Lost newish grad

Nurses New Nurse

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Hopefully my story does not have too many identifying details, but I am wondering if anyone else has gone through something similar to me? Sorry for the length in advance.

I am a new graduate RN. I graduated at the beginning of May with my BSN. All I ever dreamed of was hospital/med surg nursing..... possibly ICU eventually. The same day I passed NCLEX, I was offered a position on a neuro med-surg floor at a fairly well known hospital that I had interviewed at. I was THRILLED. I started that job about a month and a half later (I had to move and transfer my license, which took some time....), anyways, about two months into the position, i was starting to have management talk to me about some concerns that they had that I was not really progressing as fast as they would like/need for me to go. These went on for about another month, with me trying to fix what they were asking as hard as I could, but alas, eventually we came to the conclusion that this was not the best floor for me to start my career with. The acuity was way too high. I was discouraged/frustrated/angry, ect..... but I decided to apply to the hospital across town.

That hospital was smaller and had more of a general med surg position available. I interviewed, loved the managers and shortly afterwards, got my new job. I was super excited as this position was going to allow me to learn a few more skills than the last place (IV starts, central lines, ect....) Things were going great! at first...... but shortly after my first review (about a month in), preceptors and management were again beginning to bring up some of the same concerns that the last place did. I was angry, heartbroken, ect, but I again put my head down and threw my self 200% into the job to try to fix their concerns. Again, it was not enough, and I again had to resign from my second position in order to avoid termination.

At this point, I am numb, angry, scared, frustrated, and probably a whole host of other emotions. It seems as though at this point, I will not be able to handle hospital nursing which hurts sooooo bad. That is all I ever wanted to do, and honestly the pain that nursing has brought to me these last few short months has made me consider walking from the profession completely. But I LOVE nursing. I honestly don't know where to turn. Currently I am also working PRN at a nursing home, but am looking for other possible areas. I don't know where else to go. Nothing else really interests me, although I have looked into possibly infusion nursing, but I don't know enough about it.

OP, I rest my case. :)

Not with regard to providing more details here but being a little more communicative and open IRL so that people aren't free to assume whatever pops into their head.

See what I mean?

I see what you are saying. I think?:)

Most Home health agencies and/or infusion clinics will not take new grad/little experience. But it can never hurt to try. I am not sure you have been in Med-Surg long enough to know whether or not you love it, or hate it. You are claiming this as you dream job but really do not understand the reality of the actual job. I would try to find out more info (detailed) from both your past employers (if possible) that led them to your termination. Are you able to call/talk to the Managers, co-workers, HR etc. This would help in any future job. Either way, I would continue to learn what you can from your current job (LTC) and see where that goes, you might find its a better fit and you love that job! Good luck!

I wasn't terminated. I resigned from both. I am not sure that calling them to clarify will work. I will continue to see where the nursing home leads but at the moment, I don't see myself there long term

Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.
I wasn't terminated. I resigned from both. I am not sure that calling them to clarify will work. I will continue to see where the nursing home leads but at the moment, I don't see myself there long term

Even though it was mutual you did not want to leave. I didn't mean you should call them to clarify the wording, termination vs resignation, at this point it doesn't matter (as far as your former employer goes). I meant calling and talking to anyone who could help you understand WHY you don't work there anymore, the reasons WHY you were not able to progress as they expected. The answers you obtain may help you in a new position, especially from any trusted coworkers, maybe you are still able to call nurses that you worked with there? And even if you don't see yourself in LTC now, that is fine, still learn whatever you can now because it will help later where ever you end up. Hope this helps!

My clinical...... ok, I came from a pretty small school and their clinical site selection wasn't the best. I know they did the best that they could,. The hospital where I did all my med surg clinicala was a fairly small community hospital with not a lot going on. Then there was a bunch of confusion each semester on what we were and were not allowed to do as students..... it was frustrating, but I made it through. The most patients I ever had was I believe 2? But most of the time it was 1

I hear ya! I'm attending a school in a rural location, and we have the same struggle.

Even though it was mutual you did not want to leave. I didn't mean you should call them to clarify the wording, termination vs resignation, at this point it doesn't matter (as far as your former employer goes). I meant calling and talking to anyone who could help you understand WHY you don't work there anymore, the reasons WHY you were not able to progress as they expected. The answers you obtain may help you in a new position, especially from any trusted coworkers, maybe you are still able to call nurses that you worked with there? And even if you don't see yourself in LTC now, that is fine, still learn whatever you can now because it will help later where ever you end up. Hope this helps!

Thanks. I do have "write-ups" from both locations that outline what I said before were my issues (time management/critical thinking, ect). I don't know that they will be clearer than that. I don't really have any trusted friends at either place that will help me

Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.
Thank you. I did post some of their concerns, but have left some out to remain private. I was trying my hardest to fix their concerns, and thought I was making good progress, but it wasn't fast enough. I will be taking a step away from acute care for the time being to process things. I am more just venting.... and scared that I will never be able to meet expectations. Just taking one day at a time

I don't understand your concern about remaining private. You had issues with time management, critical thinking, and delegation. Were there other concerns? We don't need to know details -- patients, specific concerns, etc. But you do need to acknowledge the concerns addressed and take them seriously. Were there issues with how you speak to patients? How you get along with co-workers? Admitting to those concerns won't give away too many details.

Specializes in Critical Care.

Honestly, maybe they are doing you a favor. The truth is hospital nursing is brutal, constant short staffing, high acuity patients and every day more is added to your plate. I've been a nurse almost a quarter century and I struggle with the stress and alarms and can't wait to retire. Frankly, some days I regret becoming a nurse and worry that the constant stress will give me a stroke. I am not exaggerating. I know other experienced coworkers literally cry from the working conditions, me I'm just so angry about the way we are treated and hate the corporation that runs the hospital now! It is an equal opportunity jerk it treats both peons and management like ****! We're all in the same **** show together! LOL

I ran into a coworker who after a year decided it wasn't for her and she asked did I like my job and laughed, no of course not, I'm not that crazy! She has tried different things and is happy working in a clinic. I know a couple other coworkers that moved to a clinic job and it may be boring at times, but it is much less stressful.

Don't keep trying to please the hospital managers when if you were honest you would admit you were stressed and unhappy anyway. I don't know what mistakes you made or how serious they were, but I would look at other options. If not clinic then how about home health, I've heard that is less stressful, you make your own schedule and see one patient at a time and many places will hire new grads.

Please don't tear yourself up about your so-called failure to meet their ridiculous working condition expectations. I suggest you run away from hospital nursing and don't look back. I wish I had done that as a new grad myself. lol

I feel crazy to stay, but also trapped financially and can't afford the pay cut to go to a clinic or home care. You were at the bottom of the pay scale so there really is no financial hit to you if you try other options like a clinic or home care. I would be cautious about dialysis clinics though because they are notoriously understaffed and expect an insane amount of overtime so steer clear of them!

I don't understand your concern about remaining private. You had issues with time management, critical thinking, and delegation. Were there other concerns? We don't need to know details -- patients, specific concerns, etc. But you do need to acknowledge the concerns addressed and take them seriously. Were there issues with how you speak to patients? How you get along with co-workers? Admitting to those concerns won't give away too many details.

None of that sort. What I listed were the concerns. I am just not going into specifics. They never said I wasn't speaking well to patients or co workers

Honestly, maybe they are doing you a favor. The truth is hospital nursing is brutal, constant short staffing, high acuity patients and every day more is added to your plate. I've been a nurse almost a quarter century and I struggle with the stress and alarms and can't wait to retire. Frankly, some days I regret becoming a nurse and worry that the constant stress will give me a stroke. I am not exaggerating. I know other experienced coworkers literally cry from the working conditions, me I'm just so angry about the way we are treated and hate the corporation that runs the hospital now! It is an equal opportunity jerk it treats both peons and management like ****! We're all in the same **** show together! LOL

I ran into a coworker who after a year decided it wasn't for her and she asked did I like my job and laughed, no of course not, I'm not that crazy! She has tried different things and is happy working in a clinic. I know a couple other coworkers that moved to a clinic job and it may be boring at times, but it is much less stressful.

Don't keep trying to please the hospital managers when if you were honest you would admit you were stressed and unhappy anyway. I don't know what mistakes you made or how serious they were, but I would look at other options. If not clinic then how about home health, I've heard that is less stressful, you make your own schedule and see one patient at a time and many places will hire new grads.

Please don't tear yourself up about your so-called failure to meet their ridiculous working condition expectations. I suggest you run away from hospital nursing and don't look back. I wish I had done that as a new grad myself. lol

I feel crazy to stay, but also trapped financially and can't afford the pay cut to go to a clinic or home care. You were at the bottom of the pay scale so there really is no financial hit to you if you try other options like a clinic or home care. I would be cautious about dialysis clinics though because they are notoriously understaffed and expect an insane amount of overtime so steer clear of them!

That's the thing though! Only the managers and their statements that I wasn't cutting it was stressing me out. I absolutely loved the job and floor nursing! ( well the first place started stressing me out....) the second place I could have totally seen myself working there long term if I hadn't been struggling so much

Specializes in Med/Surg/Infection Control/Geriatrics.

I remember my early days in nursing. I was scared, excited, happy, euphoric and relieved when I passed my boards. My first nursing job was at a hospital out of state, as at the time, I was also serving in the military reserve. My marriage wasn't in very good shape. No stress there....So, when I went to work for the first time as a nurse there were some things that made a deep impression: My Nurse Manager was honest and down to earth. No nonsense, but a wonderful resource when needed. My Team Leader had years of experience, although she seemed quite young. Watching her made me want to be just like her. She encouraged me and helped me understand the politics in nursing as well as the bedside part. The key to any success in your career is honesty both with your colleagues as well as yourself. It's ok to admit to don't know it all and that everyone has a particular learning style. Give yourself time, and ask for help when you need to. Do not feel that you have to appear to look experienced when you aren't. Remember your training, study, review, and listen.......Best to you. Don't give up the ship...not yet.

I remember my early days in nursing. I was scared, excited, happy, euphoric and relieved when I passed my boards. My first nursing job was at a hospital out of state, as at the time, I was also serving in the military reserve. My marriage wasn't in very good shape. No stress there....So, when I went to work for the first time as a nurse there were some things that made a deep impression: My Nurse Manager was honest and down to earth. No nonsense, but a wonderful resource when needed. My Team Leader had years of experience, although she seemed quite young. Watching her made me want to be just like her. She encouraged me and helped me understand the politics in nursing as well as the bedside part. The key to any success in your career is honesty both with your colleagues as well as yourself. It's ok to admit to don't know it all and that everyone has a particular learning style. Give yourself time, and ask for help when you need to. Do not feel that you have to appear to look experienced when you aren't. Remember your training, study, review, and listen.......Best to you. Don't give up the ship...not yet.

Thank you so much for your encouragement. It hurts so much, and I am scared, but I will be stepping away from acute care, at least for awhile. I don't know how long for, hopefully not for long

Specializes in Case manager, float pool, and more.
Even though it was mutual you did not want to leave. I didn't mean you should call them to clarify the wording, termination vs resignation, at this point it doesn't matter (as far as your former employer goes). I meant calling and talking to anyone who could help you understand WHY you don't work there anymore, the reasons WHY you were not able to progress as they expected. The answers you obtain may help you in a new position, especially from any trusted coworkers, maybe you are still able to call nurses that you worked with there? And even if you don't see yourself in LTC now, that is fine, still learn whatever you can now because it will help later where ever you end up. Hope this helps!

Excellent point. I work with a few nurses who started in LTC as a new grad for a year or two before coming to the hospital. Most nurses during our careers will have worked in more than 1-2 different areas. Where you start your journey is not always your final destination.

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