS, they're have unrealistic expectations for the staff, and are terribly understocked. Recently, they've been taking in cases that many of the nurses are unfamiliar with and to make things worse, they dont have the proper equipment to take care of these patients!!! (It almost cost someone their life) I feel like its a dangerous place to work. Around the time I burned out, I practially stopped working.They used to call me all the time to work but now its only every once in a while. But since I stopped, I've really lost the motivation to go back. I'm starting my nsg school for my BSN this fall and pretty much have been using pre-reqs as an excuse. I still feel that I might literally have a breakdown if I went back to work. I'm looking into finding a new job thats perhaps a bit more relaxed. (I seriously don't think I can work at a stressful job in addition to doing clinicals and studying my butt off next year) My loans and savings are running low so a job would be nice.

Anyway, I want to know that if I were to apply for a new job, do you think my old job will hold a grudge against me for practically not working for the past few months? I've never had really big issues with my current employer but Im wondering if they hold it against me. What do you think? Should I even bother getting a new job or should I just devote myself to studying for the fall?

[caliotter3]

You probably should just resign with a nicely worded letter and state that you will be concentrating on school. Probably better than avoiding them or saying no when you are asked to work. Best wishes for school.

[Flightline, BSN, RN]

Try to get financing so you only work when school is not in session (summer, between semesters, etc.). And don't go back to that dungeon. It's not worth it. I worked in a dungeon as an aid once. I was so happy to hear Hurricane Katrina wiped it from the face of the earth. I later saw the slab where it used to be, and I was happy for it.

Don't go back to that dungeon; they have made nursing impossible and you are a nurse.

[CoffeeRTC, BSN, RN]

No...it happens all the time. Sad but true. That is a tough environment to work in. If you are per diem, then it means you don't need to work that much. If you want to keep working at that place just for some extra cash, you might need to look at the per diem rules to see how often they expect you to work to keep in good standing.

I don't see how they can hold a grudge. If you want to quit all together and keep that door open, just write them a nice letter.

[LilPeonNo1]

Hi, I'm new to this site and just happened upon your post, and thought I'd throw out my ideas on the subject. As I was reading your post I couldn't help but think, "Does this person work at the same place I do?" Probably not, but it sounds like many of the same places I have worked over the years. I wonder if it isn't so much "burn out", but frustration and being fed up with office politics. I too have been in the same position having to put up with what's going on around me in a facility, because of a change over in managment, anyone from the director of nursing to the administrator. When someone new comes in, they never seem to be satisfied with how the general operations were run before their being hired. That person/those persons come in and throw a wrench in the whole operation and cause turmoil. It reflects especially on the nursing staff because stress levels are already high and even though those same kinds of things, like terminations and operational changes may have been occurring on a regular basis before the change-over in administration, you seem to notice it more. Having been an LPN in long term care for many years, I have seen this occur many times. This phenomena also seems to happen with more frequency when the state surveyors come in and find fault with a facility. Managment/Administration looks for ways to improve or follow compliance with state guidelines and what you as a floor nurse may see as injustices by administration, may be their way of dealing with issues at hand. I certainly don't want to make excuses for any facility, and I know everyone wants to feel as comfortable as possible in their work environment, especially such a high-stress one, but you may find in going to work elsewhere, or after graduating, these same issues will come up and you will have to make a choice of either staying and working out your concerns with management (perhaps even helping to change things for the better), or trying to find a position where these kinds of problems aren't an issue. Whatever you decide, I wish you luck and hope the best for you

LilPeonNo1

[Magsulfate, BSN, RN]

I think the OP works at the place I quit two weeks ago. The only difference is mine was at an LTAC. Pretty much described that company to a "T". I left.

I wrote a very professional resignation letter and left it at that. I could not continue to put my license in jeopardy for a bunch of business grads who didn't know an IV from an enema.

[Alibaba]

I agree that you should look into the rules and see how many shifts/month you are required to do to maintain per diem. I work several places per diem and the majority only require one shift/month to stay on the books. When I get frustrated with one place, I just do the minimum required just to stay on the books. when I cool down or need extra cash, I call and pick up shifts. Works well for me.

I don't think if you give your 2wks notice that the place will hold a grudge. People quit all the time, it's just a matter of doing it properly. Good Luck in NS.

[debi49]

Agreed. You don't want to go back, so don't go back. Submit a letter of resignation and be done with it. Look at doing some private duty while in school...less stressful.

[lllchillylll]

Thanks everyone! Well, I'm happy to say my official last day of work is this Monday! YEY! I'm so happy. I took the advice given by many of you and politely gave a nice letter pretty much stating that I wanted to concentrate on school and they took it quite well.