I need to quit but feel like a heel.............

rn/writer, RN · Feb 11, 2011

When I was hired the ADON said in regards to my parttime status " I hope you don't let me waste my time, by hiring you and then you leave in 1 month because a lot of nurses think they want a part time job there but change their minds" I said "OH My, I wouldn't do that, I really want to work here and I am not a quitter" Well, I am so afraid that I need to eat my words because I don't think I am going to make it a month.

This conversation suggests several things. One, that the ADON knows full well that people are going to head for the door when they see what kind of risk they are taking. Two, that she's not above using guilt to try to keep nurses around. And, three, that she's perhaps gotten used to the idea of "disposable nurses," because that's the only way she can staff the unit.

My first job right out of school was similar. I can only tell you that your license is more important than your feelings, and that facilities that have to exploit a good person's sense of obligation are not places you want to work. Yes, it's sad for the residents and for the other workers but putting your own license in jeopardy does nothing to benefit them.

It isn't that you don't want part-time work. It's that you don't want part-time work that has the potential to pull you under the bus.

m&mRN · Feb 11, 2011

yikes--you gotta protect yourself first, right? I'd suggest going to the DON with your list of concerns and (if you are willing to stay) say you need further training in XY and Z in order to practice safely. Give a time frame, and then follow thru. If they cannot train you for the job, then maybe you aren't the only one who should be walking out the door.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Feb 11, 2011

Here's how I see it. In time you WILL figure it out. But is it worth it to you to risk being dangerous to your patients, since you don't know what to do and no one is training you? I think that's a huge risk, both to your patients and to your license as well as your stress level.

It's normal to feel at least a bit incompetent on a new job, but if you're not being given direction on how to figure it out, it's way more than that. You will be held responsible if you do something or don't do something and a patient is hurt. The facility will not stand behind you.

I think I'd try talking to the DON one more time and don't beat around the bush about it. Tell her how intense your concerns are, and that you feel you'll have to leave if you don't get more training on what to do. Then, if nothing changes and you have to resign, state your reasons in your letter of resignation and keep a copy.

I think I'd also start looking for another job for your part time work/extra income and try to get it before you quit this one, because a)it would be nice to have it ready for you to go to, and b)you won't be able to use this place as a reference. By the way, most places hire people on a probationary period, and don't assume you'll stay until you've been there 6 months or so, and also, most places don't expect employment that has been shorter than 6 months to be included on an application.

Good luck to you. This has to be very difficult for you.

caliotter3 · Feb 11, 2011

You should probably just look for a different job. If you take the initiative in devising your own orientation program, it will do you no good, because you still will not be able to get the others to answer your questions. Not worth the effort for a part time position. Look for a job where your presence is welcomed enough that they make the minimal effort to retain you. Best wishes.

nurse2033, MSN, RN · Feb 11, 2011

This is not uncommon in my experience and I've heard those words before, "You'll pick it up as you go". If you choose not to work in a potentially dangerous environment you are not a quitter. I think this attitude is endemic unfortunately. Effective orientation programs are difficult to build and require a lot of effect. They provide huge benefits in retention, performance, and safety though. But anyway, I wouldn't feel guilty about quitting, though it might be same wherever you go. Good luck.

rn/writer, RN · Feb 11, 2011

What caliotter said.

If the "support" they're offering you as a new employee is this pathetic, don't look for anything better down the road. And for sure don't expect any kind of loyalty or understanding if you make a mistake that a family member or state inspector sees. You'll no doubt be thrown to the wolves as fast as they can hoist your sorry carcass out the door. :uhoh3:

I suggest you boogie on out of there.

etaoinshrdluRN · Feb 12, 2011

Unfortunately, LTC training is usually short, brutal and nasty, but a good facility will give you more than what you've been getting. One of the 5-star nursing homes in my area will not let you be charge for a year. The one where I worked as a new grad had everyone in as charge right away, and a lot of us, myself included, got reported to the BON for errors. In my case I was all right, but boy, I could have been so much road pizza under the bus, with all the risks they and I were having to take.

BrookeeLou_RN · Feb 12, 2011

ADON said it all when she played the "Guilt" card with you. She knows what is happening, the DON knows what is happening. and you..as new gal on the block already know.. Let them know you worked hard for your license and are not willing to jeaporadize it for them....Not all LTC's are like this but many are. This had]=s nothing to do with full or part time work..so do not feel guilty.

fournee, LPN · Feb 12, 2011

What caliotter said.
If the "support" they're offering you as a new employee is this pathetic, don't look for anything better down the road. And for sure don't expect any kind of loyalty or understanding if you make a mistake that a family member or state inspector sees. You'll no doubt be thrown to the wolves as fast as they can hoist your sorry carcass out the door.
I suggest you boogie on out of there.

I love you! Today I had 52 residents. Only Me. 5 days of training. 2 admissions and 2 readmissions. I have never did an admission at all. I told the nursing supervisor that I have never did one before and she said "Just fill out what you can" What the Hell is going on. I did no documentation on the 52 residents except MAR book. I will call the DON on Monday morning. Thank you very much you beautiful Nurses.

SuesquatchRN, BSN, RN · Feb 12, 2011

Quit!

taalyn_1, CNA · Feb 12, 2011

Sorry to hear that. Yes LTC is like that from what I have seen. When my sister first became a nurse, her first two or three jobs were like that, they just plunked her down and said basically "have at it". She struggled, and after lots of tears and stress she would quit the job and fall right back into another just like the last. Finally she learned to stand up and say "NO, you said X amount of orientation and that is what I expect you to give me, I worked too hard for my license to jeopardize it doing something i am not comfortable doing yet". She now has a job that she LOVES and she has found her... footing, in standing up for herself in these types of situations. example: recently she was asked to work two halls (by herself and no aide), one being a general LTC hall and the other a Locked Alzheimer's unit. She flat out told them NO, she wasn't going to do it as the patients wouldnt be safe and neither would her license. They found another nurse to come in and even got an aide for those floors.

Sometimes, especially in LTC you have to be a bit bolder or the machine will swallow you.