Help! Accepted a job but how to turn down!

[Alismich]

I accepted a doctor clinic job, and after my first shift of informal training I realized it is not for me.

I am a new grad and they expect me to know everything to do with injections, from vaccines, to personal medication (methotrexate, testosterone, polia etc). I knew that it wasn’t formal training of the job but after completing one day, it’s basically no training at all and they want me to beable to give injections plus keep doctors rooms full. I barely even learned about vaccines and I feel incompetent in this area. There just seems like there is so much room for error. Especially since you are expected to be less a minute with each patient. You also have to do certain things like wt, ht, BP if its pt. Coming in for a f/u diabetes appt. or a well baby etc. It just seems like a lot.

I want to resign from the position after one day because there really isn’t any support, I am the only nurse in the office, and I expected to do and know everything.

I would rather find another job, something I can ease into as a new grad, with more suppprt if I need it.

How do I resign ?!

Also they told me they would need me to completely know what I am doing and take over after 3 shifts because the other lady is leaving. Way too much pressure for me!

Help!!

[JKL33]

Talk with them again to make sure you understand what resources would be available to you, including the fact that the physicians might have reason/motivation to allow you the time and extra assistance (from them) in getting up to speed. By that I mean that I think you should at least know if, for example, one of them is a kind soul who is willing to be patient and supportive while you learn the role and responsibilities (it could happen! ?). Be clear about your new-grad status and what that means as far as getting up to speed.

The only reason I bring this up is because you are every bit as likely to feel overwhelmed and lacking resources when you walk into an LTC and find out you are responsible for multiple aspects of caring for 30, 40++ patients there.

*If* you are certain it is unworkable, then you simply thank them sincerely for their time in considering you and state that you are unable to accept the position. At your discretion you may give reasoning such as "I would like to obtain a little more experience before working in this type of setting."

TL/DR: You have to get experience somewhere. This might be as good a place as any. LTC likely won't make you feel any more confident at the outset than what you're feeling right now. Think it through before you make your decision.

Good luck! ??

[nmichelle001, LVN]

You probably know more than you think. No matter where you go it will be overwhelming, so try to stick it out! Good luck

[BedsideNurse]

I got offered an office job as a newer nurse and I turned it down because I wanted more clinical experience. Luckily I did turn it down as I am sure I would have been an awful office nurse without any experience. I would probably be an awful office nurse now, with lots of experience, come to think of it... but I say if you are feeling that bad about it don't do it. At least feel good going into a job, you know? Maybe you can find a nurse internship for new grads at a local hospital? Or ask and look around for a place that has "decent" staffing ratios that seems to have a thorough nurse orientation process...Some places offer more support than others so it's worth looking into. If you keep in touch, ask some of the people you graduated with about opportunities they've seen out there.

The good news is there are a lot of choices in nursing.

The bad news is nursing homes, rehab centers, and hospitals are pretty overwhelming too (and at times can be downright harrowing), but you usually have any least one nurse friend to go to as another set of eyes, to ask questions, figure things out with, or whatever. I know school nurses and home care nurses are often in that same lone-star boat. I think that can be a tough gig when you are new, although not impossible.

I would just tell them a succinct version of the truth and be done with it. They haven't invested that much into you so it won't be that big of a deal, maybe a little awkward on your end, and disappointing on theirs because they need someone ASAP as of yesterday, but that's their problem, honestly, not yours. Be professional about it; try not to sound wishy washy or apologize incessantly. Employment is a two way street and it needs to be a good fit for both parties. That being said, be pleasant and genuine sounding and be sure to tell them you appreciate their time and consideration. You want to walk out feeling good if possible. Practice this conversation before you have it.

[DowntheRiver]

When I was a clinic nurse, I was a jack of all trades and I loved it. I learned so much in those two years that were a great foundation for my nursing practice, albeit it was atypical for a new grad nurse. I was expected to be up and running after 6 shifts and I was, to a degree. The rest of it was just baptism by fire. I made myself cheat sheets that I saved on my computer for easy reference but after 3 months I didn't even need them anymore.

I'd give it a month and then go from there. I don't know if I can ever say I loved any job from day one. I'd also suggest talking to the manager or doctor and let them know your concerns. If they're unwilling to assist with the transition, maybe it isn't the right place for you.