Is this bizarre?

[mcpnurse]

I heard this from a classmate... tell me what you think b/c it sounds totally bizarre to me.

My classmate is a new grad who found a job at medicine/telemetry unit. He only has 5-6 weeks orientation before he has his own load. He already did 2 weeks of orientation and his unit is very understaffed. Supposingly his preceptor quit w/o telling him (perhaps the preceptor always had a prob w. the manager?) Now the manager says that b/c they're understaffed... if he would consider taking his own load of patients from now on. My classmate refused because he feels he doesn't have the proper training yet to take such a load. The manager told him if that's the case, they will consider firing him. Ok now.... I find this messed up. Can they even do that? I know he's not even done with orientation and is on probational period... but that's just unprofessional? Maybe b/c I'm a new nurse as well and I don't know the rules of these things but it just doesn't sound right. would you resign or have them fire you for such a reason?

[ChristineN, BSN, RN]

I agree it does sound bizarre. A new grad should not be expected to be able to work independently after 2 weeks. It is not his fault his preceptor quit. I would caution him against working independently if he does not feel ready. Encourage him to vocalize his feelings to the nurse educator as well.

[guest64485]

Management pressuring orientation nurses to end orientation early is very typical, though usually without such force as this, and usually not this early into the orientation. If he is in a non-union hospital they can fire him for pretty much anything. I would encourage him to demand his full or near full time on orientation because that time is critical for a brand new nurse's learning and safety on the job. Yes it is unprofessional for them to threaten him this way but unfortunately this type of thing is not uncommon in hospitals.

Is he in a union hospital? If so have him talk to his union rep asap

[mcpnurse]

the union will protect you even if you're on probation?

[Lucky0220]

This sounds so counter-productive. If the manager fires him, then they will be even more understaffed. Real smart manager????

[elkpark]

This sounds so counter-productive. If the manager fires him, then they will be even more understaffed. Real smart manager????

But, these days, if she fires him, they'll have many, many applications (many from experienced nurses) as soon as they post the position. It's definitely an employer's market these days, and the employers know it.

I agree this scenario is certainly not unusual in nursing. As an experienced nurse, I've had my orientation in new positions cut to one day (on the floor) more than once -- when I showed up the second day, someone had called in and I was expected to jump in and do the job. It's certainly not a good idea, but it happens.

[sorlando]

The hospital I work in is an 'at will' employer. They can fire anyone for any reason. Maybe this hospital that this nurse is working at is the same.

[shuubie]

wow I can't believe what I'm hearing. I agree with above that they have no problem replacing the position with experienced nurses (which is what they need right now) if they are understaffed, I think. But the question is, is it better to get fired for any reason or resign? If they fire at will before the end of your orientation, then you don't get unemployment benefits right?

[elkpark]

If they fire at will before the end of your orientation, then you don't get unemployment benefits right?

You don't get unemployment if you resign, either. However, that's usually a better choice than being fired.

[loricatus]

This is more common than you might think.

The only hope would be to talk to the Nurse Educator for the floor and ask the N.E. to talk to the manager.

Have been in this position and started looking for a new job as soon as the mention of going it alone 4 weeks after graduation from school was made-my preceptor went on maternity leave on week 4 after orientation started. And, it was a Neuro ICU floor where I was expected to take 2 patients on my own.

Had no problem finding a new job just telling the truth of what was going on.

FYI: High employee turnover ratios don't look good for a manager at their review time-----hint, hint

[MissNikkiRN]

It does sound crazy. I am a new grad and I couldn't imagine not having the proper orientation. Just curious where is this hospital located?

[NC Girl BSN]

This is jacked up! It puts the new grad in a very difficult place. Did he say what he was going to do? Either way, if she fires him. The new nurse that they hire will have to orientate to the unit and that could be another month or two turn around. Either way, I would go down with a fight. He needs to contact HR.