Help! I quit my first nursing job

Pediatric Critical Care Columnist · Jan 16, 2015

Practicing the interview will give you an opportunity to figure out exactly how to explain both your medical leave and your decision to leave your previous job... and to do it without any hesitation, nervousness or any other behaviours that could suggest you're hiding something. It's always best to keep things focused on you and not the horrible working conditions and even more horrible manager. You never want to badmouth anyone or any workplace in an interview. Easy to say, hard to do. Just be matter-of-fact and calm. You can do it!

cynmrn · Jan 16, 2015

Just be honest without getting overly emotional. If they ask, state that you had a death in the family and were coping with a lot of stress because of this, but you have done xyz to make ensure the ability to take on this new job. Stuff happens, and sometimes it happens at a bad time...like during your first job! Good luck.

~Shrek~ · Jan 16, 2015

See, it's not impossible! You have a job interview! I think your manager behaved extremely EXTREMELY unethically. You did nothing to justify never having another job again. If you accidentally killed someone or something, okay, I understand, but leaving your first job after 4 months? That is not unethical. It may be "unprofessional" to some but IMHO leaving an abusive work environment isn't even unprofessional at that. I left my previous job after 3 months and my manager was polite about it. She said she understood, and while she is not excited about my decision, she wishes the best for me.

NurseLatteDNP, MSN, DNP, RN · Jan 16, 2015

The previous manager was out of line. If you gave a 2 week notice, there is no reason why you couldn't list that place and just explain that the environment was not right. Don't talk down about your previous manager to the new one. Good luck.

_firefly, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Jan 16, 2015

Many new grad programs ask for 6 months or less experience to qualify. So even if you include your last job, you're still eligible. Or you might consider starting over somewhere else and never mentioning that last job. Personally, I wouldn't go back if I were that miserable there. There are tons of other jobs, nursing or otherwise.

Michellelove · Jan 16, 2015

I am really thankful for everyone's input... I am trying to accept the fact that it was probably not meant to be. I will be practicing my interview questions as many of you suggested. I really hope and pray I get this second chance and get to start over. Thank you guys, I don't know what I would do without you all. As far as my previous manager, yes I was horribly shocked when she said that to me but I was trying to find some kind of excuse for her actions, maybe she was just having a bad day you know. I hope I get this second job opportunity and ace the interview. Thank you guys and keep me in your good thoughts

sugarwahine10 · Jan 16, 2015

I wouldn't ask for that job back. If you were crying that much, before and after work, because of your job then you were obviously very miserable. If you went back to that job then that manager would just make your job unbearable and probably ride your back until you get fired. Just apply at a clinic, there are tons everywhere, it is less money then a hospital, but it will be less stressful then an acute care setting for sure. Good luck!!!

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jan 16, 2015

Be careful not to blame or criticize your former employer (the individual or the larger facility) in future interviews. Be prepared to talk about the issues in your personal life that led to your poor performance evaluation and difficulty with that position, and how you have corrected or dealt with those issues so they won't be impacting your work performance going forward. On the upside, you're not the first new graduate to struggle with adjusting to nursing practice and to have had difficulties with a first job. As long as this doesn't become a pattern over time for you, you can probably survive this and move on. However, be prepared to buckle down and stay put at your next job at least a full year (which is about how long it takes to get comfortable as a new graduate, anyway). Best wishes! :)

^ This...especially staying at your next job-you want to hone your practice, and that takes time; most nursing practice doesn't get developed until at least two full years of working.

Make sure you develop great coping mechanisms to help cope with personal and professional stress, whether it be exercise, hobbies; even seeing a professional to help with anxiety and other issues related to work.

Best wishes.

jtmarcy12, BSN, RN · Jan 16, 2015

Michellelove..... I am so sorry that you had to go thru 4 months of pain. Did you seek advice then or any counseling? The time would have been ripe to seek some type of help before you quit your job. If your previous employer was to take you back what would change?? I pray that you find a very good friend or counselor to help you determine your next move. Best wishes!!

lovinglife2015 · Jan 16, 2015

Why did you quit before securing another job? Think smart.

Guests · Jan 17, 2015

For certain, your previous boss acted inappropriately. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of people like that sitting in managerial positions in hospitals around the country.

That said, you also blew it by running away rather than stepping up to the challenge that you faced.

While continuing to look for other jobs -- and yes, you need to list that employer because it will turn up on background and you could then be terminated for lying -- I would go back and throw yourself on the mercy of the manager. If you showed yourself well during your four months, you may have a shot at it. However, given that you say your 3-month eval was poor, they may take a pass (truth is, I probably would... )

And to emphasize what someone has already stated: Be prepared to demonstrate how this won't happen again. It's a big hit to the organization to orient a newbie only to have them quickly flame out.

I hope you can find a spot that's more compatible with your personality.

Career Columnist / Author · Jan 17, 2015

In your upcoming interview, explain but don't dwell on your short tenure. Keep it light.

You could say that the multiple stressors that caused you to quit are resolved and behind you now.

You are fully prepared to commit to the new position.