I am a new grad who graduated this summer with my BSN. I was let go from my first nursing job only after 2 weeks. I graduated with honors and had my capstone in a busy Emergency Department.
I started my first nursing job on a busy orthopedic floor at a trauma 1 center. It wasn't what I was passionate about but wanted to give it my all. My real passion is ED, but I knew that I needed to get ICU experience before I get to the ED. The orthopedic floor would help me get my foot in the door for a trauma 1 ICU. I was hired along with 5 other new grads.
Our orientation was only 5 weeks long but the director told us that if we needed longer that it would be okay. All other new grad started out with taking care of one patient at a time while my preceptor gave me 5. I found it difficult to find a routine and I was penalized for even asking questions or not knowing the answer to a question.
One of the nurses on the floor noticed that I was being criticized more than the other new grads and that I should request another preceptor. Director told me it wasn't possible and the next thing I know the education department is following me around. They suggested that I spend another week on days, (I was hired on nights) and that I go down to two patients. I agreed, thinking it will help me develop a routine so I can provide safe care for my patients.
The whole orthopedic unit moved from 20-bed unit to a 40-bed unit and nurses were taking on 8 patients at a time. They pulled me into the office last week and gave me some recommendation which I truly took to heart and made myself a whole new brain sheet and even came in an hour early to prep for the day.
Yesterday they pulled me in office and said that I have two choices, either I was going to be terminated or I could send her letter of my resignation. The director told me that didn't have time to teach new grads how to be real nurses and that I would never make it any hospital. She said I would be better off in longterm care where there is less critical thinking. She said I shouldn't bother applying to new grad programs because I would fail at those too. I don't feel like 5 weeks of orientation is enough to provide safe care for patients especially for new grads. I don't want to believe her but I feel like a failure and wasted my time becoming a nurse. I really am passionate about being in the emergency department one day as I was an EMT/firefighter for 6 years before I went to nursing school. I'm not sure where I should go from here.
Dear New Grad Fired After 2 Weeks,
So you were let go after 2 weeks, meaning 2 weeks on your own (following 5 or 6?) weeks of orientation)?
If so, it sounds as if your orientation should have been extended rather than putting you on your own. How can they document that you successfully completed orientation when you are not independently managing the workload? You had not yet found your feet, you knew that, they knew that, and yet you were independently responsible for a patient load?
When you have a rough start or are a slow starter, sometimes managers will offer more support, believing you will develop; or will decide to cut their losses early on, if they believe you will not develop.
Whatever they believed about your performance, the harshness of your dismissal is inexcusable. That coupled with a 5-week orientation for a new grad says that the organization may be questionable.
If you can get into a reputable new grad residency program, it would greatly benefit you and give you the tools to succeed. Time is of the essence, and you may not qualify because you have been employed- but I'd try.
Your Director painted long-term care as suitable for those lacking critical thinking, but that's not true. You will find many sharp and compassionate nurses in skilled nursing facilities, rehab, and sub-acute settings. Transitioning back to acute and ED can still be your long-term goal.
Above all, do not take the words of an unkind, frustrated Director to heart. Someday she may show up in your ED and then you can shower her with kindness.
