One Year In

Nurses General Nursing

Updated:   Published

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I need help! I am one year in. I love oncology. I changed careers from IT to nursing. I have struggled but redeem myself then struggle. I’ve had corrective action. I am on my final warning. This happened in January. So, I feel that nothing will change for me there regarding the environment and the coworkers opinions. I feel they look down on me. I applied for another job. Big risk. But a life without risk is like no life at all. Worried that my nurse manager will hinder me. I applied elsewhere and not where I am currently at. OK shoot!! 

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).

BANG!

Similar situation back in '91...

15 minutes ago, Ms. Oz RN said:

I have struggled but redeem myself then struggle. I’ve had corrective action.... I feel that nothing will change for me there regarding the environment and the coworkers opinions. I feel they look down on me. I applied for another job.

I got an OR position as a relatively new RN, a lot of criticism, 13 "areas needing improvement", improved and proved myself, but the criticisms kept rolling in, so I got another job.

It was evident they didn't like me and I didn't like them, so I moved on. And now that situation is nothing more than a paragraph on this page.

Good luck, Ms. Oz!

 

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I was hoping you would respond. Been a bit since I have been on. Too busy trying to be fabulous. LOL. Well said, by the way. I am just worried when the interviewers call the floor and talk with my nurse manager, she will hinder me and voice my struggles. BUT YET, I am still working here. What do you think Davey???

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
1 hour ago, Ms. Oz RN said:

I am just worried when the interviewers call the floor and talk with my nurse manager, she will hinder me and voice my struggles.

Thanks for the kind words, Ms. Oz.

A couple things to mind: Phraseology and role playing.

Phraseology: It's not what we say but how we say it which the receiver is more aware of. Tone, volume of voice, cadence all come into play, and in face-to-face satiations, body language plays the biggest role.

I recently watched a great comedy with Will Smith titled "Hitch" and was extremely impressed with the information on body language.

Role playing: It's like studying for a test with a buddy. Brainstorm question scenarios and take turns playing each role. Have fun with it! Role playing is a great device for being prepared and decreasing anxiety.

I have specific examples where both phraseology and role playing have proven extremely beneficial in difficult situations.

Again, good luck and the best to you!

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Specializes in New Critical care NP, Critical care, Med-surg, LTC.

These days many managers will not give information to potential employers other than that you work there. Do you have anyone other than your manager that you would be able to ask to be a reference, a charge nurse or someone else you have worked with over the year? 

If your manager is your reference, while he or she may point out some struggles you have had, you are still employed there and if there was something awful you would have been let go before now.

You might be able to be up front about things you have struggled with, without saying something that will eliminate your chances of getting a new job. Phrase it as a positive like "I am working on my time management skills and have made some great improvements over my first year". Everyone understands that first year of nursing has many challenges. Good luck!

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Well said. I appreciate the reply and advice and input. Thank you so much!!

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On 3/13/2022 at 6:40 AM, Ms. Oz RN said:

I was hoping you would respond. Been a bit since I have been on. Too busy trying to be fabulous. LOL. Well said, by the way. I am just worried when the interviewers call the floor and talk with my nurse manager, she will hinder me and voice my struggles. BUT YET, I am still working here. What do you think Davey???

If the manager is making it difficult for you to feel successful it's unlikely that the same manager would then make it difficult for you to leave.  

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.

You don't have to use your manager as a reference.   It's not uncommon for applicants to ask potential employers to not contact their current management.  I've seen people put on their applications "please don't contact current management as they are unaware of my interest in a new position" or something like that.  Just make sure you have good professional references.

As was mentioned often employers only give out that yes, you are employed there, and that's it.  They don't want to be accused of any slander or prejudice, etc.

If it is within the same facility, then that's another thing.  Where I work we are unable to transfer is we're under some sort of final warning.

But you are so right, no risk, no gain.  Good luck!

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Thank you Tweety. Tomorrow I go for the BCI and FBI and turn in all my immunizations and I have to do a drug test and urine test for nicotine. So far, nobody has called. I would have heard something. I plan on giving notice Aril 18 and starting new job May 16th. Is that good enough in advance? Thanks again!

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Specializes in Med-Surg, Trauma, Ortho, Neuro, Cardiac.
On 3/28/2022 at 1:02 PM, Ms. Oz RN said:

Thank you Tweety. Tomorrow I go for the BCI and FBI and turn in all my immunizations and I have to do a drug test and urine test for nicotine. So far, nobody has called. I would have heard something. I plan on giving notice Aril 18 and starting new job May 16th. Is that good enough in advance? Thanks again!

Good luck.  You only need to give a two week's notice.  

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