Resignation Advice

I have been working nights in an ECF for approximately 6 weeks. I was very leery of working for this company because of it's bad reputation but was assured by the new management team during the interview that changes were in the works. I honestly took this night position at this facility because it was so close to home-even knowing of its reputation and knowing my mind and body do not do well on nights. Sadly, I have witnessed none of the positive changes that were discussed in the interview.

I no longer want to be a part of a company that holds no one accountable for jobs not getting done which in turn affects the residents negatively. Meds are missing, treatments do not get done, important supplies do not get ordered, vital signs are made up. I could go on and on. I've never worked in this field before and when I've brought it up to management, I am told this is how long term care is.

Ironically, I have been offered another job for a great company. I did not search out this job but instead, they came to me. I am definitely jumping on board with the new job. The ECF has a 30 day notice period. I had every intention of finishing out my 30 days of employment once I resign but the more I think about it, the

more scared I get. I am not a job hopper and believe in always leaving a job in a professional manner and on good terms. My health has suffered greatly in these 6 weeks both from the stress of night shift and the stress of working in this type of environment. I would appreciate any advice.....should I stick it out for 30 days or run?

Try to stick around, unless you are suffering physical symptoms from stress, hang on, it will make you look professional in the future.

I also leave my company with a very bad reputation and scenes you mentioned. I also gave my notice, but just two weeks and will stay until this is done. Anyway, congrats for a new job possibility and the decision you made.

Thank you for the advice. I should clarify this is my first job in LTC, not my first job in nursing. Maybe as my supervisor noted, this is the reality for this particular environment. How sad.

Your current place, it is NOT the NORM for all LTC. Some try and do well, and some others are horrid. But it is a tough industry. Work out your time - you might just need that place for a second reference as a previous employer. And you will need to list it on your resume for the future, so don't burn any bridges.

Just know that when you have actually given in your resignation and the fact becomes common knowledge, you'll soon start to experience a sense of separation. It's usually a GOOD feeling, one of RELIEF that 'it's all finally over and coming to an end'.

You may start to say your goodbyes to some staff you liked and to some residents. Maybe not. But you'll be able to start counting down the days, the hours, the minutes until ...

PS - start to clean out your locker ASAP. Amazing how much you've accumulated even in a short time!

Thank you for the replies. I did take the other job and have been there 5-1/2 months and I am loving it.

I've worked in LTC before and was so stressed. I also worked noc shift. To make it short, I gave my notice and resigned. I have no regrets. LTC is hard, but I believed not all facility is that bad. Goodluck to you! :)

I'm so glad this thread has a happy ending. I'm in the same position myself--leaving a LTC job sooner than I intended because the facility is awful--and I'm glad to see someone else on the same path who got out and is doing well.

I am told this is how long term care is.

THIS IS NOT HOW LONG TERM CARE IS! Of course some places have adopted these practices. DO NOT WORK THERE. I work in an amazing facility now after leaving one very similar if not worse than the one you describe. I hope you get out and find better...ASAP!!!