RNurse143

Hi there, So I quit my first job as a nurse after working at the facility for about 6 weeks. I won't get into details, but I hated every second of my time at the hopsital, and couldn't bear to continue my employment there. It was an unsafe, negative environment. I quit in a pretty unprofessional manner - I called HR and told them I wouldn't be back, and I also called my nurse manager to let her know. I did not give 2 weeks notice, I just thanked them up and down for the opportunity they had given me, and apologized that it wasn't working out. My nurse manager was surprisingly nice about it. She first wanted to see if there was anyway she could make me change my mind about leaving, then she wanted my reasoning for feeling the way I did. She said that she appreciated that I was being upfront. I had a guilty conscience, too - I felt it would have been unfair of me to continue my emloyment there when my heart wasn't in it. And I did not want my preceptor wasting her energy teaching me when I knew I wouldn't stay long. Since you've only been at your job for a short time, it is likely that you are still orienting (?). I quit before my orientation was finished, which was, in a way, a good thing, because I was not leaving the floor short on staff (I was still sharing a patient load with my preceptor). This job is not on my resume. I felt it was unnecessary to include it since I was there for a very short time and I left on my own terms (wasn't terminated or asked to leave). When I interviewed for my current job, I told the interviewing NM that I had been emloyed by this hospital and briefly described the situation and explained - in short- how it wasn't for me. I talked about the job in a positive light, talked about the things I learned there, and was extremely careful not to talk negatively about anyone or anything that went on there. I am not sure that I would be hired back at that facility. I can't imagaine ever wanting to be. What was most important to me at the time was my sanity and the protection of my liscense. So, I quit abruptly. It has worked out fine for me thus far, but its always possible I'll run into some consequence in the future that will make me wish I had given proper notice. Anyways hope that helps to know you're not alone on this one. Just be sure to weigh all the pros and cons before doing anything you'll regret. I felt like a million bucks once I was free from that toxic job. I dont regret a thing! Good luck in your non-nursing future, hope all goes well! RNurse143

Hi Male28, There is an entire forum dedicated to male nurses on this site. I'm sure you'll find some valuable insight there from men like yourself interested in the field of nursing. I am a nurse in Boston and am familiar with alot of the nursing programs around here. An associate degree program will take you the least amount of time (generally 2+ years) to become an registered nurse. There are many schools on the outskirts of Boston with programs for an ADN. There is, however, the issue of these schools having waiting lists, which will add additional months. Obtaining your BSN is becoming almost necessary if you wish to work for one of the large teaching hospitals Boston is famous for. Mass General, Brigham and Women's, Beth Israel, Children's etc are becoming very picky when hiring new nurses. You would have much better job opportunities awaiting you after graduation if you were to obtain your BSN. Generally BSN's take 4-5 years to complete. Then, there is always the option or getting your ADN, then working as an RN while you complete your BSN and beyond, if you wish. This is a good option if you are anxious to get going. I find the "better hospitals" as you mentioned, to be those I listed above (MGH, BWH etc.). And salaries for new grad nurses are looking up! On average, I'd say you'd start anywhere from $24/hr at a community hospital up to a max of $30/hr at the large medical centers in town. All of this is just my opinion, but I hope my insight helps. I am a new graduate nurse and I really understand how tough it is choosing a program and completing nursing school. Good Luck!

Funny you should ask! During nursing school, I worked at a small community hospital as a CNA. My nurse manager was constantly reminding me that I had a job once I graduated if I wanted one on her unit. But I, like you, have always wanted to work at a larger teaching hospital in town, so during my last year of school I took a job as a PCA at Mass General, hoping this foot in the door would set me up for an RN position there upon graduation. Unfortunately, when I graduated I could NOT get a job as an RN at MGH since I only have my ADN. It was a real bummer since I loved the environment and the people at MGH. Though I had a long and difficult job search, I did just get a job elsewhere (another great hospital in town) where I know i'll be just as happy. My advice to you is to try to get a PCA job in town if you want, or just stay put. Either way you are learning alot. I did find I enjoyed work much more and learned SO SO much more working at MGH than I did at the smaller community hospital I started at. Good Luck RNursey143

Hi, It's so funny to read this post, because I've spent the whole night on craigslist searching for any decent spare room in Boston so I can be closer to my job. I truly feel your pain, everything is so expensive if you're renting for one! I am starting at Beth Israel next week as a new grad and I am so thrilled. However, I am NOT thrilled about commuting from the south shore 4 to 5 days per week. I am beginning to realize my ideal living situation (having a nice big downtown apartment all to myself) is not possible, and may soon consider looking for a roomate as well. Oh, and congrats on landing a new grad position in town! Where did you graduate from, and where are you working? RNurse143

Hiya, Have you thought of doing some home care or private cases around your area while you are finishing school? The home setting is much less stressful (OBVIOUSLY!!) than a busy hospital where they will likely want you to do a full-time intensive orientation with their facility. Look into agencies, look in the newspaper, and keep your ears open for someone who might need assistance with daily activities at home. It is likely you could make your own hours, though the compensation may not be up to par. You have more than enough training for a PCA/Home health type position and would make a real difference to someone in need! You will learn more than you think doing home care. You really get to focus in on one patient's story and know their care inside and out. It's a unique way to start your career, best of luck!

Do any private duty nurses feel like I do?? I just recently began picking up some cases with a private duty nursing agency while I'm waiting to start orientation at a new job. I'm doing 12 hour day shifts with a patient who is so easygoing that she doesn't want me to do anything! I check her vitals in the morning, do a quick assessment for pain, give her some meds, make her some cereal, and then sit on my behind for hours on end! Yesterday I had enough of sitting around with her, that I insisted on doing some laundry and tidying up around the house. She is VERY wealthy, though, and has a maid who leaves the house spotless so I don't have much to keep me busy! Also, she has a chef who shops and cooks for her, so again, I've got nothing to do! This patient is paying BIG bucks to have us nurses around, so I just cannot justify doing nothing! I know you all are thinking I'm a nut for complaining about such an easy assignment, but I feel so guilty for getting paid for doing squat. I've spent all my nursing life in busy ER's and crazy step-down units, so this is quite a change. Anyone else ever encounter anything like this?

why hello all, just curious if anyone is working at beth israel deaconess medical center in boston. i am a new grad who finally settled on this hospital after 4 months of what feels like 1000 other interviews and offers.:trout: the reputation of the hospital is top notch, the pay is on the higher side for a new nurse, and my nurse manager is awesome! i hope to have a solid orientation and really get some skills down on this acute medical floor.. let me know what you experienced here..