Please help!!!! Should I leave my first nursing job 2 weeks into orientation?

[chickenlittle2015]

Hello, this is my first question on here although I have read advice for some time now.

The problem I have is this... I just got my first RN job in an ICU at a facility that has an extremely high turn over rate. I am 2 weeks into orientation and I now see why this is. The facility is absolutely unsafe. My very first day I was expected to take 2 icu patients on my own with no shadowing of my preceptor. My preceptor has 8 months of experience and is still practically a new grad herself! When I asked her about why she is precepting she said no experienced nurse will work there and once anyone gets their year experience they leave. All throughout the day she would hand me already drawn up meds to give without letting me do my checks. I have no clue what's in those syringes and don't feel safe giving a med I didn't draw up. My first day one of my patients was being intubated and the charge nurse came in to help me. After it was done she looks at me and said I hope you were writing times down you need to chart all that. I almost cried. I learn fast but seriously no one learns that fast!! When I tried talking to the nurse manager About my concerns I was told "this is the icu no one said working here is easy." Is this a normal orientation and I'm just not prepared or does this sound unsafe? these are just a few examples of which there are many more.

So so my dilemma is should I leave this job to seek a safer position somewhere else?

[bcandygurl]

No, this doesn't sound like the norm. In the future, I would suggest you shadow before accepting a position and ask specific questions in regards to their orientation process. I would suggest you leave if you feel as if your license is in jeopardy. Most places transition you into a position esp if you are a new grad. I work in the NICU and I received a 4 month orientation, where I worked alongside my preceptor. The rest of the new grads in my new grad residency program received at least a 3 month orientation.

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

The only thing that will jeopardize your license are YOUR actions/decisions. This includes things like administering medications that you did not prepare. "We always do it that way" is not a justification, and it will not protect you if something bad happens. In my state, accepting an assignment that you cannot competently fulfill is a breach of our Nurse Practice Act. RNs are expected to know their own limitations and seek assistance/ education & training when needed. Patient safety is always more important than any other concern. You may want to review your own NPA to determine your state's specific rules and regulations.

It would seem that your gut instinct is telling you what's right. If you're being forced into violating your Nurse Practice Act, you have to act. Since your manager was not helpful - I would consider her response "unprofessional conduct" (which is reportable conduct in my state) so you need to escalate your concerns. Take your concerns up the ladder to the appropriate nurse leader &/or HR. In the meantime, do NOT violate your own standards of practice trying to adapt to the bad actions of your co-workers.

So sorry you are in this terrible place. I wish you a a very quick and successful outcome.

[Barnstormin' PMHNP]

Start applying to other facilities now. HouTx has given you excellent advice, if it's different anywhere else in the hospital, try to apply to any openings that are available. Something WILL go wrong and you will probably take the fall for it, I know the license is important, but the life you might take or ruin is more important.

[sourapril]

You need to leave right now.

[Willcont2montr, LPN]

You worked hard for that license dont jeopardize it because you want to start your career. Surely other place you apply to after will know that facility and its reputation. Youll have to learn the right way all over again. Be patient and listen to your gut.