New Grad RN 90 day probation

[Kellie485]

I am a new grad that just started on a busy med surg unit in a magnet hospital. I am concerned about what the likelihood of being fired is during the probationary period. I had issues with two preceptors. One didnt want to precept and was talked into it. She opted out after 4 shifts when we had to stay late a couple times. She's a great nurse but she told me shes burned out on that floor and didn't want to precept a new grad so she said their was a personality conflict to get out of it. The second preceptor had never precepted and was a relatively new nurse. She wasnt a good fit and there was a bit of personality conflict. It wasnt conducive for my learning. We had a talk about it and we each separately spoke to management. After this I got two new preceptors. I am learning a lot from both of them and it has been a positive experience but unfortunately they came at the end of my orientation. I have only been with them a few days each and only have a couple weeks left. One has told me I am improving every time and my mistakes are normal new grad mistakes. I really don't think my performance is poor. I noticed I am only scheduled out to exactly my 90 days and new grads on other floors have their schedules further out. I really like the floor and the people but unfortunately the second preceptor gave me a bad review. I guess my questions are:

1. Should I be trying to find another job-how likely is it to get fired for this sort of thing?

2. Is there any steps I can take to fix this situation. I feel like they might see me as a problem because of these issues.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

If you were going to get fired- they would not keep you the full 90 days. You'd be gone. Think about it. What advantage would there be to them keeping you till the end of orientation, and then letting you go? At this point, you are costing them $$. They'd cut their losses and let you go once the decision was made.

My advice, since you've burned through several preceptors, is to be the most 'go along/ get along' person you can for the duration of the orientation. Because in my experience, not meshing with one preceptor happens. When it's more than one- you look for the common denominator, and it's usually the orientee.

[Kellie485]

Thank you so much for your advice. I appreciate you taking the time.

[caliotter3]

Try to get your mind around the need to look for a new job just in case. But don't make assumptions. Do the best you can to make this work. If there is someone in the decision-making process that you trust, try to find out now what is around the corner, but don't push the issue. Good luck.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

My advice, since you've burned through several preceptors, is to be the most 'go along/ get along' person you can for the duration of the orientation. Because in my experience, not meshing with one preceptor happens. When it's more than one- you look for the common denominator, and it's usually the orientee.

This advice is salient and good. Once a new orientee develops a reputation for being 'difficult' or not clicking well with preceptors, the first impression is immensely difficult to shake off.

From this point forward, it would be in your best interests to nod, obey, and be the most pleasantly agreeable new orientee in existence. Good luck.

[ArtClassRN, ADN, RN]

"1. Should I be trying to find another job-how likely is it to get fired for this sort of thing?"

Your liklihood of getting fired is 50/50 - either you will get canned or you wont! Sorry, kidding. From your description, the floor has enough problems and probably doesn't benefit from firing you.

"2. Is there any steps I can take to fix this situation. I feel like they might see me as a problem because of these issues."

Yes. Stop doing anything that creates waves. You are not allowed to have, "personality conflicts." Consider everything every preceptor says or does as coming straight from Florence Nightingale.

Good luck!

[Kellie485]

Thank you for your response. I really appreciate people who are seasoned taking the time out of their day to respond to me. That's helpful. I'll do best I can.

[meanmaryjean, DNP, RN]

Thank you for your response. I really appreciate people who are seasoned taking the time out of their day to respond to me. That's helpful. I'll do best I can.

Thank YOU for listening, considering the advice and working with it. So many times- all we experienced nurses get in response to this type of post is a tirade of how mean and unfeeling we are. And the OP continues on their path toward being a problem. You have a fighting chance because you did reach out for help and listened t the advice given. Good luck to you.