Really really screwed up....

Nurses New Nurse

Published

Last night I had one of those "night from hell" busy nights. 2 Admissions, 2 discharged, never less than 6 patients, a paracentesis drain and tube feeding running...

I forgot to give a Lasix IV. Then saw it later and forgot I hadn't given it and charted it. And in my hurry forgot to wipe a patient's skin with a prep before giving an insulin injection.

I feel like this hospital is creating overwhelming situations for me then smacking my hand when I make mistakes because I'm rushed and I'm new. Our average pt load in 6-7 on evening for a general med-surg unit.

I would quit but there is a complication. If I would I would owe back the 4k bonus I took. But quite frankly I feel like I will be fired before then anyway. I'm starting to think it'll be worth paying back to go to a different hospital.

I talk to my superviser on Monday about all this and I know it's not going to be good. I'm scared for my job and maybe even for my license.

:bluecry1: :bluecry1: :bluecry1:

Pendragon

Specializes in Trauma/Stepdown, CCU.

If they are the ones that let you go.. does that mean you're still obligated to pay back the sign on bonus?

Yes, I have to pay back that bonus, and they are holding my final paycheck for it.

I don't think I'll have problem finding another job within the next couple of weeks, nurses are needed everywhere. I'm going to enjoy Thanksgiving with my family first though.

I do worry what to say when my prospective employer asks why I left my previous job.

I am sorry that you are going through this. Five weeks of orientation is not enough and they should be ashamed of themselves. The pt ratio seems high to me. Also, who is above making a mistake? We strive to learn from them and move on. Again, shame on them. Do not let this experience define your nursing career. Think about what you have to offer to your next employer. Also, what attributes do they need to have in order for you to want to work for them? Try to insure that you get what you are looking for.

I wish you the best.

Specializes in Critical Care, Cardiothoracics, VADs.

You got fired for forgetting a dose of Lasix? If that is genuinely the only reason, that is ridiculous!!!! Hope you can enjoy your holiday and find a nicer position next time!!

Yeah, I can really understand where you're coming from - feeling overwhelmed so consistently. I'm still a pretty new nurse & remember in nursing school one of my teachers telling me that one effective way of voting was with your feet. I did do that w/my 1st job & don't regret it. I have found something that is a much better fit for me since then. It was no cakewalk, but nothing that is really worth it is. Staying isn't a cakewalk either.

Specializes in Trauma ICU, MICU/SICU.
Yes, I have to pay back that bonus, and they are holding my final paycheck for it.

I don't think I'll have problem finding another job within the next couple of weeks, nurses are needed everywhere. I'm going to enjoy Thanksgiving with my family first though.

I do worry what to say when my prospective employer asks why I left my previous job.

What a krappy thing to do. They fire you and still want their sign on bonus. I would speak to a lawyer, if it is more affordable than paying them back.

Another problem I have with your employer is you asked for more orientation and was told that they can't afford it. You were also told that you shouldn't need help with time management when you were telling them that you did.

Well, now let's look at what its cost them. They rushed you through orientation (I had 12 weeks on the same floor I had tech'd on), didn't support or help you when you asked for it. And then they FIRED you. You don't need them. They don't know the first thing about training new grads or retaining new grads.

My hospital has a 12 week med/surg orientation (more if you need it). They also have a non-punitive med error reporting system. Which means no personnel actions for medical mistakes. Could someone be put back on orientation? Sure, but that is not punishment in my opinion, that is the support that a new grad needs.

As for the ratios, the ratios sound pretty good, but it sounds like you were just never taught how to handle that load. Good luck and keep your chin up. YOU are not the problem, you were THROWN into an impossible situation.

Be honest with your new prospective employer and tell them how you asked for more orientation and what their answer was. Also, how you asked for help with time management and what their answer was.

Good luck!

Specializes in Telemetry.
You got fired for forgetting a dose of Lasix? If that is genuinely the only reason, that is ridiculous!!!! Hope you can enjoy your holiday and find a nicer position next time!!

I agree.... there must be more to this story.

Specializes in MedSurg Tele.

I'm crying with you!! I understand.

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