I Quit My Job. Now What?

[bluegeegoo2, LPN]

I'll try to write the "Cliff Notes" version of events while attempting to keep the flavor of the situation. Otherwise, it will turn into a novella.

Backstory: I was hired in as the ADON by the out-going Administrator. The DON had no say in who her ADON was going to be, and I fully understand the frustration with that. "I made it crystal clear from the beginning that I would need training, as I had never been in this position before. Fast-forward 2 months.

I had asked for training on numerous occasions from the DON as well as the RDS. A week before I quit, the RDS was "kind" enough to sit with me for approximately 7 minutes going over 1 of the systems I was in charge of. I had already QA'd that system and nearly had the audit and "fix" complete. When I asked my DON about the systems I was responsible for, her reply was "I dunno. I don't even know what I'm supposed to be doing." I did a lot of referencing of the P&P to try to figure out what I needed to do. I never received a list of duties from my employer. Fast-forward to the day before I quit.

I was called to a meeting with the Admin, DON, and RDS. I was thrown under the bus in spectacular fashion. 2 of the systems that I was responsible for the DON had taken upon herself to do, even though I requested them on several occasions. Her reply was always, "I got it. Don't worry about them." Well, I did worry about them as they were my responsibility as I was told. Anyway, imagine my surprise when those 2 systems were thrown in my face. "She (DON) is doing them and they're your responsibility. Why is she doing everything?" All the while my DON sat silently, knowing full well she had taken it upon herself to keep those systems even as I protested and requested to be trained on them on several occasions. The RDS stated that I wasn't doing another system right, but I was and called her on it. She said she would "have to go look at it." ??? How can you tell me I'm not doing it right when you haven't even looked at it? It became very apparent to me that the meeting wasn't so much a "let's see what training you need" as it was a "we're trying to get rid of you." That situation, coupled with the fact that nearly every employee that came into the office was belittled behind their back by the DON, including other dept. heads gave me a very uncomfortable feeling continuing employment there. I requested a floor position. That request was denied. I turned in my keys and clocked out. I'm done. I have never walked out on a nursing job before. I realize it was not the most appropriate way to handle the situation. However, my conscience would not allow me to continue working for such a back-stabbing, catty, hateful individual. The comments she made about employees was jaw-dropping at times. To hear daily that she thought so lowly of them all was just overwhelming. That and her sitting there silently knowing I was getting reamed because of things she chose to keep for herself was just too much. Lesson learned. Now, off to find a nice floor position, where it seems I belong.

[JBMmom, MSN, NP]

Wow, sounds like you were lucky to leave that place anyway. Hiring people and then setting them up to fail seems like such an inefficient use of resources, I'm suprised that people let petty complaints get in the way of doing what's best to provide care for residents. I hope you find a good fit in your next job.

[bluegeegoo2, LPN]

Wow, sounds like you were lucky to leave that place anyway. Hiring people and then setting them up to fail seems like such an inefficient use of resources, I'm suprised that people let petty complaints get in the way of doing what's best to provide care for residents. I hope you find a good fit in your next job.

Thank you.

[DHawkinsrn]

It amazes me how a DON could be so unprofessional. Its very good that you left because that was the first of many "meetings". Good luck.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

Sometimes, you gotta know when to hold 'em and know when to fold 'em. At least you went out under your own power. (((HUGS)))

[sunshyne17]

I'm with JBMmommy. Sometimes we have to throw in the towel before someone does it for us and it gets messy. That place didn't deserve you.

[bluegeegoo2, LPN]

Thank you all for your comments and input. I sometimes use these boards to make sure that I'm seeing what I think I'm seeing in a given situation. You all have been most helpful. Here's to better employment!

[caliotter3]

It would have been a lot better if the DON had frankly told you she could not work with you and had afforded you the opportunity to resign on your own . Apparently she felt threatened and chose the backstabbing route, surefire success 95% of the time. Good luck with your next position.

[bluegeegoo2, LPN]

Shortly after the fiasco I wrote about above, my husband was transferred to the Austin area. I am happy (ecstatic, really) to report that I found a job in LTC. a FLOOR position, lol. Thank you all again for your comments.