Feel misled

[Maltmom0402RN]

Graduated from ADN program this Spring and am in the online BSN program.  I had always wanted to enter mental health or homeless health nursing and when the opportunity came, I applied.  During the interview, was told that job description included occasionally taking clients to the doctor but they have a facility car.  What was outlined in the job description is totally not what I am doing.  Also nursing is sort of an afterthought with no SOP.  There is no thought for security where I have to go to sketchy areas or psychotic people alone.  We have to use our own vehicle.  I am a new grad and feel way over my head.  I have spoken to my supervisor but feel dismissed or gaslighted.  I only had one week of shadowing and then on my own.  The last straw came when a coworker was driving me around to introduce me to clients, and I told her that I needed to get back to the office.  She kept driving me around and talking about her life's story.  She refused to let me get out of the car.  I feel this is not a healthy work environment.  I am still within my probationary period, and want to leave.  I reapplied to the hospital I worked while in nursing school and my former managers said they would be glad to give my old LPN job back.  I also reapplied for RN residency positions last week and have interviews lines up for next week.  HR and the hiring manager said they were thrilled I decided to return (I told them that I would prefer to not travel in my own car).  I realize the value of having experienced nurses, security, and ensuring that people employed in healthcare are mentally safe to interface with patients and coworkers.

My question for more experienced nurses is do you think.  I know that employers are able to fire employees if they do not believe is a fit.  Am I able to say this is not a fit and give notice without much of a hassle?  The prior RN lasted four months and left.  My feeling is as a new grad, I do not know what I do not know.  I need to gain experience through training before I am able to go on my own.  One week of shadowing is not okay.  

[FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN]

What do I think? I think it is not a good fit for you. You have every right to quit with 2 weeks notice and go somewhere that is a better fit.

I also think they should have given you way more than a week to shadow. This was their biggest mistake. Did they have another RN? No one should be going out alone in the community after one week. Depending on the census, you should have had at least 6 weeks, longer if it's a large census. And feeling dismissed or gaslit by your boss is a bad sign. Your boss should have listened to your concerns.

Community nursing is a whole other animal. A lot of nurses hate it. Everything is way less controlled. 

[canoehead, BSN, RN]

I agree that if I don't have a relationship with a client the first contact shouldn't include driving them somewhere. I would want a second person, or to go in a taxi so I could concentrate on one thing at a time. 

[heron, ASN, RN]

As a new grad, you have great instincts. You'd be surprised at how many beginning nurses don't know what they don't know. I agree with Folks that you have every right to resign and find a place with a more professional approach to training new hires. Management where you are now is massively incompetent, from the info you shared.

One caveat: while your decision to leave is perfectly appropriate, it may not be hassle free. Incompetent managers aren't always appropriate in their response to losing a worker. They have been known to get upset and/or retaliate, or even decline your notice and escort you off the job site immediately. Before you write your letter, see to your finances, if you can. Then, keep yourself courteous and professional even if they act out. That's all you owe them. If you ever feel in danger, you don't even owe them that much. Just go.