I gave two weeks,,,but I dont want to finish

Nurses General Nursing

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I gave two weeks notice at my job a week ago. I have 4 shifts left. I work in a LTC facility. I'm a new grad and I've been there for 3 months. It is overwhelming. We just switched to 12 hour shifts. I am responsible for 38 pts. I have no med tech and usually 3 cnas. I have 3 med passes to do on my shift. I am in a secure Alzheimers unit. So there are also lots of behaviors to deal with. It is too much. The last 2 shifts Ive had I've cried before walking into work bc I know itll be horrible. I've asked for help from management and the advice is "just breath". Other regular units in the building have the same ratio BUT they get a medtech who passes meds to half their pts. I am suppose to work tomorrow but I feel like I'm having an anxiety attack just thinking about going. I am considering calling and saying I cant finish, that its too overwhelming (which I've said multiple times). I have a new job already. I need advice.....what do I do. I feel scared. I feel like I am put in a position that makes it impossible to give proper patient care. Should I just be done now? Or finish my shifts?

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Specializes in Med-Surg, NICU.

I'm sorry to hear that it is overwhelming, but at the same time, I can't help but smh. 38 patients and only one RN? Are they nuts? There should AT LEAST be four or five more, and yet they are sticking a new grad with the work load of about six Registered Nurses? What are they thinking?

Run before you lose your license.

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Specializes in ICU.

Finish it. Be strong and be proud of the work you do.

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Specializes in CMSRN.

Finish out your shifts as best you can. You never know when the people you work with now will be working with you in the future. It is best not to burn your bridges.

It may be rough but this time take the advise management gave you and breathe.

You never know what the future brings.

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Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

You have already worked one week of your two week notice, and you only have 4 shifts to go. Do yourself a favor, and do those shifts. Why burn bridges over 4 shifts? If you managed to do your 4 shifts this past week, you can grit your teeth and do 4 more.

Good luck with your new job!

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Specializes in ER.
Finish out your shifts as best you can. You never know when the people you work with now will be working with you in the future. It is best not to burn your bridges.

It may be rough but this time take the advise management gave you and breathe.

You never know what the future brings.

I agree! Nursing is a relatively small community so never burn a bridge! I have run into nurses while I was traveling that I knew many years before. It is amazing. I have had to grit my teeth and finish up a notice on more than one job. Always go out with dignity and a smile on your face.

I also word my resignation letters with nothing but sweetness and light.

Good luck and hang in there, it gets better.

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Specializes in Hospice.

you can do it! hang in there

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
I'm sorry to hear that it is overwhelming, but at the same time, I can't help but smh. 38 patients and only one RN? Are they nuts? There should AT LEAST be four or five more, and yet they are sticking a new grad with the work load of about six Registered Nurses? What are they thinking?

Run before you lose your license.

The OP works in long-term care (locked Alzheimer's unit). 38 residents to 1 nurse is a very normal ratio in long-term care, and the overwhelming majority of LTC nurses do not lose their licenses. Never in a million years would Medicaid pay for four, five, or six RNs to care for 38 residents, especially when the facility is only getting about $100 per day per resident.

Anyhow, I would work the remaining days. You do not want to quit without notice because doing so might have future consequences. What if the corporation that owns the nursing home merges with other healthcare facilities in the future? Your employment options might be limited with a 'Do Not Rehire' on your record for failing to work for the remainder of your notice, especially if this company acquires more buildings in the future. Good luck to you!

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I honestly dunno if I can finish. I'm completely broken down. And the next shifts would be hell because so much family will be in visiting, demanding my immediate attention, and lots of docotors will be in seeing patients. I'm not so worried about burning bridges bc everyone but the DON like me. The DON only likes the employees who do overtime. I was already planning on not using the place as a reference. It has the worst reputation for nursing homes in our town. We lose about 1-2 nurses a month and 3-4 cnas a month bc no one can handle it. I am scared for mu license.

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hmm...I guess leaving with dignity and a smile can never be a bad idea...

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Specializes in Health care.

You should remember that job satisfaction is rare in this world. Now you should prepare for your new job and try to adjust there. But before join or sign contact paper, you should carefully observe terms and conditions of job.

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Finish those shifts. You do not want to provide a valid reason for them to give you a bad reference in the future.

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