In over my head and don't know what to do!

Nurses General Nursing

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I am a new nurse. I took my NCLEX in July and passed. I did not start looking for a position until August. I applied and interview for several but did not hear anything. After a long story, I started a job in December. Unfortunately, I don't feel I was given the full job description before I started. Now I am not sure what to do. The job is in a small rural hospital on the night shift, charging the floor and ER. My orientation lasts for 3 months. I did not realize that I would be the ONLY RN on this shift with one LPN and 2 CNA's. I don't feel I have the experience or education for this position. A doctor is on call at all times but may or may not come to see the patients in the ER. The RN is responsible for making the assessment, calling the Dr. on call, and receiving verbal orders over the phone (the doctor never sees the patient). I have heard from others that there have been times the nurse has actually done surtures. There also have been babies delivered in this ER by the RN because there is no doctor on the premises. The closest hospital that delivers babies is 30-50 miles away. I don't have any experience in OB. I am afraid of not finding another job, or it looking bad that I quit after a month. More importantly, I am worried that I will jeopardize my license. As a new nurse I don't know how to handle the situation. Does anyone have any suggestion on how or what to say when I quit and what to say to my potential next employer on why I quit?

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I would run, not walk out of there. You are not only putting your license on the line, but the also the patient's lives.

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This job calls for a nurse with vast experience. Even better they should have a NP. You just are not experienced enough to do this. What are the people that hired you to do this thinking?

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RUN. You aren't qualified for this position and your employer knows it. Don't risk your license or the lives of your patients. Get out now.

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Specializes in EMS, ER, GI, PCU/Telemetry.

that sounds like a scary situation. they atleast need to have a PA or NP there with you! i would get out of there quickly.

as far as what to tell other employers.... i would say tell them the truth. tell them you are a fairly brand new nurse and would like a position to give you the orientation to real world nursing that you deserve... not one thats going to throw you under the bus.

i wish you the best.

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Specializes in Hem/Onc, ER.

Run!!!! I will reiterate what everybody else said much better - this would be a job suited for someone with vast experience or a NP.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I TOTALLY agree with the other posters. I don't know what state you are in, but in TX it is a violation of our nurse practice act to give new grads a 'charge' responsibility, let alone act as the sole RN in a facility.

Being the "only RN" is very common in small/rural facilities & I am in absolute awe of the fantastic nurses who manage this role without any problems. I definitely agree that you should have been provided with a more realistic job preview. At least in your next job, you will know what questions to ask about staffing.

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Specializes in Acute care, Community Med, SANE, ASC.

Agree with the others--that position is not appropriate for a new nurse.

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Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.

I would speak to your supervisor and explain everything as you have stated here. I would hope they could find another position for you in their hospital. I can just imagine how you are feeling. I would be terrified as people have pointed out it would take a very, very experienced nurse to be comfortable in this role.

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Specializes in Telemetry & Obs.

OMG!! That's a lawsuit waiting to happen!

RUN just as fast as you can away from there...and don't worry about how it looks on a resume. Any other facility looking to hire you would appreciate that you know when you're in over your head!

(((((OP)))))

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Do any nurses ever rise to the challenge when faced with these types of situations? Everytime these questions come up on all nurses a bunch of people say run. But do nurses always have to run from challenges?? I'm guessing this is how the role of NP came about in the first place - because some people didn't run.

This is a general question - not specific to OP's situation.

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Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.

Sunray, I think the question you bring up would make a good thread all by itself.

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