Failed Orientation- Fired- Now What? Not for Me?

anniesong · Feb 25, 2009

It sounds like communication problems played a part in this situation. Did you speak with your preceptors and/or managers about this issue and your concerns prior to the evaluations? Were they open to communication and problem-solving? What area of nursing were these jobs? Is it possible that you might find another area/specialty a better fit?

Kabin · Feb 25, 2009

I wouldn't look back. Floor nursing is the pits and makes one rethink the entire idea of nursing being abused labor instead of a profession. On top of it all, its unhealthy! Years down the road the ideal nurse will mutate into camel humped backs for self hydration, hyper-enlarged bladders, thick skin from abuse, wings for flying from one room to another, etc. Consider other areas of nursing.

jjjoy, LPN · Feb 25, 2009

Unfortunately, this doesn't seem too uncommon an experience these days. Fortunately, that means that two "failed" orientations does not mean you aren't cut out for this. Fortunately, that means that having two previous "didn't fit" experiences can't be held too much against you because so many others have been there, done that. In situations like this, I figure it's the price that's paid for not a strong, structured clinical experience for new grads to build up to taking full responsibility for a full load of patients. There ought to be a better way, but til there is, you gotta work with what's there.

Each new orientation you go through, you learn a ton of new things that you previously didn't even know you didn't know. A "failed" orientation doesn't only mean that you didn't meet their expectations but that they weren't able or willing to meet you where you are. It's not all on you that it didn't work out. And the next time you start, you are starting at a very different place that the last time. "Failing" orientation is most certainly not a total wipe-out on your part because you most certainly did gain valuable experience on the job and insight about yourself - strengths, weaknesses, interpersonal issues, etc.

So I'd recommend giving it at another go. Now that you've had a couple of different experiences, you might have a better idea of what to avoid and what to look for in another position. And you might also be better able to pick up the vibes of different work places and sense if it's a vibe that works for you, or if it's a vibe that grates against you. No reason to make it more difficult than it need be, so AVOID those places where you get bad vibes. Even if they offer you great pay or great hours. Even if you feel like you'd better take whatever is offered. Try to hold out for a job offer that feels different than the previous two.

And I find it helpful to take the attitude that this is an experiment. To step back a bit and observe myself - nonjudgementally. Oh... THAT really bothers me. THAT part of the job, I really enjoy and wish I could do more of. THAT scares me and I feel I'll never get it. THAT person's criticism really stung and wasn't even constructive.

Best wishes to you!!!

NuBee2 · Feb 25, 2009

jjjoy- Thanks very much for your insight. I tend to agree with you. I learn from failure.Indeed I am much further along than when I started, and have learned from this experience as well how I might avoid a repeat. I will certainly learn to speak up for myself, and now know what to require from a preceptor. My hope is that another job interviewer will have the same understanding. You are right, I tend to be hard on myself and see these as my failures and to some extend it was ( I learn) but not entirely. Again thanks for your encouragement. I will give a re-entry a serious thought. Hate to throw it all away so quickly.

DebRN06 · Feb 25, 2009

I wouldn't say "not for you." I had 2 new-grad orientations. I left my 1st nursing job after 6 months because I could not work nights anymore and there were no day positions. I wasn't too impressed by their new-grad orientation... until I started my 2nd job. The 2nd place's orientation was not good at all. My preceptors graduated the same time i did!! The educator and director met with me once during the 10 week period! At the 1st place preceptors/orientees were given 1 less pt and a "lighter load" to begin with so the preceptor actually has time to explain, teach, etc. At the 2nd place their thinking is "there is 2 of them... give them the most difficult pts." The 1st place the educator would come to the unit weekly and completely go over (at least) one of your pts with you (assessment, labs, orders, meds, etc) and explain everything... why was this med ordered, this lab drawn, this test done, etc! That was great!! Absolutely the best part of their orientation. At my 1st job preceptors needed to take a class to learn how to precept at the 2nd they will let any "warm body" with any attitude or work ethic. Just sad!

Ask questions before you take another job about their orientation. Get a copy of their orientation schedule. Unfortunately, most places do not have good new-grad orientations. Find the best one in your area... and try to get in there. jjjoy is right... you have def. learned a lot already.

Good luck!

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Feb 25, 2009

I'm a new nurse too and I just want to encourage you to keep looking for the job that fits. The other poster gave some great advice.

Sometimes I have seen posts here that recommend that you don't list your previous job where you were let go if you didn't work there very long. I wonder if this would be good for you to do in your job hunt or if it would be okay to list it and then have an explanation why it didn't work out.

What do you plan to do next? What area of nursing do you want to go into? :) Good luck whatever you decide. :heartbeat

caliotter3 · Feb 25, 2009

You definitely will have a problem getting a new position. You need to analyze what went wrong and come up with a new way of dealing with things. When you go to an interview the person asking you questions will not want to hear about how bad your preceptors were. You need to put a different "spin" to that. When you are in orientation, just go through it as best you can. Yes, the preceptor may not be doing what they should. Just get through it and when you are on the job, continue to ask questions of co-workers that are more inclined to be helpful. Don't get into confrontations with your preceptors, and refrain from blaming them when you go on interviews. Good luck.

wooh, BSN, RN · Feb 25, 2009

I'd encourage you to give it another go, while looking at what YOU can change to make the next time more successful. Instead of looking at what those facilities and preceptors didn't do, take a hard look at yourself and what you can do to improve on the problems you had in both of those experiences. The common denominator in both of these experiences is you, so while the workplaces may have both had problems, you really need to look at yourself and your expectations and make sure you're addressing what YOU can do to change yourself, not just how the workplace should have or could have accomodated you better. It's not just going to help you be more successful in the future, but it's going to help you get a job. When you go in for an interview, and they ask why the other jobs didn't work out, you'll come off a lot better saying what you plan to do to improve yourself rather than complaining about a previous employer (always a big no-no in an interview.) Good luck!!!

surggirl · Feb 25, 2009

Whew...as a very seasoned, surgical tech that will start online Nursing in the spring, I am taking this all in. There are so many "non-technical" reasons someone is getting the brunt of criticism.. it isn't even funny. It may have absolutely nothing to do with your skills. I've seen this all the time in the hosptials I've been in, and even the surgery center I love and help start 5 years ago. Newbies would come in and everybody is ready to pounce on the new nurse, the new tech..i.e., she's wacked! She looked great on paper but she acts weird.., we had one nurse that didn't know what a hemostat is, but evidently almost ran the surgery center out in California..I mean, on and on it goes. Someone doesn't part their hair on the right side of their head and your out. I mean, it gets that ridiculous, and PLEASE!!! Don't be attractive, not in the least!!! I was knit picked to death in the beginning by our first administrator because I was, and I quote.."Nothing but an eye batter to the doctors". She only lasted 2 years, I'm still there after 5 yrs. still collecting pay checks and when I tell any of our originals what she said, none of them can believe it!

Nurses eat their young..I think techs stick together and uphold each other a little bit more and much more supportive than fellow nurses, and I never understood that.

You will find your Nirvana, it will take awhile. It took me 4 places removed before I found mine, and even it was horrible in the beginning. I just made up my mind that she wasn't going to drive me out, and things got really great after she left.

NuBee2 · Feb 25, 2009

Thank you all- great advise- I certainly have learned a great deal- what to require from a preceptor as well as how to get what I need. Thanks again!!

Melinurse · Feb 25, 2009

Like some of the others have said, do consider other areas of nursing. Think about your long term goals and what or how you want to get there. Then set a plan to attain that goal. Best wishes.