New Grad, Do not like my job, interview tomorrow

[Angie5888]

Ok, so I just graduated from nursing school in December (2014). I have been working on a specialty unit for just over a week now, and I think I made a mistake. It's very specialized, my preceptor doesn't teach me well, I feel like I am learning nothing, and I don't feel welcomed on the unit at all. I talked to the manager about it. I feel so stupid, cause I should've known to go into a med-surg floor because I know I'm good at it and so much more familiar with everything. Well I have an interview tomorrow on a med-surg floor and should I say something along the lines of..."I am currently in the orientation phase on a specialty unit at another hospital, however my heart right now is med-surg...I feel like I will thrive as a nurse, be a benefit to my patients, and learn to my fullest potential." I hope that me wanted to change units won't be held against me!

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I don't think you should bring up the current job at the interview. What is a "specialty unit"? Is there anything specific that bothers you about your preceptor's teaching style? What did your manager say? If you don't think your preceptor is a good fit please find a way to work with him or her..Did your manager give you the option to get a new preceptor?

[Cairns nurse]

I know it sounds like a easy out and just general noise but. Grad year should be a rotational year between specialties and the bulk should be gen med ward / surg.

Imo

I am a cnc ed specialist and I learnt much during my rotations ....otherwise you are guessing at your future.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

It almost always feels like that in the early weeks of a new job..............

[klone, MSN, RN]

Every single time I've started a new job (even as an experienced RN) I've felt like I've made a big mistake, felt stupid and slow, and wanted to go back to my old job. Change is hard, and it's hard to be out of your comfort zone and learn new things, and feel incompetent and slow. Give it time.

[Libby1987]

"My heart is in med-surg.." I don't think I would say that if I hadn't had any work experience but I would say I was comfortable in med surg, liked working with the adult population and wanted to continue my experience and knowledge.

I don't think a week's experience is worth mentioning though I might say that my unit experience reinforced my interest in working with varied conditions amd treatments.

I'd also talk about my multi tasking skills, organization, flexibility etc.

[windsurfer8, BSN, RN]

Stop blaming your preceptor. That would be a good start. You don't like it and you are applying to another unit. I will say you won't always "like" your job and developing a pattern of quitting things when they are challenging may not be advantageous. That said if you want to switch to med surg and can then that may be a good idea. Hopefully a week into that job you won't quit for not feeling "welcomed."