Advice on quitting

[joytrann15]

Hello, I am in need of some advice. I graduated with my BSN in 2017 and have been working at a rehabilitation and LTC facility for about 4 months now. I dread going to work every day and do not feel like my 10 day orientation was enough for me to provide safe nursing care to patients. I have brought this up to my supervisors several times and try to ask questions and learn on the job but everyone is so busy to help or answer questions. I get blamed if I do something wrong and feel guilty towards the patients but nobody is available to show me how to do it correctly. Many other nurses try to ignore me when I ask questions and just roll their eyes. Two nurses have been very kind and try to help me out but I rarely work the same shifts as them. I thought "nurses eat their young" was a myth because I have always had good experiences during clinical in school but I definitely see why people have said that now. I feel like crying and am always anxious before going to work. On my days off, I can't stop counting down the time before going to work, can't sleep, and just feel miserable all the time. I am always afraid of doing something that will harm the patient and put my license at risk. I have tried to tough it out for the past few months but nursing is not what I expected. I have been looking at other jobs that may fit me better, and have received interview requests, but I don't know how to quit this job after only a few months of working. I feel bad and but can't work here any longer for my health and sanity. How do I put in my 2 weeks?

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Do you have another job offer? Unless you are independently wealthy or don't need to work, I would advise against quitting a job without another one lined up.

When you are ready to give notice, tell your supervisor that it's not working out/the job isn't a good fit or something like that and that you will be leaving, when your last day is and then hand in your written notice of resignation.

[Sour Lemon]

Hello, I am in need of some advice. I graduated with my BSN in 2017 and have been working at a rehabilitation and LTC facility for about 4 months now. I dread going to work every day and do not feel like my 10 day orientation was enough for me to provide safe nursing care to patients. I have brought this up to my supervisors several times and try to ask questions and learn on the job but everyone is so busy to help or answer questions. I get blamed if I do something wrong and feel guilty towards the patients but nobody is available to show me how to do it correctly. Many other nurses try to ignore me when I ask questions and just roll their eyes. Two nurses have been very kind and try to help me out but I rarely work the same shifts as them. I thought "nurses eat their young" was a myth because I have always had good experiences during clinical in school but I definitely see why people have said that now. I feel like crying and am always anxious before going to work. On my days off, I can't stop counting down the time before going to work, can't sleep, and just feel miserable all the time. I am always afraid of doing something that will harm the patient and put my license at risk. I have tried to tough it out for the past few months but nursing is not what I expected. I have been looking at other jobs that may fit me better, and have received interview requests, but I don't know how to quit this job after only a few months of working. I feel bad and but can't work here any longer for my health and sanity. How do I put in my 2 weeks?

I see no evidence that you're being "eaten", so drop that foolishness ...or at least, don't mention it to any employer that you're hoping to work for.

As far as quitting goes, yes, it will look bad after only four months ...but in some cases, it's still the best option. Keep in mind that the next place you work at could be similar or worse than this one. An employer who hires someone who ran out on their first new grad job after a few months may be pretty desperate for warm bodies.

I wish you well.

[ItsThatJenGirl, CNA]

A 10 day orientation sounds terrifying. I'd try to line something else up before quitting the job you have, so there's no gap in your resume.

Good luck!

[Crush]

I would have a second job secured first before leaving where you are now. 10 days seems like a fairly short orientation for a newer grad nurse, even in LTC. It takes a while for a new grad in any setting to feel comfortable. That is normal. As someone else mentioned, the grass is not always greener elsewhere.

Do look at the next places orientation. Do they have something in particular for a new grad ( residency type program )?

I wish you well.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

Try to get a job lined up! Also, check with HR or someone quietly, but I think nurses usually have to give 30 days. When I left my first job, I gave 2 weeks and then they told me I had to give 30 days. I had to make up shifts during orientation at new job so that I would be eligible for rehire and cash out my PTO. It really is a small world, so it was important to keep that.

I started at a LTC rehab and used it to get experience until I could get the job I wanted.

[cpepper]

You may have already made a decision about leaving your current position, but if you're still undecided, pick up the book, Cracking the Nursing Interview. It will help you with the process. You can get on Amazon and Barnes and Noble, too, I believe.