Has anyone ever quit a new job after a few weeks?

[HealthyRN]

I hate my new job. As it is my third job in a year and a half as a nurse, I have decided that I am leaving the profession. With the help of a career counselor, I have determined that it is not about not finding my niche in nursing. I truly made a poor career decision. Now I'm left with yet another dilemma. I don't know what to do about my current job. I've been working on a med-surg unit for about 6 weeks. This job is destroying me. For the first time in my life, I believe I am truly depressed. My husband and I are fighting all the time and it is directly related to the fact that I hate my job and I am consumed by it. It's basically all I can think about even when I am not working. My health is suffering as well. I was recently diagnosed with a gastric ulcer and this added stress is not helping.

I desperately just want to call my work and tell them that I am not coming back. I don't think I can bear to stick it out for a two-week notice. But I am worried about the consequences of doing this. I am planning on going back to school for an MPH and I work for a large university system. In the future, I may want to work there again, although NEVER as a nurse. Does anyone knows what happens in circumstances like this? If years later, I apply for a position unrelated to nursing, would they not hire me based on the fact that I quit without a notice? On the other hand, even if I do give a notice, would they still not hire me since I only worked there for 6 weeks? I am worried about the fact I will be tagged a "job-hopper" if I quit this job and never be able to find another position, even if it is unrelated to nursing. But this job is bringing me down and it feels like nothing is worth the stress and unhappiness. Any advice?

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

As much as you hate it, at least you can take comfort in knowing that the job will end. Give your 2 weeks notice. I'm sure you can stick it out for 2 more weeks. Leaving abruptly could hurt down the road. While it's perfectly fine to realize that nursing is not for you, in the eyes of a future employer, someone who has held 3 jobs in less than 2 years is a red flag.

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

Sweetie pie, your sanity, your lovely hubby, your precious health and your life ARE NOT WORTH A JOB. It is not worth the constant worry ur putting yourself thru. You sound like a very sensible, mature and conscientious person by seeing a counsellor. Well done sweet heart.

All is not lost. Simply explain that this position is not for you. I would work out your notice, but if you really can't & can afford to leave, just leave. You may lose money, I don't know re that. After 6 weeks you won't have any leave pay coming.

You may be able to turn your nursing degree into something else, but if you go study another degree, use the credits u have towards that.

I wish you nothing but good luck.

[carolmaccas66, BSN, RN]

I'm a new grad.....second career RN...with non nursing supervisor work history....took the only job offer I got which is part time night shift at LTC facility. I had a total of 9 1/2 days of orientation! I asked for more time but was told that no one wants to orient on night shift. At night, I'm the RN in charge of over 60 people! I'm overwhelmed and ready to throw in the towel!

I was the only RN on in charge of 65 people one night, & stuck out my shift. But I complained vociferously. It is too dangerous and too busy what with all the meds & other things I had to do. Ur putting your license at risk, and your employer is using you. Quit now, if u can. Nursing homes/LTC always use staff, and because nurses tolerate unsafe staffing levels they will continue to do this. Complain & then leave. This job is so not worth putting your career at risk.

[hotflashion, BSN, RN]

I am still amazed at the stories I read/things I hear & see when it comes to nursing. Nursing has to be one of the most unprofessional professions going. I've been around: waitress, file clerk, laundry worker, military service, bench technician, hotel room cleaner, direct care worker for MR and brain damaged adults, various high tech jobs in the 80's & 90's, ending up as a salaried professional earning good money in a job that provided no personal satisfaction.

I gave my two weeks notice at my first nursing job after working 2 weeks. I thought I couldn't stand it, many (here and in my real life) encouraged me to give notice and I guess I'm glad I did. It was a dangerous place to work and dangerous for those receiving care. I reported the company to the Department of Public Health and Department of Industrial Accidents, both of which investigated and found many, many things not right. It took one year and a Worker's Comp lawyer to get the company to pay for the expenses incurred after a (thankfully low risk) needlestick. I do put this job on my resume and other applications but I'm not sure I'll keep it there; despite my being in the right, I suspect that telling a prospective employer that you left a job because it was unsafe is a negative.

My impression of nursing is that there is no real team work, no real respect for the nurse on the job. Communication comes from the top down, you're expected to do what you're told; opinions are not sought or valued, nor are concerns addressed. At my current job, so far, communication has been mostly one-way. The employer is in another state and I do the job independently with long distance support via telephone, email or the company website; it works remarkably well. However, I have feedback to give, I'd like to be able to give it in writing, and there appears to be no way to do this; at least I have asked and received no answer; I'm beginning to suspect that no answer is the answer.