New Grad RN: Lost and Hating My First Job. NEED Advice?

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I graduated in May with my ADN and have had a hard time finding a job. I finally landed a job in a SNF and was given 14 shifts of orientation. 3 of which included shadowing the wound nurse and just clerical things. I'm coming off of orientation in 5 days, and yesterday had the unit of 11 patients to myself and practically drowned. My orienting nurse was nowhere to be found when I needed help.

My personal life is suffering— I am scheduled 6 days a week, 8+ hrs when its my weekend on and 4-5 shifts when its not. I cannot sleep, I dread going to work, I've lost 5 pounds since I started at the facility and feel like a zombie.  I'm miserable and debating just not going in anymore.

While I realize this is burning a bridge I do not plan to work for this facility in the future. I'm scared for my license due to the lack of training by the nurses. I was given a write  up because I did not obtain a consent for Melatonin that was already given by another nurse yesterday (she did not obtain the consent).

Next week, on my one day off, I have a shadowing opportunity on a med surg unit at a hospital nearby. I interviewed and was told I would likely be offered a position by the unit manager. I'm assuming this is one of the last steps in their hiring process. Stick it out or leave and save my sanity and protect my license? 

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You owe the SNF  nothing after 9 days of orientation.  You cannot be written up for anything, as the (invisible) preceptor is responsible for your actions during training. I would not go back. Email the manager with the "thanks for the opportunity crap". And move on. Take the days before you shadow to rest, relax, and refresh. Be bright-eyed and bushy-tailed and smile.. smile... smile.

 Best wishes.

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Specializes in ER, Pre-Op, PACU.

If you are given an opportunity at the med surg floor, then take it! I was once in a job that I hated and was miserable and kept trying to make it work. Short story - a miserable job often doesn’t improve and if you have another job opportunity, then go for it! The grass actually can be greener or even a different shade of green.....in other words.....sometimes any improvement is better than none.

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If you can swing being unemployed, then walk away.  If you don't get the m/s job will you be sunk being unemployed?  If so, I'd stick it out until I had another job, 

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4 hours ago, newgradrn20205 said:

I was given a write  up because I did not obtain a consent for Melatonin that was already given by another nurse yesterday

I would have walked that instant, dead serious. The treatment you tolerate is the treatment you will [continue to] get.

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On 11/1/2020 at 3:21 PM, newgradrn20205 said:

Next week on my one day I off I have a shadowing opportunity on a med surg unit at a hospital nearby. I interviewed and was told I would likely be offered a position by the unit manager. I'm assuming this is one of the last steps in their hiring process. Stick it out or leave and save my sanity and protect my license?

The write up was harsh and a good indication of what's to come. On the other hand, "most likely" is not a guarantee that you'll actually get the job. And if you do get the job, your start date may not be for several weeks depending on the hospital. Some have all new hires start once a month, for example. Proceed with caution.

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Specializes in orthopedic/trauma, Informatics, diabetes.

Get the new job and then take the high road and give proper notice. I know many will not agree with me, but nursing is such a small world. You don't want a "not eligible for rehire" from even a sucky place. 

I left my first job for a better opportunity (similar-rehab/SNF to a inpatient setting). My first job was not horrible, but it was def not for me and I was not liked (I was only RN, the others were LPNs and resented me).

Try to look at the big picture. Any one can do something for a little while. ❤️

 

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Unfortunately my shadowing opportunity got cancelled due to COVID. I guess a few managers and nurses are out sick with it. HR said they might just go ahead and hire me without the shadowing experience. I should hear back from them by the end of the week.

In the mean time im sticking it out at the other job... miserably

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).
9 hours ago, newgradrn20205 said:

Unfortunately my shadowing opportunity got cancelled due to COVID. I guess a few managers and nurses are out sick with it. HR said they might just go ahead and hire me without the shadowing experience. I should hear back from them by the end of the week.

In the mean time im sticking it out at the other job... miserably

Hang in there, What you are feeling is not new and you have met your first dragon nurse eating their young. Once you have a firm answer on the new job give apprpriate notice (2 weeks) you need to know what your facility policy on this is as some SNF/LTC want a month. If the new job needs you sooner still be polite and humble as you walk out the door. SNK has a very high turn-over due in part to many of the reasons you site in your post. 

Good luck

Hppy

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The hospital came back and gave me an offer. Im accepting for night shift on med surg. I let my new facility know and they simply asked me to stay PRN. It worked out! 

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Specializes in Psych, Addictions, SOL (Student of Life).

Congrats

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On 11/4/2020 at 8:08 AM, newgradrn20205 said:

The hospital came back and gave me an offer. Im accepting for night shift on med surg. I let my new facility know and they simply asked me to stay PRN. It worked out! 

yahoooo!!! congrats !

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