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.
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.
4 weeks is an unreasonable requirement for a staff nurse position, I think.
Thank you all for your advice. I think I will list this job on my resume. It is so nice to be able to communicate with more experienced nurses and ask for help. I really appreciate all of you taking the time to respond to my situation.
Quite honestly, I am glad I got out when I did, seeing what is happening there now.
FireStarterRN, BSN, RN
3,824 Posts
4 weeks is an unreasonable requirement for a staff nurse position, I think.