Fired. Again. Now what?

[Not_A_Hat_Person, RN]

I graduated from nursing school in May 2008. I've had 2 Nursing Jobs since then. I've been fired from both, and I'm wondering what my options are.

My first job was at an ALF. I covered 2 buildings with 25 residents getting services, plus 100 or so independent residents. It wasn't what I wanted to do long-term, but it took me 10 months to find that job, and I thought it would make a good stepping-stone to another job. It was busy, but I got used to it (or so I thought). I left on good terms.

After a year at the ALF, I got a job at a SNF. It was hell. I had 12-17 patients, including tube feeds and fingersticks, plus wound care, IVs, and families from hell. I worked the busiest shift (days) on the busiest unit (subacute), and I was on my own after 3 days. Just getting the meds done was a nightmare, never mind treatments (including all skin creams), teaching, and charting. If I asked for help, I usually got derision. I repeatedly asked to transfer to a different shift or a different unit, but that wasn't an option. I lasted 6 weeks before I was fired for poor time management.

Fortunately, the ALF took me back. Now I was in a different building, with 60 patients. Unfortunately, it was essentially a dementia-care ward without enough staff or proper equipment (like wander guards). After a disastrous night shift (alone with no training, 1 aid, and 60 residents), I was fired.

I'm now considering my options. The DON from the ALF said she thinks I would be successful in acute care. Unfortunately, I haven't been able to find an acute care job. Part of me thinks that I would be fine if I found a hospital with a solid orientation program, but I haven't found one.

I'm an introvert, and I've always been more comfortable behind the scenes. I don't think LTC is for me; too many people, too much to juggle. I've always been attracted to home health, working one-on-one, the ICU, with have 2-3 patients, or the OR, with one patient, a small group of people, and no families to deal with.

I've also considered getting away from the bedside. I did tech support for a while, and I think I would be good at medical device support. I don't have the time, money, or desire to go back to school. I'm willing to relocate, though I'm not crazy about the idea.

The sheer number of road blocks I've encountered on my journey, both before and after graduation, have me thinking that nursing may not be for me after all. Part of me wants to put my nursing license on ice, find another field, and take a refresher course when the job market turns around.

Basically, I'm stuck. Any advice on getting unstuck?

[caliotter3]

If you need an income, I would consider getting a job in home health. Tell them you want to do extended care, not intermittent visits. Extended care is where you work with one patient for an entire shift and you are only responsible for submitting one nurses note for the shift. This type of job would give you a breather while you continue to look for an acute care job. Who knows, you might find that you like this type of low-key, one-on-one nursing. Good luck.