Quit My Job

[Jen1228]

I am a new RN, graduated in May. I took my first job in the rehab unit of a LTC facility. I worked LTC as a CNA and fully didn't intend to work in it as a new nurse because I felt I needed more opportunity to develop my skills. When I was hired at rehab, I was assured that I would get plenty of opportunity to start IVs, work with PICC lines, etc. This was not the case. I passed PO meds only and did dressing changes. I really liked it there though...at the beginning.

I oriented for 6 days on the floor with another nurse and had 1 day in the classroom. I felt that I could handle the responsibilities and workload, but I was concerned about documenting. While orienting, I was told to just "see what everyone else wrote and go by that." I didn't think that was right. Things were not being documented on that should. It was literally the same entry over and over: "A&OX3. Continent of B&B. Tranfers with assist x1. Dressing dry and intact. No c/o pain, distress." So, I documented how I was taught in school. My clinical instructor is on the Board of Nursing and her husband is a malpractice atty, she taught me well. The problem is, I was documenting on things that were never mentioned by other nurses. New wounds, problems, etc. I even had one patient that had been admitted 4 days before when I was off work. After reading his chart and getting report, I learned he had a chest tube in the hospital. I asked him if he had a dressing, because the nurse giving report "didn't know." He still had the same dressing from the hospital. No one had taken it off while doing the admission assessment. He even had the dressing where is IV was removed 4 days earlier! Of course I changed the dressing. I also documented on the appearance of the wound. I came in after being off for 5 days and guess what? The same dressing I initialed. No one had looked at or documented on this wound. This is just one example of how things work around there. I could name many more situations like this.

Well, the state came in and was reviewing all the charts. My entries stuck out like a sore thumb. They were much longer and more detailed than everyone elses'. A few of the other staff nurses took it upon herself to show me "how we document here." I informed her that I would continue to document the way I had been, the DON had not told me there was a problem. I really felt that I was being targeted as a new grad. I may be new, but I know important things to chart on. I don't know if I made the other nurses look bad or myself look bad.

Anyway, I was planning on moving to FL at the beginning of September, so I went ahead and put in my notice. Problem is, I didn't work out my full 2 weeks. I just quit. I felt I was being targeted, and I had had enough. Well now the facility is on the news for new admissions being stopped by the state due to conditions that could cause patient harm.

My question is: should I even list this job on my resume? It was my first job as an RN and I would like to because I did gain some experience. I am worried about getting a bed reference when the facility is contacted to verify employment. I know they say don't talk bad about other places you worked during an interview, but should I explain myself if I am given a bad reference? I am so confused and worried. I know I shouldn't have just quit like that, but I felt like I literally couldn't stand another day there. Quite honestly, I am glad I got out when I did, seeing what is happening there now.

Sorry this post was so long, I guess I needed to rant. Any words of adivce would be greatly appreciated.

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

So...you worked for them for a month? I would list it but state that I was in the process of moving and that was why I quit. I would also state that you wanted more acute care experience (if that is the case) or more variety (if that is true). Get my drift? Gloss over the negative things so that you are seen as a team player.

[Jen1228]

I actually worked there for about 2 months, not that much of a difference. Thanks for your advice.

[njbikernurse]

I have been there, done that. My first nursing job at a LTC was really awful, and I quit after three months with little notice. The next place that hired me didn't even blink about the short time there, and there was no way for them to know how much, if any, notice I gave before leaving. I ended up staying at the next place 1 1/2 years, and putting that on my resume after the 3 month stint really shows that it wasn't me, it was the place I worked at. I think with the state of nursing today and the desperation for staff, they are willing to give you a try even if your resume looks less than stellar. Once you get there and show them how you work, that says so much more than what they see on paper.

P.S. I wouldn't omit anyplace from my resume, since nursing can be a small world, and someone may one day say, "hey, don't I know you from so-and-so nursing home?" Better to be honest than try and explain things later! Good luck!

[montieICURN]

You have to put in on your resume. They will find out if you don't. You can tell the new HR department that it was a bad experience and find someone from the facility to give you a good professional reference so they can verify your story. We just hired someone with a bad reference (they can only ask if they would re-hire you) that the RN easily and satisfactorily explained. If you tell them they were not up to your standards, they will look favorably upon that. You'll be fine, Good Luck!!

[azor]

My Dear,as you can see,its better to include them on your resume but i'll tell you to have a good and positive reason made up to tell them in case they ask you so that you 'll defend your skills and so fort.I wish you luck.

[brwneyegal]

They can not give out untrue information when called for a refrence. Only stuff like did you call out of work excessive amopunt of times, late to work excessively, gross insubordination (is that spelled right???). At least that is my understanding. Just put them on the reseme and tell the future employer you were in the process of relocating.........

[Jo Dirt]

This place wouldn't happen to be in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, would it?

[SICU Queen]

Usually employers will only release dates of employment, and sometimes whether or not you're a "eligible/ineligible for rehire".

I would list the job, but don't go into detail about what went on there. Just state your responsibilities, and if asked why you left, say you were moving and also wanted more acute care experience. That IS the truth. Trust me when I tell you all they're really looking at super close is whether you have a valid license, and if you're drug-free.

Honestly, it'll all probably go like this: You'll put in an application. You'll be called for an interview. If they want to hire you, they'll check your references (maybe). They'll offer you a job, or not. That's it. During the interview, talk how you're so excited about getting acute care experience, and list your skills of "being a quick learner, a team player, reliable, eager to gain experience, etc". Answer any questions about your previous job honestly but simply. Don't criticize the facility or the management.

Good luck!

[llg, PhD, RN]

Normally, I would recommend listing the job and say only that you were not getting appropriate experience there. However, in your situation, I would recommend explaining in more detail. Two things make your case exceptional:

1. You left without giving proper notice. That makes it LIKELY that the facility will say that you are ineligible for rehire. That will make you look very bad unless you offer an explanation. I think you should offer that explanation upfront BEFORE the places you apply to find out that you are not eligible for rehire and reject you.

2. Get some documentation of the seriousness of the problems there. Even a clipping from a news story (many of which can be printed nicely from the online version of the newspaper) could be a big help. Anothe option would be to have one of your references explain the situation and verify your story. By providing such evidence from an objective source, you will be providing a legitimate reason you left as you did.

I'd gather the evidence and present myself as a new grad who found herself in a bad situation and who had no choice but to leave without giving notice -- but who understands that such action is generally wrong and that you can be counted on not to do that again unless forced to.

[FireStarterRN, BSN, RN]

Just for the future, I think no matter how bad a place is you should always have the decency to give proper notice. Just my opinion.

[EmmaG, RN]

Just for the future, I think no matter how bad a place is you should always have the decency to give proper notice. Just my opinion.

I quit without notice. I kinda regret that now, but at the time I was stressed to the point I saw no other way, and there was no way I could have worked the required four weeks notice. I am certain I would have ended up a patient myself.

I'm not impulsive. I've never in my life left a job without notice and without having another one waiting in the wings. I was fast becoming ineffective in the job, and having migraines 3 or more times a week. So I'd probably do it again, under the same circumstances.

Everything happens for a reason. I can never go back (and I did love my job), but it's opene other doors for me.