Not what I signed up for-hang in there or bail?

[luvapug]

I decided to look for another job with more hours and benefits than I was getting in a school and was called in for an interview at a surgery center. The supervisor interviewing me basically said this is what the job entails-do you want it which suprised me a little since usually they ask you lots of questions. Anyway, I was told I would work 5 days a pay period which is what I wanted and that I could pick which days I wanted to work. The job is straight days and I was told I wouldn't have to worry about working over because they had evening shift nurses and wouldn't have to work weekends because they have weekend nurses. I wouldn't have to take call but maybe once a year and work a holiday only once every two years. I was also told the doctors were all great to work with and were nice to the staff. I was told orientation would last six months and I wouldn't be expected to work by myself the entire time or be counted as staff until it was over so any day I needed off I could have. Well I've been there for 3 months so far and have since found out that most of what I told was not true. I'll be expected to work 8 days a pay period, will have to work over every week (sometimes twice), will have to take call every couple of months, and have already been yelled at and belittled by some of the doctors. Some of the people working there are very nice and supportive but most constantly complain and several will throw you under the bus in a heartbeat to save their own rear. I've already been expected to do things I haven't been trained for or feel comfortable with and even had to work a couple cases by myself even though I'd only been in that room one other time and hadn't even been trained in that area yet. I was a nervous wreck. Also I've asked for two days off and the first I was told yes but if you weren't in orientation then no you wouldn't get it (so much for my own scheduling) and the second time was told there were already a bunch of nurses off so ask another day. I'm not even supposed to be counted! My orientation has been crazy working with different preceptors all the time so I'm always getting corrected on not doing it the right way (aka "their way") but I can't remember who does what which way. I had brought up several of these issues with the supervisors only to have them say that is not right and then nothing changes. I don't want to keep working here. I can't handle the stress and the longer I work there the worse it gets. I can get my old job back and even though it's less money, it's a lot less stress. Since I'm still in orientation do I have to give a two weeks notice? What reason do I say for leaving that sounds professional? Or should I finish the orientation and hope it gets better (which is going to end up being closer to nine months)?

[Marisette, BSN, RN]

I'm sorry to hear about your situation, sounds like you went from the pot to the frying pan. Starting a new job is very stressful so I would write the the plus and minuses before making a decision. If you decide, you really want the experience in the speciaty, then you may want to stay aroung a year so you can move on. If your looking for a permanent position, this does not sound like a good fit for you. I'm in a similar situation and so far I have decided to stay with my new employer to gain some experience in the specialty, however, if the lack of orientation continues, I may bail out. I was given a three day oreintation and occasional guidance and instructed to read and complete the indicated paperwork. I already know this is not a long term employer for me. I'm with the other posters that have said I hate nursing, but it's kinda late for me to start a new career.