Get fired or resign from new grad program

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Is it better to resign or just let them terminate me? After 3 1/2 months of my new grad orientation, I was asked by my manager and nurse educator to resign. I had made a mistake on a telephone order. Instead of writing 0.75mg I wrote .75mg. Nobody else caught this and thought I wrote 75mg. The wrong dosage was given to the patient by the LVN. I have been orienting on a very busy med/surge tele unit. When they told me this I was so upset I burst into tears. I was told that if this was the only incident then it probably wouldn't have led to me having to resign, but there were other concerns they had too.

Basically the manager said that she would have to bring this up with HR and I would have the weekend to think it over. She said if she calls after the weekend and asks me to come in for a meeting with HR that means they are calling me in to terminate me. The manager and nurse educator said it would be better to come in and turn in my letter of resignation instead of having to go to a meeting and be terminated. I almost feel like they just don't want me there. I was starting to get real stressed about this job, but I thought that was normal especially for a new grad. Part of me feels relief, but I'm also worried about how this will affect my future career, that and I have my family to support. I've only had 3 1/2 months of experience. I'm no longer technically a new grad, but I'm not experienced either. I haven't even worked on my own without a preceptor. It was hard enough to find this first job in this economy, but what's it going to be like now when I have to go find a job and explain my 3 1/2 job experience? Maybe I'm jumping the gun here because HR I guess has to make the final decision, but still they are making it seem like "this job is not the right fit for me" and I should consider resignation. If anyone can offer any insight or advice I'd very much appreciate it.

Specializes in Ante-Intra-Postpartum, Post Gyne.

Off topic, but what happened to the LVN? 0.75 mg vs 75mg? Seems like if it was a drug that is normally given in that low of a dose the LVN should have questioned a 75mg dose is typically given in 0.75mg. I have caught pharmacy mistakes, and if I had not and had given the wrong drug who is in trouble? Me, the nurse because I am the last line of defense. I hope that this was not all placed on you.

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If you think it's a big enough issue, you might want to run it by an employment lawyer (think there are some lawyers who offer free or very cheap initial consults & if you have some questions prepared, you may be able to get enough info on just one vist or phone call - there are even some online services where you can ask legal Q's and lawyers answer for about $15). That person will have the knowledge to advise you appropriately. You may have more of a leg on which to stand with either the employer or the unemployment people than you know - or maybe not. A good lawyer will know. Also, a good lawyer will advise you on appropriateness of signing or not signing (or any comments you should or shouldn't make whether in writing or verbally) any paperwork the employer may present to you. BTW, you might also think about documenting the events while still fresh in your mind. Keep in mind, talking to a lawyer does not mean you have to act. You may just want to find out what your rights are and whether or not the employer acted appropriately, as well as what is your best course of action. Lastly, keep in mind, lawyers do bill based on hours, so some will push a case to rack up the bill. Shop around a little and use some common sense! On the other hand, if you get someone sharp and honest, you'll get some decent info. Also, the lawyer may have an opinion on whether or not you should or shouldn't list the employer on a resume. Anyway, just offering a different view that hadn't been considered. Whatever course you take, best wishes.

On a side note, I get the impression the NM had some other reason for wanting to let you go. I further get the impression that it may have been something out of your control such as not getting adequate training. After reading various posts, it seems many employers are cutting corners to save money in a bad economy, and the result is people aren't getting the kind of orientations they used to get. Unfortunately, employers can't always do much about it when money is tight. On the other hand, it does result in this kind of thing. In any event, don't get your feathers too ruffled over it. Learn from it and move on with your life and career.

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I just wanted to add this is quite long but this was my 1st nursing experience graduating from school and I just needed advice for further job on what to do next and what to say on interview when the question comes up why did you quit ???

I just wanted some advice to, I just graduated from an RPN/LPN in the states program in June, I recieved my license last week which I am so happy I passed my test in Canada :). I was working under a temporary license in a LTC facility my orientation was very short just 1 1/2 weeks. I did not have a precetor like most do on this site. I was working alone on nights right after the orientation. During my frst 2 mnths there I made 3 errors which I admitted to, one I forgot to take a nitro patch off someone, left a used needle in a residents room, which I know was very dumb and I make no excuses for any of the errors I have done, and 3 gave someone too much tylenol plain, which I wrote out the incident report for myself. I was given much constructive critisism from my supervisor in regards to these errors. She also mentioned that the health care aides had been reporting me for not assisting them with there duties as been mentioned in my job description when I started there. I had mentioned to my supervisor that I was helping with the duties and had no idea why they would state otherwise.I told my supervisor that I would like more assistance and support as I was finding it very hard to get everything done. I was alone at night with 64 residents and 3 health care aides with only one RN for support for the whole building. I was very overwhelmed so I requested a few more orientation shifts and requested to be on a few more day shifts to learn more about the job and have more support around. My supervisor told me at the time ill see what I can do to accomodate this and get back to you. That was 2 weeks ago. I was never moved to day shifts nor was I offered any more support like I was told I would be. Still feeling overwhelmed I went in for my 3 nights shifts last week. Still not getting much support feeling like I am alone. Then on my thurs shift my supervisor stated to me I would be orientating someone who had been working there but had never been on the unit I was on. During that night I thought everything went well. I requested to my supervisor I didnt really feel comfortable orientating someone as I had only been working there 2 months. But my concerns were dismissed and I still had to orientate this nurse. At 1am during the shift this nurse left said she didnt need to be orientated anymore the routine was easy told the RN supervisor she was going home and left. On friday I recieved a call from my supervisor stating she needed to have a chat with me on monday and that my shift was taken away from me. I was supposed to work another night shift on mon night. I went in on Mon to a room with my supervisor the DON and a union rep and she started to explain to me that the nurse I had been orientating with had told them that I was cursing and using very derogatory terms towards the RNs that worked there, that my behaviour was very unprofessional and that the health care aides were also still reporting me for not helping them with there duties at night. At no point in time would I ever swear or use derogatory terms about another co-worker. I went through school and had a career in a call centre for 10+ yrs and had never been accused of being unprofessional. I had very good references when I started working at this LTC facility.I was very upset and still overwhelmed. I started to believe that this other nurse was just to spy on me to get me fired. I didnt know what to do anymore I actually started crying in the office because it had been 3 mnths now and I was still so very overwhelmed so I just handed a resignation to the DON. I was afraid I would be fired from my 1st nursing job. Im just afraid now I wont get another one. I just applied recently to other facilities and I am really hoping I get a response to something soon. I dont live in a very big community and I really wanted everything to go well and tried so hard to make this work.

Just wanted some advice from other experienced nurses.

Thanks

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Specializes in Cardiovascular/Thoracic Surgery Recovery.

Resign. And make sure the LVN got written up too, and the pharmacy. 0.75mg is a LONG way from 75mg and someone else should have noticed the error before the med was dispensed. The LVN should have asked why she was handing someone 100 pills instead of 1.

Also check the policies in your facility regarding order checks.

As far as any "other" issues, maybe bedside nursing is not for you. There are many other things you can do as a nurse. Getting terminated for a med error is bad. Resigning because you didnt agree with your facilities medicine delivery policy is better.

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To the OP - what did you decide? How are you doing?

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Specializes in Med/surg, Quality & Risk.
It always looks better if you resign. Immediately apply online for unemployment and describe what happened in the application. Because you were not fired you will probably be able to collect unemployment.

That's interesting. In my state if you quit you don't get unemployment, unless it's "due to the fault of the employer."

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Just one quick thought on this issue. OP has only been working there 3.5 months. If she did not have work history prior to that, 3.5 months would not be sufficient in MO to gain unemployment benefits. If that is the case, resignation is a fairly straightforward decision.

Whatever you decide, I believe Revolution2013 brought up some very helpful information. It is always best to be as informed as possible.

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Specializes in LTC.

Being as you are from Canada I dont know how everything is handled there but if you are asked why you left your previous employer just say "I need employment that better fits me" or something along that line and if they ask why just say "I did what was best for me (and family if you have children)"

GET AWAY FROM THIS FACILITY!!!!! RUN!!!!!!

This facility is toxic not only to your mental well being but also to your nursing lic.

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I read your post and some of the reviews as well. Personally, I wouldn't even feel obligated after only 3 1/2 months of working as a new nurse to report this when applying for a new job. I would probably just apply as a new nurse and never even mention this past job. Also, I realize the mistake and the potential consequences but I don't feel like this situation is reason enough for termination but rather a chance for teaching/correcting, etc. I don't know what other complaints they had but it does sound like they are just trying to get rid of you. I would have let them terminate you as well and collect unemployment! Anyways, I would be curious as to what happened. If you get a chance let me know. Good luck!

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Hello QMAN,

Yes, the whole thing was devastating/upsetting. They asked me on a Friday to resign and called me on Monday to tell me they decided with termination. I went in and gave my letter of resignation. I have been applying for jobs as a new grad and leaving out that experience. I figure either way it looks bad to say I resigned or that I was terminated after only 3 1/2 months. I did end up getting unemployment even though I resigned. I was surprised because I thought I would have to be terminated to get it. I'm not sure why they decided to give it to me, but I let them know about the situation. I told them they had asked me to resign or be terminated and I also let them know that I had no been formally reprimanded in the past. It is a big help to have and I feel somewhat vindicated to know that they weren't completely right to let me go.

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Hello One2gofst,

I guess in CA it must be different. I couldn't apply for Unemployment right away. I did have to wait another 3 months to apply. I was terminated in October and had to wait until January to apply. I told them that I was "asked to resign or be terminated" I didn't think I would get, but I had to try a least. They did have to interview me over the phone. I just tried to explain the situation exactly as it happened and I let them know that I had not been reprimanded in the past, that this was my first job as an RN, and that the Dr. was aware of the situation and made sure that I knew to correct it next time. I'm not sure why they awarded it to me but they did and I'm glad because I do really need it right now.

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Hello noblepath,

It was a telemetry/med-surg floor. You know I really don't know what happened with the LVN and pharm. I was pulled so fast from the floor. That day was just hectic. The patient needed a PICC like two days ago and apparrently the PICC nurse was unaware. We had to give her IV meds through her foot because the other ones had gone bad. She was on wrist restraints, delusional, and uncooperative. Her K levels were very low. We were trying to give IV K through her foot which is painful. She kept trying to rub her foot on the bed to get the IV out, but we couldn't restrain her there because she was already restrained on her wrists. She also needed oral K, but couldn't take it because the nurse to make the swallow eval had not evaluated her yet and when she finally did evaluate her said she couldn't swallow, so we had to give her powder K which took the pharmacy a while to get there. The daughter was with her and so sweet, but she started crying because of the state her mother was in. Also, that day the unit secretary was having a baby shower so the LVN and my preceptor kept going back to get cake and take pictures with mom-to-be. It was just a very hectic day. I was trying my best and I was tired because they oriented me on days then I was told to go to nights then they decided I might be better on days, so my body was adjusting. When the error was finally caught the Dr. was upset, but he did try to be understanding of the fact that I was new and learning. He asked the same about the Pharm "Why didn't the pharm catch it?" I really don't know what happened I just felt so bad about the whole thing and fired so fast I didn't think to ask.

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