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Discussion

How to quit my internship

I started my new grad ICU internship in September with one other new grad nurse, and the internship was originally supposed to be 6 months long. Well, I'm almost at that 6 month mark and I am miserable. From reading other posts on here, I know it is normal to have these feelings, but I know without a doubt that I am not cut out for ICU nursing, at least not at this point in my life. My father past away a few years ago, and every time I encounter a patient that is nearing death or has died I lose it emotionally and have to go to the bathroom where I cry. Aside from the emotional stress, I am going through all of the other typical stressors that come along with being a new grad (feeling incompetent, anxious before, during and after work, trouble sleeping.) I know my limitations emotionally, and the ICU just is not the right place for me. I have made up my mind to quit but I feel horrible for doing this. The staff on the unit and my manager have been so supportive (they've even said they wanted to extend my internship by 2 months to make sure I'm ready to be on my own). I just don't know the right way to go about this. I mostly feel guilty because they have invested so much time into me and my manager has worked really hard to structure this internship around my needs.

I'm just wondering the best way to go about quitting? My manager doesn't know of the difficulties I've been having because I try to put on a happy face and grin and bear it. Should I call on one of my days off and tell her that I would like to schedule a meeting with her to discuss some things? Or should I talk to her on one of the days I'm working? I'm so stressed about this and any advice would be greatly appreciated?

On a side note..... I know this is a tough job market and there are so many new grads out there that have not found jobs. Please do not lose hope. You WILL find something eventually. Just keep praying and God will find the right job for you.

Thanks

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    what willyou do if/when you quit your internship? any idea on what unit you would like to pursue?

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    It is easier to find a job when you have a job! I'd start sending out apps and going to interviews, once you have something in an area you might like better, then thank everyone for the opportunity & experience, give your proper two week notice and tell them the truth. You need to take care of you.

    I would do this by scheduling a meeting in person to explain.

    What area are you looking to get into? Maybe try a DR office or a clinic of some sort, somewhere that is outpatient where patients are generally healthier? Public health?

    Hugs! Sounds like you are reallt toughing it out right now!

    Half the battle in this world is finding out what you DONT want to do. Now you can move on to something better. Onward and upward!

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    OP: I agree with the above, find a job before quitting this one unless you can transfer to another floor. Is it possible to transfer out of the ICU onto a GOOD Med Surg floor at this time? If so, this would be the only reason to talk to your DON at this time. BTW, speaking to managers on your day off is better then your day on since you have no patients to worry about and can be flexible with with your schedule.

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    I would talk to your manager...personally I would schedule a meeting on your day off. I wouldn't wanna be weepy and have to go back to work...this meeting may be stressful.

    I interviewed in an ICU, and the NM told me that if, during my preceptorship, I felt that the ICU was not for me, they would work with HR to reassign me to a floor that I would like. Your floor sounds similarly understanding.

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    Thank you so much for your replies, they really helped ease my anxiety. I did quit today, and my manager kept me in her office for 45 minutes, trying to convince me to stay. Although it made me feel good that she wanted to keep me, I couldn't help feeling guilty and that I really was disappointing them. Quitting is not a fun thing, and I am going to make sure my next job is something I really want to do so I can avoid this feeling of guilt as much as possible. Thank you again for your input!

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