New Grad Needs Career Advie Please!

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello

I just had to resign form my first nursing job at a large prestigious cardiac specialty care hospital. It was my next to last precept ed shift. I was to work days, med/surg tele. The pace was too fast, and half my patients would go for procedures in the am, and new pts would be admitted to replace them. It was very overwhelming and harder than I imagined. I couldn't develop a routine and didn't have the time to stop and think about what I was doing or look up my meds. I felt unsafe. Management met with me, and pretty much voiced the same concerns, that I was not safe to be on my own. There were no night shifts available. They said I just didn't have a strong enough foundation to keep up the pace, perhaps a year of med/surg in a smaller hospital would be best for me. I agreed %100. so I need some feedback on what I should look for on my Next "first" job.

Here is my background: Nursing is a second career for me, I worked full time 6 years at my local county health department in environmental heath a job i got with my 1st bachelors, I then pursued a BSN in nursing. That job paid well and provided my benefits, so I had to stay. I couldn't work at a hospital to get experiences like other students while I went to school.I have no hospital experience beyond my clinical. In fact, Ive never even put in a foley!

I think I jumped at this first job opportunity at this prestigious hospital with out being able to evaluate if it would be a good fit. This hospital was very selective and I think I was just in awe that I was chosen. There, they are precept new grads for 9 to 12 shifts, after 2 1/2 weeks of classroom orientation, is this average? There is a large nursing job fair tomorrow and need some advice on what to look for. I'm on a mission to find the right place for myself as a new grad. Please I am open to any advice!

:smilecoffeecup:

thanks

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Look for a hospital that has a good program for new grads with

flexible orientation. Explain your needs.

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Specializes in ER.

Am I understanding that you were supposed to be comfortable as a new grad, not even off orientation yet, with orientation being NINE TO TWELVE SHIFTS?...in a fast paced unit, no less?

Yikes.

In my neck of the woods, this is NOT typical. My orientation was twelve WEEKS, with the option of more if need be...in addition I was assigned a resource person the first four weeks on my own in case I felt overwhelmed or needed help. They didn't want me struggling to find someone to assist me.

Lets see..how many SHIFTS did I do before I was on my own....15 eight hour and 24 twelve hour.

Don't feel discouraged....I would talk to other new nurses you know, look into other hospitals and choose one that is very supportive of new grads, with a very thorough orientation. It's not so much about which specialty you choose,it is about the environment and the level of support.

Good luck. I am sure in the right environment you will kick BUTT:D

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It sounds like your orientation wasn't long enough. I am working in a NICU, I did my senior practicum there when I was a student. Because of the senior practicum (180 hours), my employee orientation was 8 weeks on days, 2 weeks on nights, then I will be on my own on night shift with a resource person for 6 more weeks. The option is available to stay on orientation longer if I or my preceptor feel I need it.

I would just start searching the hospital websites in your area, applying for open positions in areas that interest you. Best of luck to you, I can tell by your posting that you are intelligent so don't let this get you down. I am not sure how anyone can feel confident on a busy unit in 9-12 shifts. Best of luck to you!

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Hello in regards to my earlier post:

Should I be honest and upfront about my employment at this facility from which I resigned?

I wasn't planning on putting it on my resume, I figured if they didn't ask I wouldn't tell, I am not sure how it would reflect on me. I don't want to appear to be a job jumper. I only left my old job on January 18th, so it is not an extended period for which I would have to explain an absence.?????

Thanks for any and all the replies, I just resigned yesterday, and was not expecting it at all. I'm still trying to sort out what happened. There are no RNs in my family. I'm the first

Thanks:smilecoffeecup:

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

The world of nursing is small - I would definitely include it - otherwise if you are found out, you could find getting a job even harder. The way to explain it is to say that it just wasn't a good fit and that you want a position where there will be enough orientation to ensure your success.

When I worked in the ER, our new grads got 12-16 weeks.

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Specializes in Rural Health.

I started out on a Tele floor I worked my last semester of NS as a tech. I too had to resign after 2 months because I couldn't take the pressure of the shift, the 1 hour and 20 min. drive, the toxic co-workers and a manager that only wanted to play games with me.

My orientation was cut short because I was considered "experienced". I had classroom training that was NOT supposed to count for my orientation, but mine did (no one else's did though). My 12 hour days turned into 15-18 hour days when you counted in the drive. She would schedule me for these 1 day on 1 day off shifts (working nights) and I would just be worn out. I repeatedly expressed my concerns about everything and she refused to listen. So I just quit.

Now I'm in the ER at the place I worked all thru NS and stayed PRN after graduation. I get 12-14 weeks of orientation, all in writing and all VERY flexible depending on MY needs. I am so much happier. I live 20 mins. away from work now....it's great.

The perfect job is out there - you'll find it. Just think of it this way - the next job you'll have a list of 1 million questions, which will help you better find the place that is perfect for YOU.

Take care!!!!

And PS, I would put it on your resume as you left in good standing, it just wasn't a "good fit".

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Specializes in Burn ICU.

Maybe there is such a nursing shortage because so many places eat their young. I have gone to work in a teaching hospital, and it is such a good environment to be a new nurse. You should get 12 weeks of orientation. In addition I have spent two weeks in "boot camp" learning skills and information in a real world way. Good luck to you.

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