First Nursing Job and Feeling Unsafe...Advice??

[pilatesgal]

Hi, I am new here although I have read many threads here to gain perspective and advice. About me: I am a new grad RN, May 2013, and I recently started my first nursing job in ltc. The place I work at is about 4.5 hours away, and my intention was to originally move. Now, not only am I disenchanted with the new area, but I feel really anxious about this job. I am a "charge" rn working nights in a facility with about 120 residents. At nights I am overseeing half of these residents on the sub acute side, while an LVN cares for for the long term residents. Before this job my experience with ltc was essentially nil. My school did not provide clinical training in this area, only a tour, and I never worked in ltc.

The facility that hired me has a very supportive staff, and the DON is very nice so far. However, I only received 5 shifts of orientation, 3 at night, and 2 during the day. I did one night shift by myself so far, in charge of 60 patients, and nothing went "wrong", but during my nights of orientation someone either had a fall, had to be sent out, or both. I absolutely do not feel I can handle this job if something goes wrong.

I do not feel equipped for this position, and feel like my license could easily be on the line. Plus, I don't have my heart set on moving. Is there any advice that anyone could give to me on this? I feel like I need to quit, and I don't feel safe working here for another two weeks with my limited experience. Should I give notice? I'm torn because everyone has been so nice so far, but it can't be worth my license, can it? What do you all think?

[Esme12, ASN, BSN, RN]

I think 5 days orientation for a new grad is ridiculous....and sets you up for failure. I think you should start looking for another position for it is easier to get a job when you already have one.

I wish you the best.

[Mzkikalvn]

I'm in the same situation right now only I'm a LVN so I had asked for more orenitation in which my DSD was glad to do so, if I were you I would stay talk with your DON about having more training but dnt run away give it a shot your a new grad RN with any job your gonna feel this way ,just like I did within time you get more comfortable with your duties as a nurse

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

You are correct to be very cautious about accepting a "charge" role as a new grad. If you are in TX, our BON is very clear - for the first 6 months, new grads need to be practicing in a structured environment with appropriate supervision immediately available Rules-Guidelines for GN/GVN and the New Nurse. This would prohibit accepting any "charge" or supervisory position. Nurses are also prohibited from accepting any assignment that exceeds their own competency.

[Apedro]

Thank you HouxTx, I finally found what I needed. I will present this to my employer tomorrow. :) I know I need training and time to gain competence. I have made up my mind to request an appropriate amount of training or to continue searching. I feel much better. :)

[Apedro]

Pilatesgal, please tell me how it's going.

[Apedro]

HouTx, I called the DON to talk about my training but she didn't let me say much. She said we would discuss that during my orientation. I understand she is busy...I guess I will just have to wait.

[pilatesgal]

Hi Apedro, I'm sorry for getting back so many months later. I work in California and am curious where you are? Like many new grads in Cali I found it difficult to even find a job so it made the decision that much more hard. I ended up quitting, in the end I just couldn't justify putting my license on the line like that and I don't feel any remorse about it. I wound up receiving a position in a very rural acute care setting and it has given me great experience and a tremendous amount of confidence compared to when I graduated.

I hope you are doing well, and I appreciate everyone who replied! Let me know how you're doing Apedro.