I posted awhile ago about the situation I'm in at my new job. I transferred from one dept to another under the same director and manager.
Long story short, I was hired for PACU and made the move from outpatient services a few weeks ago. I have previous experience in ICU and PACU, but it's been about 4 years. The patients here are a lot sicker and complex than what I'm used to.
From day one I was told orientation was 3 days. I brought up my concerns that this wasn't enough time and they said 3 weeks. I was unfamiliar with charting in this new area, plus taking care of these critical patients after not having been in the area for awhile.
I was brought into the office my second week. Asking too many questions, being unsure of myself and being slow. My preceptor from the first week went on vacation and I was hooked up with the charge nurses who were already busy doing other things. I think they just expected me to jump right in and be at their level and unfortunately I wasn't meeting their expectations. I was asked by my manager if my experience on my resume was even true. Needless to say, I have been crushed and mad.
I was asked if I wanted to go to the ICU for a few weeks as a refresher and I agreed. I got the impression that they thought me going back to the ICU might be better for me. I spent two weeks in ICU. It helped me feel more comfortable, but still wasn't exposed to the kind of cases that I would need in recovery.
Last week I was brought back into the office and told I shouldn't apply for ICU because even the ICU manager felt I wasn't up to snuff and would need to start all over with ICU training which he doesn't want to do. Funny thing is.....I never even spoke to him and the preceptor I was with for 2 weeks said she hadn't even spoken to him about me. She in fact told me she was going to write him and give me a great review.
At this same meeting I was told that after this week in ICU I was going to get 2 more weeks in recovery and after that I would have to find a job back where I used to work in outpatient if something opens up (if I can't hack it).
I have since applied to other jobs. I just have a feeling that I'm getting pushed out. My husband thinks I need to go and speak to HR. I'm kind of tip toeing around until I get another job, but this is causing me so much anxiety. I know I'm a good nurse, and it's killing me to hear that my manager and supposedly this other manager think I'm unexperienced. The nurses I was working with in the icu were asking me if I was going to apply for a job with them and I'm on the verge of tears because I was told by my manager not to bother.
I can't even believe I'm in this situation. I have been a nurse for 14 years. I'm technically still on orientation so if I give my notice she might say just to leave. I don't know. I'm waiting to hear if I've gotten this new job before I do anything. Would you go to HR?
Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
This whole situation just sucks. I'm back in the recovery for my two weeks and I'm just not looking forward to it. It sucks feeling super anxious to even go into work. I'm hoping I hear soon whether I got the job I applied to closer to home.
The thought of putting in my notice is freaking me out too. I know that the manager is going to be pissed. She doesn't want to lose me to the hospital, she just wants to move me back to my old area I think. I'm trying to prepare myself. Since I'm on "orientation" she might just tell me just to leave.
One piece of advice and this is for all nurses in this quandry not just you. Always make sure you tender your resignation in writing clearly stating the last day you will be available to work. Never say anything negative in a resignation letter just some bla bla about the experience you received working there and apreciation for the opportuinity to learn. You don't have to say why your leaving but if you must focus on things like you new job is a better fit for you and your family. If they tell you you don't have to work out the two weeks ask for that in writing as well. I have seen people thrown under the bus because they left w/o two weeks notice.
Lastly move on with your head up. Remember in situations like this you are not going to win so it's best to pick up your marbels and find a new circle to play in.
No matter where you go remember that the HR department does not exist to help employees. They manage things like on-boarding employees, managing pay and vactions and keeping the hospital from being brought into litigation by disgruntled employees. Unless it is something they are required by law to act on such as a sexual harrassment claim you will often place a target on your back for the next "Reduction in Force" Lay-off.
hppygr8ful, ASN, RN, EMT-I
4 Articles; 5,212 Posts
One piece of advice and this is for all nurses in this quandry not just you. Always make sure you tender your resignation in writing clearly stating the last day you will be available to work. Never say anything negative in a resignation letter just some bla bla about the experience you received working there and apreciation for the opportuinity to learn. You don't have to say why your leaving but if you must focus on things like you new job is a better fit for you and your family. If they tell you you don't have to work out the two weeks ask for that in writing as well. I have seen people thrown under the bus because they left w/o two weeks notice.
Lastly move on with your head up. Remember in situations like this you are not going to win so it's best to pick up your marbels and find a new circle to play in.
No matter where you go remember that the HR department does not exist to help employees. They manage things like on-boarding employees, managing pay and vactions and keeping the hospital from being brought into litigation by disgruntled employees. Unless it is something they are required by law to act on such as a sexual harrassment claim you will often place a target on your back for the next "Reduction in Force" Lay-off.
best of luck to you
Hppy