I would really love u guys opinions on what has just happened to me to find out if there's anything I can do about it or if it's normal. I'll start from the beginning, I graduated from a BSN program in 2009 and after 3 mths of searchingI finally got a position in a LTC facility on the vent unit. It definitely wasn't my first choice, but I was soo grateful to have a job that I took it. I worked there until I got a call from my dream hospital in November for an interview. I almost fell out of my chair when they actually offered me the job in the IMC!! I didn't care that it was Sat and Sun only, I was sooo excited to work in a "real Hospital". I changed my status to prn at the LTC I started on the unit in early Dec, they gave me 10wks for orientation and assigned 2 preceptors to me since I worked only weekends. On my first day, my preceptor was pulled to another unit so i got paired with another nurse, this happened for the next 3 shifts..in all I've worked 2 shifts with one preceptor and 1 shift with another, every other time I worked i was paired with a random nurse. Even one of my main preceptors wasn't happy about this, she felt my orientaion lacked consistence and said she would talk to the unit mngr about so they could change my schedule. I was very frustrated everytim i had a new a new person coz I felt like I was starting over all the time and not really learning as I should and I had actually planned to go speak to one of the educators myself next about it......So imagine my surprise when the unit manager( who's new as of Jan, 1st and whom I met once in passing) and the unit director( whom I never met) called me at 1645 today to tell me that they met with both my preceptors and the educator for the IMC( who I only met in general orientation) and they don't feel that i'm progressing as I should, that their IMC is not the right fit for me and basically I was given the choice to either resign or be terminated! Needless to say I was dumbfounded! this came completely out of left field for me and I didn't know what to say! I had the crappiest orientation so far, i wasn't too vocal about it because i didn't to sound needy or whiny and they're letting ME go??? imo, they don't have any basis to assess my performance, none of them worked with me long enough to do that, i don't feel i was given a fair chance at learning my way around the unit, talk less of learning the job. I sooo upset about this I don't know what to do!! I also don't feel this should have been discussed over the phone, I felt so ambushed!! They didn't even give me the option of changing units or anything! I've already cried my eyes out over this and I almost wished i had done smthg wrong, screwed up somehow on the unit so at least i would have smthg to blame it on...a reason u know..
well thanks for letting me vent, srry if it's too long, I just had to get it out..
i'm sorry! that sucks. i would just put it behind you. i know it's hard, but it's probably nothing you did - or didn't do.
after i graduated college, i got a min. wage job at a loan place bc i couldn't find a job in my field. it was the easiest/mind numbing job i'd ever had. i had always worked in fast paced environments before and this was far from that. i went to work one morning to find the regional manager at the office. she asked to talk to me and told me "it wasn't working out" as i was still on the trial period - had been there about 2 months. when i asked WHY, she said, "well, you're just not learning things like you should." i knew that was BS. my general manager (who had a GED under her belt) was always telling me how great i was doing and how i caught on faster than other employees, etc, etc. the customers would make comments to about how much friendlier/more competent i was than the last girl. i had no reason not to burn that bridge and responded with, "that's crap. if you're firing me, that's fine because i wasn't planning on making it a career anyway, but you don't have to say it's because i couldn't do the job. that's a lie." and i'm not being cocky, but it was a lie. she didn't say much else as i proceeded to pack my things and tell her everything i'd ever wanted to say.
well, about 2 weeks went by and i got a message from the general manager's son wanting to know what i did to get his mom fired! she had worked there for almost 15 years, blah blah blah. i didn't do anything to get his mom fired, but right then i knew the REAL reason i was fired. they were planning to fire HER and the only way they could bring in someone new to learn the ropes (and train to become a manager) was to eliminate a position. it was only the GM and myself who worked there and of course if they fired her FIRST there would be no way to keep the place running as i was still a "new employee." of course she couldn't tell me, "well, i have to let you go bc i plan to fire the manager" bc then i might tell the manager who would quit and they'd be screwed.
people do get fired for not doing their jobs, but a lot of times it has nothing to do with you and more to do with $ and practicality. just sit back and wait. when you see or hear who fills the spot (if anyone) you'll know the real reason you were let go.
I've been in a similar situation as well - med/surg unit, getting passed around from preceptor to preceptor (d/t illness, reassignment at the last minute of the preceptor to a different role that day) to regular nurse who made it very clear she did not ever want to be a preceptor, nothing personal, she just didn't want to be in that role, ever. .it was extremely difficult - absolutely no consistency. I asked for an addl couple of weeks of orientation, as I was not comfortable. Main preceptor and I did not get along at all, she was very young, very high-strung, not well-liked on the unit. .from what other nurses had said, there were probs with other orientees who worked with her. .I tried to just muddle through, keep my head down, work hard, stay late, do whatever was asked, but it just wasn't a good fit. It wasn't. Had a sit-down meeting with managers, etc at the end of orientation, and we had a major discussion about this, they had concerns, I had concerns, and I had to admit, I needed to just stop. Part of it came after a day when I was left alone to work a 14 hour shift with very challenging patients and getting one 15 minute break for lunch. I just couldn't see myself doing this day after day - and God bless those of you who do. .Another gal who had been hired about the same time said she was going home every day and crying because she felt so unprepared and was so over-whelmed. So anyway, I did not return, and truly - the saying about "when one door closes, another opens". . .I started a different job doing private duty nursing 3 days after leaving the med/surg job, and this is where I was meant to be. .much job satisfaction for me here.
Just know, there IS a light at the end of this tunnel. You'll land on your feet and find your niche. Best to you!
I'm really sorry, this situation-for lack of a better phrase- SUCKS. I am a new grad as of May, and on my unit, they hired 3 new grads. Unfortunatly, one of the new grads was struggling during our 8 week orientation. Her preceptor notified her of her short-comings, and from there the orientee had to have weekly meetings with her preceptor, the nurse manager, and the unit CNS to discuss her progress and goals. Unfortunatly, she was terminated, but I feel my unit handled it in a way that was fair...they allowed her to precept for approx 11 weeks (3 weeks over the norm) and when she didn't progress they terminated her, and explained why.
Your situation sounds very unfair- no warning, no chance at redemption. I'm sorry this has happened to you...did they meet with you at all to discuss your progress? Keep your head up, although these are hard times to find a job, keep at it-eventually it will work out. Keep a positive attitude and don't give up!
My first preceptor (and her friends) tried very hard to get me fired. Luckily, the nursing director was willing to hear me out and I somehow made it through. I could have very easily been in your position. And while it doesn't hurt to examine your possible shortcomings, it may just be that you didn't "hit it off" with the people who were supposed to be helping you succeed.
Try to look forward, now. I suspect you will have an inspiring story to tell a struggling new graduate in the future.
Been there, got terminated 4 weeks into a 9 week orientation as an RNA. Said I wasn't working out, not learning fast enough, etc. Granted I might not have been, but there was no warning that if I didn't get better I'd be let go. In the years since I think I didn't fit into the clique that was there as well as not learning fast enough. Hindsight being 20/20 I bit off more than I could chew trying such a high acuity unit as a new grad. It's common and they don't really have to give you a reason, but usually come up with something like this. Just my
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
If managers want to get rid of an employee, they will attempt to do so within the first 90 days of employment. In many states, the first 90 days is regarded as an "at will" period where the employee can resign at any time and for any reason, and the company can terminate the person's employment at any time and for any reason. To avoid any legal recourse, managers look carefully at that 90 day window, because getting rid of an employee after the orientation period is harder than most people think.
There are many reasons they could have decided to let you go. Most of which have nothing to do with your potential or work performance. It is easy to take this personally, but you shouldn't. It could have been a numbers game, budget, etc.. Things that have nothing to do with you at all. The person that made this decision could be someone you have never even met. Just because it came from your unit manager, etc.. does not mean that it was their idea. They could have just been the puppet on the string. Move on and find another job. Water off a duck's back.
I am sorry that you were fired. I know what it can do to your ego. I was fired once, and I believed that it was unfair. I only worked there for three weeks. I was working for an allergist. there was a pt. that had an anaphylactic reaction to his serum that he self injected. I made the serums along with the nurse training me. The pat. was with this dr. for a long time, so it was assumed that I made an error, and I was fired. The feeling of being fired makes you feel very incompetent. However, I rationalized with that I wanted to leave there, anyways, but on my terms. The dr. was a heavy smoker and smoked in his office. I was getting nauseated at work. I agreed to work there knowing that he smoked, but I didn't know that he was a heavy smoker in his office. And, the nurse training me was nothing but a big time gossip. On the first day, she told me the drs. son was a drug addict, talked badly of the nurse that I replace, saying that she was incompetent. Also, told me how the dr. was getting divorced, and she and his son stole money from his practice. I'd like to add, that the incompetent nurse later worked in one my sister's offices that she managed. She was quite pleased with that nurse. So, it was the office, not the nurse.
Also, would like to add that some people just are not cut out to be preceptors. During my brief employment at a nursing home, there was a nurse that was my preceptor. I really felt incompetent working under her. And, she would not let me help with the med pass, as I slowed her down. She just wanted me to shadow her, and when she did let me pass the hs meds, she jumped in when I wasn't done on her time. And, I had two other nurses following me, and they were great in giving me tips on time management. Also, they told me not to worry about my speed, as they were once new themselves, and I was not the worst nurse in med pass. They understood that I was new and told me tht it would take about 6 months for me to get my speed and another 6 months to feel comfortable. Unfortunately, I left that job because I felt that I could not care for 27 patients. I was exhausted by the time that I got home. I vowed never to attempt that type of nursing again.
Bedside nursing is not for me. I would imagine the hospital has it share of stresses. One thing that I have learned is that you need to be focal about what you need. It took me awhile before I complained to the charge nurse that the one nurse did not want me with her. I did not want to get anyone in trouble with the DON; however, I feel that they need to have a preceptor plan already in motion before a new nurse comes on.
Your supervisors need some terminating etiquette. Firing someone over the phone is cowardly. IMHO, they should have called you in and discussed where you need to improve and come up with a plan. I know my sister is a practice manager, and she will meet with employee having a difficult time and have a plan for them. If they are not working out, the next step is to move them to another office where she feels they would be a better fit. They should have shared where they felt where your weaknesses were and come up pith a plan of action.
It is not uncommon to terminate someone before the 90 days is up. My son was just fired because they felt that he should be more independent and did not progress to their expectation. He was just fired on his 90 day review. His other reviews were fine, but the final one was not so good. The good news is that you were very wise and kept your other job. You can try to work all of the hours that you can there and excel. I wish you the best of luck.
Thank You sooo much everyone for your replies and words of encouragement!!! it feels good to hear y'all's opinions on my situation and to know that I'm not overeacting. I've thought about this a lot since yesterday and I definitely KNOW that I gave it my all under the circumstances and I'm convinced that this really had nothing to do with my performance as a nurse....I do however think that the way this was handled was unfair and very unprofessional, I had absolutely no warning, no chance at redemption as someone else said so. I think I will ask for a meeting with them and HR and I'll tell them exactly what I feel. I won't let this get me down, I won't lose the lesson. For now I'll focus on picking up hours at my other job and trying to get health insurance for my daughter.
I'm sorry that this happened to you. The place you worked sounds very disorganized, short-staffed and horrid......but not unique.
With the thought that every bad experience in life presents an opportunity you can learn from, can you share some of your thoughts on what you would do differently...if you had the chance to do a "do-over?" There may be many others who would benefit from your introspection.
Maybe you shouldn't tell them EXACTLY what you think or feel. However, I really wish they would give you a reason, the reason.
Also, you probably have the right to have a statement from you placed in your HR file.
In that statement, say what you said here - about the fact that your preceptors were constantly changing, you were only on duty 2 days per week (who can possibly orient properly like that? most jobs want you to orient full time, as far as I know.), and whatever else you think might have contributed to them finding you unacceptable to remain on their staff.
Do NOT burn your bridges, though. Be cool, calm, polite, and professional, even if they Sneaky Pete'd you. You never know when you might find yourself working alongside someone from this job in the future - either as peer, boss, or you might even be their boss. Life is funny like that, we never know what the future holds.
Express your gratitude for the opportunity to have worked there, however briefly, and say that you would look forward to the opportunity to do so again in the future, should circumstances change. Say that you know you could do an excellent job for them and would welcome heartily the chance to show them what a top flight nurse you really will be, should the opportunity arise.
Write a true business letter. Do not get angry and emotional. I know you are hurting and I hope you find peace soon. Just keep in your heart that they are the ones who are really messed up (and they truly sound like they are) and that you did your level best, under the difficult circumstances they threw at you - under any circumstances, it sounds like.
And who knows - maybe God is protecting you from some horrendous tragedy. You will never really know, this side of eternity, but stranger things have happened. Perhaps your loving heavenly Father just doesn't want you there. Not imposing my religious beliefs on you and no offense is meant, in case you don't believe as I do in that department - just expressing my heart and I hope you find some comfort and hope from it.
Give a copy of said letter to your boss and her boss or whoever made this decision. Keep a copy, too.
backatit2
368 Posts
i'm sorry! that sucks. i would just put it behind you. i know it's hard, but it's probably nothing you did - or didn't do.
after i graduated college, i got a min. wage job at a loan place bc i couldn't find a job in my field. it was the easiest/mind numbing job i'd ever had. i had always worked in fast paced environments before and this was far from that. i went to work one morning to find the regional manager at the office. she asked to talk to me and told me "it wasn't working out" as i was still on the trial period - had been there about 2 months. when i asked WHY, she said, "well, you're just not learning things like you should." i knew that was BS. my general manager (who had a GED under her belt) was always telling me how great i was doing and how i caught on faster than other employees, etc, etc. the customers would make comments to about how much friendlier/more competent i was than the last girl. i had no reason not to burn that bridge and responded with, "that's crap. if you're firing me, that's fine because i wasn't planning on making it a career anyway, but you don't have to say it's because i couldn't do the job. that's a lie." and i'm not being cocky, but it was a lie. she didn't say much else as i proceeded to pack my things and tell her everything i'd ever wanted to say.
well, about 2 weeks went by and i got a message from the general manager's son wanting to know what i did to get his mom fired! she had worked there for almost 15 years, blah blah blah. i didn't do anything to get his mom fired, but right then i knew the REAL reason i was fired. they were planning to fire HER and the only way they could bring in someone new to learn the ropes (and train to become a manager) was to eliminate a position. it was only the GM and myself who worked there and of course if they fired her FIRST there would be no way to keep the place running as i was still a "new employee." of course she couldn't tell me, "well, i have to let you go bc i plan to fire the manager" bc then i might tell the manager who would quit and they'd be screwed.
people do get fired for not doing their jobs, but a lot of times it has nothing to do with you and more to do with $ and practicality. just sit back and wait. when you see or hear who fills the spot (if anyone) you'll know the real reason you were let go.