"let go" after 8wks of orientation. :-(

[xEdgexRNx]

I was "let go" after 8wks of orientation of my position on the oncology med-surg unit b/c I "wasn't the right fit" and b/c I was "trying to be too good of a nurse," meaning that I was trying to provide holistic care to all my patients, despite being inundated with numerous tasks. This supposedly led to "poor time management and prioritization." However, I always got my tasks done. My orientation was not the greatest: I had 2 part-time preceptors and got less than 3 days on the floor per week b/c of their schedules (despite me being a 1.0 FTE). Not to mention the fact that our philosophies on nursing didn't always meet up eye-to-eye. I was very honest with my manager and preceptors on several occasions, yet instead of trying to work with me, they let me go. Now, I am out of a job, with bills to pay, and am having a hard time finding a place that will take new grads (especially after the New Grad "rush"). I graduated top of my class and am competent in my skills. My former professors couldn't believe this happened. I can't even tell my family, I'm so ashamed. IDk what to do.... I'm at a major cross-roads. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

[SoundofMusic]

Here's what I would do. I'd try to honestly and objectively look at where you might have gone wrong in trying to provide that holistic care too soon.

Managers of these units during preceptorship and off orientation first just want to see that you can manage the basics: geting all your meds done and orders fulfilled on time, completing paperwork, keeping patients safe, and doing it all within the allotted time on your shift. Perhaps you tried to accomplish too much too soon in their eyes.

Then I'd just go apply to some new jobs, admit that you've learned from the experience, tell your potential new managers in interviews what you feel you could improve upon, and just be honest. There is still a nursing shortage and you WILL get hired again. Sometimes it just isn't a good fit -- I myself went through that and did go on to find a good fit with the 2nd job -- it's not over by any means.

Try to be objective about the situation and just try, try again. You MAY have been a bit overzealous, may have said too much, may have thought you were doing the right thing, but were biting off too much at the beginnning. Just stick to the basics, prove your competence there, and once you've proven yourself and are off orienation for a while, you can start being the nurse you really want to be -- good luck and don't give up!!

[BradleyRN]

Not to mention the fact that our philosophies on nursing didn't always meet up eye-to-eye. I was very honest with my manager and preceptors on several occasions...

They should expect some time management issues in the beginning of any new nurse's career. This leaves me thinking you were let go due to your differences in opinion and your honesty regarding those differences. It is important to realize that your coworkers are not your friends when you first start a job. Save your disapprovals of aspects of the health care system for your real friends. Eventually, you may be very close with your coworkers, but as you can see, it doesnt pay to blindly trust from the beginning. Good luck...:)

[llg, PhD, RN]

I think you have gotten some very good advice from the 2 previous posts. In your eyes, you may have been doing "all the right things." But you need to see the situation from the Manager's point of view. A Manager is looking for someone who is not only competent, but also for someone who will "fit in" with the other members of the team and work well with them.

If you were vocal about your disagreements in philosophy, complaining about your preceptors (teammates), wanting them to "work with you" while you were criticizing and complaining about youre teammates, etc. etc. etc. ... I can imagine that you gave the impression of an employee who was not going to be satisfied and who would require a lot of extra effort from them. That's not very attractive to a Manager who already has enough "high maintenance employees."

Review what happened. Learn from your mistakes. Work on making yourself more attractive as an employee. Being attractive as an employee involves more than just being smart and more than just taking good care of the patients. It means working well as a team with your coworkers. Maybe that is where you can improve your chances of being successful in your next job.

[shanika1m1]

sorry to hear about you losing your job, it must not be your place. Everything really does happen for a reason whether good or bad.

I am sure you will find something else better suited for you. Good Luck !