New grad just got fired

msjrn509, ADN · Sep 20, 2006

I am still searching for the strength to move on. I was called in the office yesterday and given the pink slip. I am a new grad, just graduated in May and passed nclex a couple months later and got my first job on a med surg floor.. I started work the end of July and I was on orientation and had three preceptors. The educator dilligently came around and ask me questions about my pts. Basically this lady just hammered on things I told her I needed to look up. She nailed me on things I failed to answered correctly plus exaggerated . And guess what she had it all documented, correct me if i am wrong, am i suppose to answer all her questions correctly? DO all nurses truly and honestly know qthing about their pts? it was the completion of my orientation and they pulled me and said byebye!! Besides, My preceptor just told me how great I was doing the other day.

Dear RN New grad

At are hospital in Florida,Its highly unlikely that you would have been fired.I don't know the jest of the story but I thank you deserve another chance.Please,don't give up.We have mentors at Florida Hospital,Orlando.You may have had one other person witness something that was friends with this manager.sometimes doors open at better places.

augigi, CNS · Sep 20, 2006

That is just terrible, and I felt my heart sink to think of this happening. It is TERRIFYING being a new grad RN, and you are constantly worrying about killing someone, not to mention getting everything done.

To be honest, I don't think ANY new grad is a "good nurse". You are, by definition, a beginner who is learning to apply the skills you learned in school. Unless you were unsafe in your practice, this facility is just WRONG - if someone is not meeting expectations, you meet with them and spell that out, and make a plan so that they have a chance to meet them in the future!

What do they possibly hope to gain for the nursing profession if they can't be bothered to train someone or give them a chance to learn their craft?

Grrr! Go somewhere else with a proper grad program, and try not to let these nasty people colour your self confidence!

carlene2363 · Sep 20, 2006

when i graduated i got fired from my first 3 jobs could not understand why???? but i finally asked because they had all kinds of reason. when it came down to it they said i did not smile enough and patient felt like i was always in a bad mood. when i reality i was trying so hard to do everything right with job 2 and 3 that i forgot that a smile and talking to the patient and remembering my job is importand but nurse are there for the patient first. i have now worked for the same company for 5 years and i love it. so when you get your next job remember that the patient needs to come first and do the best job you can. also when you don't know something just state " i don't know but i will find out!" i learned never guess something you are not sure of because this show careless. good luck you will find that right job.

rn2day · Sep 20, 2006

thanks to u all for your kind words and support.

carol72 · Sep 20, 2006

My heart goes out to you.

Thank-you for sharing your story, I realize this is painful.

traumahawk99 · Sep 20, 2006

buddiage has given you great advice. just keep plugging away. you learned a lot regardless, and the next place you go, you'll take it with you and add to it there.

sooner rather than later, you'll realize you can do this job and that this job sucks :).

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Sep 20, 2006

thanks to u all for your kind words and support.

Good luck to you and please let us know what your next step is.

rellco40 · Sep 21, 2006

MOVE ON!

The fact that you had 3 preceptors is enough to shake your confidence!

I am a 12 month nurse and have had 3 FT jobs! ..... in 12months

I hate the way they kick new grads around and then expect you to know what has taken them 15 - 20 yrs to KNOW!

Please move on and don't let evil, disgruntled, bitter nurses take your dream!

that's what I'm doing.......... continuing to search until I can find the right fit and the right team!

PK12 · Sep 21, 2006

I went through something very similar & feel for you. As hard as it is not to, don't beat yourself up over this. My first job out of nursing school was on a medical floor with a pace that was daunting to even the most experienced nurses who'd signed on. I had preceptors almost half my age - too many of them & with different styles & opinions about patient care and very unrealistic expectations placed on me. Although I voiced my concerns early into my orientation, it wasn't until the orientation period was almost over that my position was "terminated" and I was asked to resign.

Take a step back and examine all of the different types of nursing positions available. I took a position in sub-acute/long-term care and love it. There are so many opportunities. DO NOT let this taint your entire outlook on nursing.

Find an organization that will value you for what you know and what you will learn along the way & good luck!

lavahawaii · Sep 21, 2006

It is a very tough thing to go through. No one likes rejection or to feel that they aren't "good enough". Use it to your advantage, learn from it, rise above it and go forward....the worst thing you can do is dwell here in this feeling of inadequacy...You ARE good enough....get back out there.

GB

Staff Development Coordinator

Hawaii

kingallnurses · Sep 21, 2006

Hi, take it easy..... everybody has his first try. You can never please everybody. The next time would far be better. Surely you can make it!

Jenny67 · Sep 21, 2006

Hi!

I just wanted to tell you I am sorry this has happened to you.

I was going through some rough patches and a friend sent me a card that says, "everything happens for a reason. it's just a matter of moving your point of view around until you see it."

Best wishes to you.

Jenny