On a Performance Improvement Plan and Scared

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

Hi Nurse Beth,

I have recently completed my first year of nursing on a pediatric oncology unit. I have also been recently placed on a PIP due to an accumulation of errors from the past year. I am trying very hard to stay positive, focused and learn from my mistakes, I feel I am improving, but I feel scared and pressured to perform perfectly.

Also, I have been thinking of changing jobs in the future. I love my unit and staff, but the burn out rate is very high, many nurses are planning to leave and have left. We are hiring often because we are often short, many people quit and move elsewhere. Do you have any suggestions of which order I should be taking care of my career? And how to best handle this situation? I want to work hard and get off of my PIP, but I also want to possibly leave to a less acute floor.

Also, does this PIP mean that I will be terminated? They have not mentioned that it would, they have only said that the plan is in place to “support me”. That thought has been scaring me very much (of being terminated), however I am working very hard to improve and take their feedback very seriously.

Any feedback and advice would be greatly appreciated.

Dear Scared and Pressured,

Being placed on a Performance Improvement Plan (PIP) does not necessarily mean you'll be terminated. It depends on your performance, and hopefully they set measurable goals for you to be successful.

It wouldn't hurt to start applying elsewhere. You may need a fresh start in a new environment to regain your confidence. You probably won't be able to transfer to a new unit in-house, but if you apply to a new organization, your current organization will most likely provide dates of employment and position if asked for a reference.

One year of employment is a decent length of time. When interviewed, you can just say it wasn't a good fit.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!