New Grad ED woes.. advice appreciated!

[NewGradEDRN, BSN, RN]

Hello all! 
I graduated this year and landed my dream job in an ED. I have not had previous ED experience, but was lucky enough to be hired. I was offered two positions in EDs, and took one the one for less money, hoping I would be more comfortable there. Unfortunately my orientation has gone nothing short of unwell. I am currently on my 3rd month of 4 total. I have not felt welcomed at all. I have had multiple different preceptors (like 5+) and was put in assignments that did not have any acuity. I finally spoke up and got a lot of acuity and the whole assignment given to me at once. (1:6 ratio here) I was obviously a bit overwhelmed with the drastic change. They ended up telling me 2 weeks ago that they did not know if it was a good fit for me because of time management. I don’t leave things for the next shift and always keep safety as my #1. I have honestly been so discouraged that I’m unsure if I even want to stay in the ED. They left if that if things don’t improve they will help me find another position in the hospital. I’m tempted to start applying elsewhere and start fresh..  worried thought because I’ve only been here for a short amount of time and that they will know if I need references checked. 
 

The job offer I turned down said I could always have a job if I was unhappy with where I chose. I also feel discouraged from even applying to other ED, as I feel like I’m not cut out for it anymore. 
 

thank you all for your time 

[ADN2DNP, ADN, BSN, RN]

I was a new grad in the ED, and it's definitely hard. I think that a huge factor which contributes to whether or not you sink or swim in the ED is your orientation. Somewhat like yourself, my orientation really didn't have a huge emphasis on acutely sick patients and more of an urgent care population. While I was great at managing these patients, I oftentimes found myself shying away from more acute patients; I think that this was due to my orientation. Of course, who you work with is also a big factor. I ended up forcing myself into helping out with critical patients until I became more comfortable, however in doing so I found that the ED wasn't really my calling. 

I would say that if the ED is really what you want to do, apply elsewhere and simply express in your interview that you felt as if your orientation was lacking and the staff weren't the most supportive. Of course your going to feel discouraged if you don't have the support which you need to thrive, this isn't a reflection on your abilities. 

Hopefully this helps!

[Guest838984]

Sounds like you've had a rough orientation honestly. I lucked out with my orientation and I stayed with the same preceptor who had had 20+ years experience and loved to teach. I will never forget or appreciate enough the orientation he gave me. That said I honestly feel like they didn't give you a proper orientation, which like the other commenter said definitely contributes to you sinking or swimming. I would say don't give up just yet, go back to the other ER that also offered you a position and tell them your situation and maybe you'll be put into a way better environment for learning and support which like the other commenter said you NEED when you're new. You can't survive on your own but there is definitely a time where you need to know if you will sink or swim but then there's also just having a complete lack of orientation which is not your fault. If all else fails. Just revert back to your ABCs for every patient. Airway breathing and circulation. Everything thing else including time management takes time to gain skill with. Good luck! Feel free to PM me with any questions.