New Nurse Needing Expert Nursing Advice ASAP

[Tooyoungnurse, BSN, RN]

So I recently started my first nursing job. I went in wanting to make the best of the year before transferring to a specialty that I enjoy. I didn't apply for the job, I had done clinicals at the site and patients left great reviews about me. The site reached out and offered me a job, I had an interview with the department director and the nursing manager. 

The first shift was fine. The second shift and all consecutive ones I dreaded. The nurses were all in their 20's and finishing up their masters degrees with plans of leaving the unit within the next month. I went in with questions and tried to go with their flow. I helped the PCA's clean patients at points when my preceptor told me they had nothing for me to do. I helped the patients as best as I could. At points whenever I asked my preceptor a question they would tell me to look it up. I was told to administer a medication to a patient in a route that was contraindicated,  I had to point it out to the preceptor that hadn't bothered to check the orders. I refused to administer the medication, it was later changed. 

During my first week review I was told by the assistant director( director is away for the time being), that multiple nurses reported that I wasn't taking inactive and was being rude. She also proceeded to tell me that I was being paid as a nurse with a license, not a nursing student.  I tried to politely defend myself but the assistant wouldn't let up. 

Upon going back to my unit after the meeting multiple nurses were looking at me as if expecting me to cause a scene. I didn't. Any question I ask the assisstsnt nurse manager she looks at me as if I'm stupid, then proceed to laugh with the other nurses as I walk away.. The nurse manager that hired me left the job before I started and with the director being g out I feel as if my only choice it to leave before my license and patients are put in jeopardy. I am also the only new nurse that is a minority, all other minority personnel on the unit are PCA/Nurses aid. Also every standard orientee exam that I do my nurse educator tells me I passed but the my preceptor would tell me that the nurse educator says I have to redo it. The nurse educator does not communicate with me. 

I really would appreciate any input. Thanks in advance.

 

[Rose_Queen, BSN, MSN, RN]

If the environment is toxic, there isn't much reason to stay. That being said, a new job is going to mean starting over, and that can also be difficult as a new grad. Only you can make the decision that is right for you.

[HiddenAngels]

Ugggh, these passive aggressive behaviors, exclamation point, exclamation point, exclamation point!  I'm so sorry this is happening to you, but I agree with Rose Queen, this is extremely toxic.  Me personally, I would leave before you get written up for something or worse/worst (not always sure which one to use?). Anyway, apply apply apply, there are tons of jobs out there but hang out until you get something else.  Oh, and one more thing, keep smiling, don't let them know they got to you, and keep your cards close. You got this!

[Tooyoungnurse, BSN, RN]

Thank you both, that's the response I also received from my family. I just wanted to see what other nurses thought. I'm definitely looking for something else, I might just completely leave the hospital scene for the time being. 

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

I usually say to stick with it, but this does not seem worth it. I don't think it is your minority status as much as it is a bunch of young clickish nurses who feel like they know it all and are going to be leaving so don't care what they do and how it affects anyone.  I do think the educator should be doing her job better. Give notice. Don't give up acute care completely. Just this place.

 

[Tooyoungnurse, BSN, RN]

12 hours ago, CrunchRN said:

I usually say to stick with it, but this does not seem worth it. I don't think it is your minority status as much as it is a bunch of young clickish nurses who feel like they know it all and are going to be leaving so don't care what they do and how it affects anyone.  I do think the educator should be doing her job better. Give notice. Don't give up acute care completely. Just this place.

 

CrunchRN, thank you for the advice. I wrote my resignation letter and I'm a little nervous about handing it in. I had a meeting yesterday with another educator(original one on vacation), they asked me questions then asked my preceptor the same ones. She answered the opposite of everything that I said and excused herself from the room when the educators agreed with my answer's. After the meeting the preceptor gave me ultimatums and left me to care for the patients without her, although this was my 6th shift with her. I'm a little nervous about resigning before finding another placement. 

Sincerely, Tooyoungnurse

[messedupbigtime]

I agree with everyone else. Some jobs seem like the other people are out to get you. Maybe try finding a different job where you fit in better. It's not worth what it will do to your self esteem, there are a million other jobs out there. And who wants to work in a hostile environment anyway?!

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

There is a legitimate nursing shortage in most areas now. No need to stay in job that you don't like just because you need the job anymore.

I would however stay just until you have another offer, for some reason it's always been easier to get a job when you already have a job. Plus you don't ever have to explain employment gaps in your resume that way. You can honestly say you left the previous job for a better offer. 

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

On 4/18/2022 at 1:53 AM, Tooyoungnurse said:

I went in wanting to make the best of the year before transferring to a specialty that I enjoy

The "get one year of Med/Surg before moving on to a specialty" is faulty advice, in my opinion. If a unit that you are interested in is willing to hire you, then go for it. I don't think there is anything magical that you will learn on a Med/Surg floor that you can't learn on a different floor.