I desperately need advice. I was forced to resign my first new grad RN position after 7 weeks, and it's been almost Impossible getting another position. I've used sources on now to articulating my failed experience in a positive light. How I have grown from it, and why I am a better candidate because of it. I used the whole the whole positive, negative, positive formula.
I've even been told by recruiters that I interviewed so well, but the manager probably won't hire me because of it... and I've not gotten a call back yet.
Do I actually NEED to disclose this at all?!
But here is why I was forced to resign:
I was hired as a new grad RN to a med/surg unit. Orientation was 4 weeks in class, and 4 weeks bedside. Week 5, my first week bedside I was not precepted on the unit I was hired for. When I got to my unit I had a different preceptor every day, and it became evident that I did not fit in with the culture of the unit.
How I learn, is by asking (appropriate) questions. I always understood that it was good to ask questions (appropriate), it shows you are interested and actively engaged. Unfortunately on this unit, my inquisitive learning style was constantly misinterpreted as a potential error/mistake and NOT a method learning.
Some examples of my "potential errors" are:
A) Bringing an order for 75 units of lantus to my preceptors attention, (THAT'S A LOT!) questioning the order, and asking her what 75 units of lantus looked like.
-I have never seen 75 units of insulin, and an insulin syringe only holds 30 units of humalog. I couldn't fathom what 75 units of lantus looked like.
**viewed as potential medication error
B) I was in the process hanging Zosyn when my patient told me he was in pain. He had an order for prn dilaudid he could get now.
I know Zosyn runs for 4 hours. I also know give the dilaudid I needed to document a pain assessment, go to the Pyxis, get a vitals machine, document vitals, flush, push over 2-3mins,and flush. All that could take me 15mins.
I know some meds can't be given close together, So I asked my preceptor if I should stop hanging the zosyn and get the dilaudid. She didn't answer me, so I just finished hanging the zosyn then took care of the dilaudid. I did not want to make a medication error by stopping the zosyn in 15 mins to give the dilaudid, but since she didn't answer me I just finished what I was already doing.
******My preceptor told my manager I WAS NOT ASSESSING MY PATIENTS PAIN!!! I NEVER intended on holding the dilaudid for 4 hours, and that is NOT what I DID. I just wanted to know if the zosyn drip could be stopped to give the dilaudid.
When being forced to resign, what the had documented as "ISSUES" were my situation appropriate learning questions. I never DID anything wrong or made ANY errors!! I was beyond floored while being confronted with LEARNING as reason for me being forced to resign.
So- once again, here are my question.. any anyone could answer them:
A) do I need to disclose this 7 week employment on my best job interview(s)?
As a preceptor, here are a few things I noticed with some orienting nurses that made precepting them difficult. First, some of them seem to use asking tons of questions as a method of self-soothing. There is a LOT of anxiety that comes with starting a new job or a new nursing career and it will be tempting to "lean" on the preceptor for reassurance. A certain amount of this is probably unavoidable, but if it is constant, it becomes concerning. Second, even though the new grad is training on the job to care for the patient, actual responsibility for caring for the patient falls mostly on the preceptor. Incessant inane questions like "What does 75u of Lantus look like?" would make me bat shiza crazy, partially because if you wait a second you are going to find out as you draw it up and, more importantly, it interrupts my own thought process that needs to incorporate what is going on with the patient, what the orienting nurse should be able to answer about the patient as we prepare to give this med, where we are in our day, what comes next after we give this med, where in the land of prioritizing does the call light request from another patient we are caring for fall, when will we chart, what will we chart, etc etc etc. You get the picture. Silly questions DO exist and in nursing not only are they an irritation...they can be dangerous, as they represent an interruption in the flow of care, which is already interrupted by having an orientee in the first place.
An "inquisitive learning style" is fine....be inquisitive...nothing wrong with that. Temper it, however, with wisdom and professional etiquette....WHAT to ask...HOW to ask it...WHEN to ask it...WHERE to ask it...and WHY you are asking instead of finding the answer yourself. I would hate to make any new nurse afraid to ask questions, but definitely would encourage them to be certain of those things before asking and to do all he or she can to get the answer for themselves as much as possible. Remember, that preceptor is having to do much more than just teach you. Being flip about your "inquisitive learning style" is putting a lot of stress on your preceptor, who has plenty in his or her head to manage on a day without you in it. Adding you on top of that is significant and another thing that has to be juggled. Try to work into their flow rather than dropping barriers into it, which could potentially compromise patient safety should the constant interruptions lead to something being forgotten or delayed.
I think it is fine to leave that position off your resume and I believe you are ultimately going to do just fine. Best of luck and come back and tell us when you have secured another position. This will just be a little hiccup in your past soon. Hang in there.
Re preceptorships, this is perfect.
I don't know about whether leaving out the experience on a resume, is it work experience or a false start?
So hard to say from my perspective now, but I think would leave it off. If I made a strong enough impression, I would explain it farther in the interview. Because of my experience and confidence at this point in my career, I would humbly admit I face planted because I indulged myself with too many distractions like non meaningful questions as a way to temper my nervousness as well as merely out of habit and that with hindsight and self reflection I realize where I went wrong and better how to dial in my focus. However only if I truly did recognize this.
Specializes in Surgery,Critical Care,Transplant,Neuro.
I've been leaving it off my resume, which as least usually gets me an interview. Then the first question at my interviews so far have been:
"so you're a new grad and never work as a RN before, right?"
OR
"So you have no hospital experience, right."
and I AM honest about the 7 weeks when they ask that question... but then they want to know why, ask specific questions, want examples.. etc
Oh and yes, i resigned. I was not terminated. But I'm sure they know what that means.
I am an experienced RN- now an APRN, but my first job as an APRN, I resigned during orientation knowing that it was not the right fit. I have never put it on a resume because I didn't actually work there, but I have certainly spoken to it when I got my next job as an APRN a few months later. I feel like honesty is the best method with interviews, but you can just say that the personalities did not match and it was not a structured orientation which made you feel unsupported by administration. To me, from what you've described, is all true! And, as someone who interviews and hires folks, I would find that to be a mature and insightful look at a job position- you didn't just stick with it for the paycheck, you want to work somewhere that you can thrive and grow professionally.
Asking questions is never bad and should be encouraged. If they didn't like it that's their problem and they should be prepared as a preceptor to answer them. No fault to you.
This however...
I know Zosyn runs for 4 hours. I also know give the dilaudid I needed to document a pain assessment, go to the Pyxis, get a vitals machine, document vitals, flush, push over 2-3mins,and flush. All that could take me 15mins.
I know some meds can't be given close together, So I asked my preceptor if I should stop hanging the zosyn and get the dilaudid. She didn't answer me, so I just finished hanging the zosyn then took care of the dilaudid. I did not want to make a medication error by stopping the zosyn in 15 mins to give the dilaudid, but since she didn't answer me I just finished what I was already doing.'
If it was me. I'd put the zosyn premix bag in my scrub pocket and go get that dilaudid. Push it slowly (mix in 10ml NS is my go to) while waiting on that log in to the computer, scan both meds, finish the IVP, and hang the zosyn. Combine tasks. You're over thinking. Its just an antibiotic unless they are on deaths door it can wait a little.
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
If it was me. I'd put the zosyn premix bag in my scrub pocket and go get that dilaudid. Push it slowly (mix in 10ml NS is my go to) while waiting on that log in to the computer, scan both meds, finish the IVP, and hang the zosyn. Combine tasks. You're over thinking. Its just an antibiotic unless they are on deaths door it can wait a little.
I agree with your way of thinking...
Both pain and antibiotic therapy are time-sensitive issues in healthcare settings. However, in the state where I reside, pain issues need to be addressed within 10 minutes of the patient's request.
It can be cruel to allow a patient to writhe in pain without dealing with it.
Both pain and antibiotic therapy are time-sensitive issues in healthcare settings. However, in the state where I reside, pain issues need to be addressed within 10 minutes of the patient's request.
It can be cruel to allow a patient to writhe in pain without dealing with it.
That's harsh because we all know as soon as we go to the nurses station the phone rings, theirs another patient request/emergency, or someone is asking for help therefore you get delayed.
It has been almost 9 months when you posted your experience. And you have good thread of comments. I am on the same boat right now. I only have 10 days left before my preceptorship ends. I have a feeling that I will end up resigning or worst be terminated. I was wondering what has been happening since then? Did you get a job? Did you bring up your experience in your resume/ interview? Have you moved on already?
your insight would help me a lot in my dilemma. Thanks
Libby1987
3,726 Posts
Re preceptorships, this is perfect.
I don't know about whether leaving out the experience on a resume, is it work experience or a false start?
So hard to say from my perspective now, but I think would leave it off. If I made a strong enough impression, I would explain it farther in the interview. Because of my experience and confidence at this point in my career, I would humbly admit I face planted because I indulged myself with too many distractions like non meaningful questions as a way to temper my nervousness as well as merely out of habit and that with hindsight and self reflection I realize where I went wrong and better how to dial in my focus. However only if I truly did recognize this.