New job is dangerous. Not sure what to do.

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First, a little background. I'm a new nurse with 1.5 years experience in med/surg at a large level 1 trauma center. I was hired back in Sept. at a very small (less than 200 beds) hospital in a CV step-down unit. I will have the opportunity to cross-train and float to ICU after 6 months. I was very excited to get this job as I felt it was a big step up for me professionally.

I'm hesitant to give specific examples because I don't want to be 'discovered.' Anytime I mention finding something unsafe - not just for patients but also for my license - I'm told it's just how things are done here. Do it or leave. I've spoken to the charge nurse and my nurse manager as well as my preceptors (I have a different preceptor each shift.). It's not an acuity issue. Honestly, my med/surg patients were just as sick or often sicker than the patients I'm seeing on step-down. The problem is systemic. This hospital is owned by a large corporation and administrations have no medical background.

I don't know what I should do. I know I cannot stay in this situation. But I don't feel I can leave after only 7 weeks. I fear being labeled a job hopper. I believe I can explain my reasons for leaving well in an interview, but I have to get the interview first. If I begin sending out resumes, should I include my current job? If not, how would a gap in employment be received?

I'm not even sure what I'm asking here. I'm just confused and need advice from more experienced nurses.

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.
Anytime I mention finding something unsafe - not just for patients but also for my license - I'm told it's just how things are done here.

This is worth mentioning -- the "my license is at risk" mantra is histrionically overblown by too many nurses. Nurses rarely lose their licensure for unsafe patient care. Nurses who use alcohol or substances intemperately, divert narcotics, steal, engage in impaired nursing practice, fail to fulfill the terms of impaired nurse programs, or are addicted, are the ones who statistically lose their licenses.

I am cognizant that you feel uncomfortable revealing more specific details, but without the specifics, assessing your workplace situation will be difficult. We wish you the best of luck with this situation.

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A nurse at my hospital actually did lose her license a few years ago. I was in nursing school at the time and one of my instructors knew her, so we heard a lot about it. I remember thinking she must have been a horrible nurse, but now I'm not so sure.

I think my original intention wasn't well articulated in this post and that's my fault. I really wasn't clear. I am leaving this job. I am hoping for some advice on how to market myself to potential employers now because I was only able to hack it for two months. I know leaving a job so quickly is not looked upon as a positive. Do I include this job on my resume or omit it completely? How would I explain a gap in employment? Would I be better going to nurse recruitment events instead of just submitting resumes online? Any advice on how to go forward would be appreciated.

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Specializes in ortho, hospice volunteer, psych,.

Hi and welcome to Allnurses. I'm sorry for your predicament. My own rule has always been to tell my manager or supervisor that I simply do not feel safe and do not feel the patient will be safe if I ___ as ordered.

I try not to sound argumentative or belligerent, just concerned and determined.

If you feel you'll be safe a little longer, it's much easier to find a job if you already have a job. When you're asked why you're leaving the old

job, just say you had differing philosophies. She'll know.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

PP is correct. If you are determined to leave your job, the best approach is to find a new one first....Then turn in your resignation. There is a high likelihood that you will be categorized as "not eligible for rehire" by your current employer and this can be a huge barrier to overcome for a new nurse.

About listing your 'short' job on future applications: In the US, there are Federal regulations that dictate the type of background checks required for healthcare jobs. As a result of this process, any work history associated with your SSN will be uncovered; if you had FICA deductions, it will show up. So, just 'not listing' a job is not going to work. If a job is not on your application/resume but turns up in your background check, it means that you have effectively falsified your application... which means automatic termination for cause in most organizations. A much better approach is to just be honest - and be prepared to explain your decisions.

As an RN, you are a mandatory reporter. If your current organization is actually violating clinical standards of care and jeopardizing patient safety, you are legally and professionally required to take appropriate actions. Most state Nurse Practice Acts have very specific language about this. Of course there are risks associated with this - but there are Federal whistleblower statutes which offer protections if the report is in good faith.

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I would like to add that you might consider picking up the phone to call nearby hospitals to talk to their manager and/or nurse recruiters. Explain your situation (the differing philosophies part...I would not go into too much detail or bad mouth the hospital) and see what they think. This will give you an idea of where you stand. Additionally, if you talk to the manager they might just want to interview you for open positions.

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