new grad: resignation from job hurting my chances for new job

[Punkin5]

Help! I was recently asked to resign from my first position in the Hematology/Oncology unit at one of the bay areas major hospitals. I am a new grad who went through an intensive 6 week floor training under the guidance of a preceptor. The floor I worked on was very very advanced and the patients were the sickest of the sick. The hard part for me was that I barealy had time to talk to my patients -- I was always worried about all the things piling up in my day. Another hard thing for me was that I rarely received any positive feedback from my preceptor. It was easy for her to point out all the things I was doing wrong, that I started to question if I was doing anything right. In my heart, I knew I was giving it my all and that I was putting so much effort into my patients, and I was improving every day! After my 6 weeks, i met with my manager who told me she didn't think thae acuity level and patient load was a good atmosphere for me to learn -- which I understand. She did not beleive it was a good fit for me to start off in. So, she asked me to resign. I was pretty shocked and upset, and am trying to keep reminding myself of all the positive I got out of this experience.

So basically I am out of a job after only 6 weeks of nursing and am finding managers do not want to hire me because I was only at my last job for 6 weeks. I'm wondering if it's even worth it to mention my last experience on my resume, since it seems to be harming me. Then again, I beleive it was a great learning experience. I wish the hospital I worked at could have extended my orientation or given me a new preceptor, but they told me it was too late in the game for that and it was better that I move on and go into a more general med-surg type job -- which in retrospect makes total sense. I want to work and I know I can do it...I just need someone to give me a chance. Thanks for any advice. I would be willing to work in any nursing capacity to get experience.

[RNStudent123]

I'm in a similar situation right now! I realized after about 5 weeks into orientation that the particular specialty I had chosen was not a good fit for me at all. I was tossed around from preceptor to preceptor, and most of them were unsupportive, if not just plain mean. The environment was always total chaos. After several meetings with my charge nurse and manager I told them that I felt that this area of nursing was not a good fit for me, and that I felt that I needed a good solid med/surg background first before I chose to work in a specialty. They suggested that I request a transfer to another unit through HR (I wasn't fired or asked to resign). It has been a month now and I have had one interview--in a high acuity translant unit. Never heard anything back--which was fine with me because the training period has no classes to go with it--just 6 weeks on the floor.

Anyways to make a long story short, I'm still considered an employee, but have no job to go to, which is very confusing and frustrating. I finally decided to apply elsewhere in case they don't find a place for me soon. So I can say I feel your pain! I'm sure this happens alot so don't get too down on yourself. Remember... nurses are needed. Sometimes I think something doesn't work out because something better is waiting for you...so hang in there!!!!