I didn't pass orientation and now I can't get a job

[Beam_RN]

I am going to try to keep this as short as possible. I earned my RN license in February 2009 and immediately acquired a job in the ICU at a local hospital. I was supposed to have a 3 to 4 month orientation with one or two preceptors. After one month of precepting, I found out (second hand) that a senior staff member had problems with his preceptor and he was going to be assigned to my preceptor. I was then assigned another preceptor. My first month was fine, my preceptor even fought to keep me, but to no avail. Once I was assigned this new preceptor, each shift when I came in he was always assigned to some special assignment that was not related to bedside nursing, nor of any benefit to me as an orientee. Bottom line, I ended up going through 16 preceptors. I got absolutely no consistency, minimal support and I was told I was not passing orientation. I was to either resign or be terminated (I was highly encouraged to quit and did so. Because of this, I have been unable to obtain unemployment benefits). Now, I have managed to obtain only 3 interviews in 6 months and only passed one (for which I am on a waiting list until budget permits new hires). I have no way to explain this failure to prospective employers...I believe I was treated unfairly, I didn't have the opportunity to learn and deserve a second chance. But as yet, I can't seem to get a break! If I tell the truth, it sounds as if I am badmouthing my previous employer, and obviously I can't lie. Can ANYONE shed some light on this for me??? I would be extremely grateful for the input! :heartbeat:redbeathe

[vanlo001]

I'm sorry first off that you had this experience. Secondly, take stock in what you did learn and believe in your mind that you will get through this. I would try for a different specialty. I would explain that the ICU wasn't the right fit for you and you want to take your nursing career in a different direction. Even if you really want to do ICU much can be gained from other areas in the hospital and you there is a possiblity of moving into the ICU at a later date. For instance, you could say "the ICU wasn't the right fit for me and as I look at other positions I decided to take the advice of all my instructors and do medical surgical nursing before jumping into intensive care". One thing you don't get in intensive care is patients that talk to you. You could state, "after orienting in the ICU I realized it wasn't what I had expected I want to interact with my patients, greet them in the morning help them get better perform patient teaching". Spin this to your benefit. You were definitely given a raw deal- that wasn't the right place for you- see it as a blessing in disguise- you couldve stay'd there had people undermine you and then decided to quit when you couldn't take it any longer. It will be OK. Next year or the year after you'll look back on this and think yeah that really sucked but oh well I'm happy now.

[Beam_RN]

Thank you so much for your kind and thoughtful response Van!!!! I am already on my way to NOT working in the ICU again...the part I am having a problem with is having to explain to prospective employers that I was asked to resign...it is difficult but I am going to keep trying. I am going to remember your words and hope that I will come back next year and laugh about this!!!!! I think right now I am in a slump, but when you hit bottom, there really is nowhere to go but up!!! Thank you again. :) Beam