Just Fired From My 1st Nursing Job

Published

:bluecry1:

Hi all,

I am SOOO bummed. Today, I was fired from my very first job in nursing. I graduated as an LVN in March, passed the Boards in May and was hired 3 weeks ago.

When they hired me, they knew I had Zero nursing experience, that I was a fresh grad and they promised me they would "extensively train" me as "long as needed'

Well hmm....ok. So after 8 days of orientation, they come to me and say "time to take a med test"....whether or not I was ready. And quite frankly I wasnt ready. The 8 days of 'orientation' was me watching as the nurse(s) I was paired with did their med pass like they were lightening Jack, didnt answer any questions I had and told me "If you're not fast here, you dont deserve to work"

This facility has anywehre from 24-30 patients for each nurse, you also have to chart and whenever a new patient is admitted, it is the LVN who creates the care plans. And if this isnt done according to "standard" you get "audited" by medical records and have to come in on your day off and "fix" your mistakes in the charting.

So I failed my med test. They said "you only get 3 chances....we want someone who is fast here. you can't be slow"

I failed 3 times. And I did the med pass correctly....I did 6 rights, 3 times, I made sure I washed my hands, did the correct protocol etc. They were looking for a reason to get rid of me. She told me today after I gave a breathing treatment, "Why didnt you assess her lungs? Get in there and assess her!!!" Ok, that was new to me. I thought assessment was during your rounds, not during med pass time.

The whole situation there is shady. They tried to pin giving a patient a narc on me when I never did it, despite someone signing my name in the narc book. Very very shady.

The other things I saw here.....when a patient asks for a narc, they will make fun of the patient for awhile and then say "You just are a druggie" and then give tylenol when clearly they have a PRN order for Vicodin. These are freakin old patients here, if they are a druggie, let them be, they are also dying.

But the worst is how I was treated. They had me believing I was incapable because I couldnt get a med pass done in 20 minutes for 24 patients. Well maybe with experience yes, but right now I dont know these patients and I dont know what meds they are on, so I am going to pick safety over speed.

Im just angry because now what do I do when it comes to looking for work?? I cant say I spent 3 weeks at this facility and then they fired me, I cant put this on my resume can I???

And to top it off, Im dealing with my dad having newly diagnosed esophageal cancer (Stage I/II thank god!!!) and massive debt and im the sole supporter of my family. So I really could use money right now.

Oh and the worst......they wanted me to work NOC shift, but when I found out they wanted me to watch 56 patients for no differential, I said no way. Thats insane. I dont mind working the NOC, but at least give a 6 percent differential.

Any advice, support or tips would be greatly appreciated,

:sniff:

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in LTC, Med-Surg, IMCU/Tele, HH/CM.

Wow. This sounds like a horrible situation. I don't know what advice I could give or what I could say to make you feel better, but I wanted to let you know you have my sympathy.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

You're lucky to be gone.

And don;t mention it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

When I started working in a nursing facility as an LPN I had 3 days orientation with 30 patients (long term). I cried my first day on my own because I was passing medications from the time I got there until the time I left. My supervisor was great. She told me there is no way you are going to be able to pass these meds quickly as a new nurse. Even after a year there was no way I could pass those meds quickly. I did end up going to the skilled side and noticed how my co-partner would always get her breaks and go home right on time. I had a permanent assignment so I was used to the patients. I missed many breaks and never got on on time because I was charting. I worked for that facility for 5 years before going into home health. I was a very good nurse there and was told frequently. As a new nurse you should not be expected to jump right in and do everything an experienced nurse can do. I wasn't able to do my treatments for the longest time - just had to pass them on. After 10 years of being an LPN I went back to school and now have my RN. I am working in a hospital for the experience (I never worked in a hospital as an LPN). I am in a whole different world and yes it is uncomfortable right now. You will not know if you like a job or not until about 6 months. As for applying at other places, you can just tell them what happened or since it was such a short time, not mention it. They didn't give you a chance and that is so sad because we need nurses. I will add that when you do get a new job, find out everything you can and ask questions. Know the drugs you are passing, at least what they are for and become familiar with side effects, labs, etc. This is something that comes over time. GOOD LUCK.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So sorry to hear. HUGS!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

CONGRATS!!

On getting the #$%^ out of there.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ortho, Neuro, Detox, Tele.

good luck on the job search...don't mention it at all...ALWAYS protect your license first...jobs will come.

20 minutes for 24 patients? that's INSANE! safety first.

Also, people not getting their ordered meds? Bedpans for a hour? NO THANKS!

You got lucky to get fired now....before you got locked in.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Geriatrics, Transplant, Education.
good luck on the job search...don't mention it at all...ALWAYS protect your license first...jobs will come.

20 minutes for 24 patients? that's INSANE! safety first.

Also, people not getting their ordered meds? Bedpans for a hour? NO THANKS!

You got lucky to get fired now....before you got locked in.

Yikes, safety first is right! I don't know how 20 minutes for 24 patients is even possible. It takes me well over an hour to do my am med pass for 11! (I'm three weeks into orientation).

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in neuro, critical care, open heart..

There is NO way to give 24 pts their meds in 20 minutes, unless not all of the meds are being given. I worked LTC as a med nurse, and it took me at least 2 HOURS for 35 residents, and that was after being there for 5 years!!! I totally agree, this was the best thing for you. As far as the facility goes, you can call your state licensing board and report it, but I doubt anything will be done. Good luck in yourfuture.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pediatric vent,adult quad vent,ltc.

they were most likly getting there med pass ready before begining it.example number med cup put pt name on cup put that pts meds in cup after checking mar I have noticed alot of nurses do this due to having25-50 pt in ltc but if state walks in the door those nurses will be in trouble. since you'er a new grad try a high quality ltc home example mainly private pay pts you'll also have better luck with nurse pt ratios and supplies

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Thank you all SOO much.

I feel a lot better.

I kinda thought their reasons for firing me was bull. I am a good nurse and I had all of the patients in my ward asking other nurses where I was when I wasnt scheduled, and I think they resented it.

Anyhoo. my dad is just been diagnosed with Stage I Esophageal cancer and is in the hospital, just got 6 units of blood over the weekend, hemoglobin is now 10.4 and is going to be transferred to St Joseph's in Stockton for the surgery. His surgeon is the number one cardiothoracic surgeon in California, and has a zero percent mortality rate on these surgeries. So its a blessing that I was canned because I can take these next 2 weeks to attend to my dad and be his main support and then look for work after his recovery.

Thanks so much. This board got me through my NCLEX and has now gotten me through this. Nurses really do rock!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.

Sounds like a raw deal, but perhaps it will be a blessing in disguise. I started my first day yesterday in LTC, prn. While I have no problem in the hospital, my other job.

I can truly say giving meds to 20 people along with treatments seems overwhelming. I suspect the day I do it by myself will be worse. Now if they were in their rooms, I would not see it as such a problem. Heck finding them somewhere whether it is their rooms, pt gym, ot gym, recreation area,, yikes,,, heaven help me.

I found it scary that most of the nurses do not use their mars when brining meds to their residents. While I understand they know who their patients are. It will not be a practice I am comfortable with. In the hospital they would have our hides. Me I took the mar with. I realize this will slow me down, but it was what I was taught, what I am use to doing and the only sure way of doing it. Wish all the identification bands were clear to read. They aren't.. oh well,

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion