New Grad Just Started a New Job and Looking for Another One

[AnaBanana.RN, RN]

Hello, 

I am a new grad nurse that started a new job at a long term acute care hospital. My problem is the place I started at is extremely unprofessional. For instance, I am not at all properly being trained. They give preceptors a heavier patient load because they have preceptees to help out. On my first day I was being trained by a preceptor who was only on her second day alone and who was also a new grad. I feel that I am not at all being properly trained and am basically being thrown out to sink or swim. It is practice to put all pts wristband stickers on one sheet of paper to do med pass because the WOWs do not hold charge and will die when you unplug them. The DON is an associate degree nurse who has been a nurse for only a year and is the owners nephews bestfriend. The nurse educator has been a nurse for 3 years and only recently got off probation with the BRN for lying on her application in which she failed to mention previous charges such as disturbing the peace, vehicle theft, and second degree robbery. The practices at this place are highly concerning for patient safety and for my license. I have expressed my concerns directly to the DON and felt that I was met with hostility and a nonchalant attitude. 

Basically what I need is advice. I am looking for other jobs currently and will not put this place down as previous work experience. I'm going on to week 5 and am supposed to be off orientation at the end of week 6. What should I do in an interview when asked about previous work experience? I know you aren't supposed to talk badly about previous places you worked and my short work history at this place would cause the interviewer to question my commitment. Right now I am only applying to places I did my clinicals at who accept new grads and who I know make patient safety a priority. 

[TAKOO01, BSN]

Hi AnaBanana,

 You say that you are not putting this job on your resume. So you don't have to say anything about it in the interview. As far as potential employers will be concerned, you will be interviewing as a new grad with no experience. Play up whatever qualities you have that helped you to land this current position. 

Good Luck!