Need some advice for a new grad (long)

[saguaro13]

Ok, so here's the deal, I apologize in advance for the length. I am a new grad and just started in the ED a month ago, have worked probably 6 days total on the unit. When I was hired, I was told I would have an extensive preceptorship, classroom training, etc etc. ACLS, etc. I asked how long my orientation would take and was told, as long as it takes. However, they just let someone go because they weren't "getting it" after 1-1/2 months. I have been there a month. I have had a week of classroom which was mostly a rehash of school, and a week of hospital/nursing orientation which was fine.

Now here is the problem. I have a different preceptor just about every time I work. I get handed charts and told to go do things I have never done before. When I tell my preceptor of the day about it, I get told to go try it and come get them if I run into a problem. Also my main preceptor and I are usually the only ones scheduled to work in our area, so the preceptor runs around trying to get all the pts. taken care of while I am left running around trying to pick up whatever work I can and am able to do. We (preceptor and I) went to our manager and asked to have more time with an additional person scheduled during orientation so we could get some actual training done. Instead the solution was for me to be assigned pts on my own so I could learn how to take care of them from start to finish, I would be responsible for all of their care. I don't have a license yet, so legally I can't start IV's or pass meds, except they expect me to start IV's even though I have not been checked off on this skill by the hospital. I don't expect to have my hand held, nor do I want it to be, but I would like at least a little direction when it comes to policies, procedures and tasks I have never done before.

Also after we went to mgmt, the educator suddenly wanted to write my evaluation. Which is supposed to be completed by my preceptor at the end of my orientation. My preceptor refused to sign it saying that she had not worked with me enough to evaluate me. So the educator, who I have also not worked with wrote up my evaluation. It was a mixed bag of evals too. She signed it and then made me sign it. THe rest of the day, the educator and mgr kept calling in my preceptor to the office and no one talked to me the rest of the day. I now feel like my job is in danger

I don't know what to do, I am not getting the training I was promised, and am being counted as a body there, even though they say I'm not. I know that going straight to the ED right out of school was a great oppty. but at the same time if I am not properly trained how can I take care of my pts? I want to quit but am not sure how this would look on a resume? Also is this standard training practice for new grads?

Any advice is appreciated.

[llg, PhD, RN]

My advice is to resign before they fire you. This sounds like a terrible place to work and I see no reason for trying to make it work for you. The sooner you resign, the easier it will be to explain the short-term job in the future. When asked about it, you can say that once you started in the job, you realized that the orientation was not geared to new grads and that you thought it would be better to start your career in an environment that was more used to working with new grads.

If you handle it delicately, the ED management may help you find a more suitable position in another unit in the same hospital.

Good luck to you. I'm sorry you have had such a bad experience. For your next job, be sure to find a unit that is used to meeting the needs of a new grad.

llg

[TazziRN, RN]

Okay, first thing is you need to protect yourself and your pts, which means you have to leave that ER. They are not keeping their end of the bargain, even though your preceptor is trying to. By continuing to work there under these circumstances, you are putting your license and pts' safety in jeopardy.

As for your resume, I don't think you have to worry at all. If asked why you left after such a short time, be honest. Any prospective employer who would hold that against you is not worth working for.

[PANurseRN1]

I wouldn't just leave that ED. I would leave that hospital. Managers talk among themselves, and with the situation you described, your manager is capable of anything.

Get out of there before you are fired...or worse.

This kind of stuff really makes me angry.

[saguaro13]

Is this how all new grads are trained? Or is this the bad way of training? I forgot to add this to my last post.

[TazziRN, RN]

No, this is not how new grads should be trained. You are not even licensed yet so should not be taking a load by yourself. You should have one primary preceptor and should be scheduled with her for most if not all of your shifts. Your eval should be written by someone who has directly observed you, and you do NOT have to sign any eval that you don't agree with, or you should write a rebuttal to the eval (there should be a space for your comments on the last page of the eval).

[leslie :-D]

i agree: you should resign asap.

they are not concerned about your growth & development, but are shamelessly throwing you to the wolves.

since no one seems to be concerned about the welfare of the pts or your non-licensure, it's up to you to protect the pts and yourself.

there are many programs in place specifically for new grads.

i suggest you start there.

best of luck to you.

leslie

[LoriAlabamaRN]

I agree with the others, you need to find another position. You're in danger of losing much more than your job- you are in danger of losing your license. You must find a position that will train you specifically as a new grad. I know it's tough to give up a good opportunity, but you are risking everything you have worked so hard for.

[mst31]

I too am a new grad and I can tell you that not all situations are like the one you are presently in. My internship is very structured. I spend 2-8 hour days in class each week and 2-12 hour shifts with my preceptor. The same preceptor. The classes are geared to get me to be able to take care of critical care patients and my preceptor eases me into flying solo. Right now, I am just responsible for care of one patient. Eventually I will progress to the full 4:1 ratio, but only when my preceptor and I agree I am ready. I too think maybe you should find another program. Being a new grad is hard enough without having someone trying to make you sink or swim. JMO

[lovinghands]

I'm so sorry about your new job. This must be a major disappointment for you. I agree with the above posters. You must protect your license as well as your patients. There are wonderful orientation programs out there that are supportive and want motivated employees like you. Move on - there are better opportunities waiting for you. Best Wishes :)

[troutfishinEMT]

Wow - Plus one on what everone else said about quitting. You must be in Florida. As for the other recent grad who just posted about having a preceptor hold their hand and only one pt until they eventually work up to a 4:1 ratio - what unit and in what state would that be?

4:1 in a ICU is a disaster waiting to happen - med/surg floor it's like a vacation.

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

When I first graduated from school I began work in a situation just like yours. I quit after two months. Went to med/surg, at another hospital and learned a bunch and then went to work in another ER. Training is very different from facility to facility and unfortunately you don't know if they will keep up their end of the bargain until after you start. You need to get out and get a job somewhere else. They won't hold this against you, they see it all the time. Always protect your patient first and yourself second, everything else is up for grabs. You would never be able to live with yourself if a patient was harmed by your lack of knowledge so leave while all is well and look for a program of good repute.