Resigning from new job after 2 weeks-please help

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I began a new job as a brand spanking new registered nurse in a LTC facility (subacute rehab). I was promised 3-4 weeks of training. I had hesitations going in, but was hoping it was just new grad jitters.

I was not impressed from day 1 with their practices. I will not go into deep detail, but red flags were raised left and right. After my 4th night of training, I was told that I'd be on my own cart on the 5th night. I expressed concern but was told that with the LPN's help on the other side (who has her own med cart and patient load) we could get through it. That my first time on my own would be hard no matter what, and to just take it 1 patient at a time. UGH. I was hoping with enough determination, I could be the person to begin to to change attitudes and procedures in this facility.

Well, I did pretty well the first night on my own. Overwhelmed, yes, but who isn't? The second night (last night) was a disaster. I made a nursing judgement (as well as a poorly trained new nurse can make) decision and when I was discussing with the next shift supervisor, was told that I was supposed to call the MD-well, that changed everything.

I can not, and will not risk my license for a facility who does not have my patients best interest in mind, or MY best interest in mind. I am NOT ready to take on 15-20 patients yet. I am not 100% sharp in assessments, time management, company policy, etc and it is UNSAFE for me to be on my own.

I was going to ask for decrease in hours on the 7th, effective beginning the 24th, as I have accepted another job, but I feel it's the best decision for me if I just walk away, effective immediately.

I'm losing sleep over this. I'm crying more than I'm not. I'm angry and disgusted that I could have really messed things up, that they don't seem to care, and that I'm even in this position to begin with.

I really need some advice.

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You already have another job lined up, so just give notive. Why drag it out for you or them? It happens. Just make sure you give the new job your all and stick it out to gain that job history stability.

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Specializes in retired LTC.
You already have another job lined up, so just give notive. Why drag it out for you or them? It happens. Just make sure you give the new job your all and stick it out to gain that job history stability.
Says it all! :hug:

Just hope for you the next job's grass is greener...

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Specializes in Rehab, critical care.

I would write your resignation letter, and explain in a diplomatic way why you're leaving/resigning since it goes in your file. Be very kind to whoever you talk to since you don't want to burn any bridges, not that you'll go back there lol, but you still want to leave on good terms.

Have the letter in hand and arrive early before your next shift or go in on your day off. I would negotiate the end date with your facility. If they're not going to give you more time on orientation, and you don't feel safe on your own, then just have it be the end. There's really no point in giving any notice if you're not doing them any favors anyway; it's not like you'd be working on your own. You'd only be wasting their time if you oriented with someone and then just left.

Just be glad you have another job lined up! Don't expect the new job to be all roses, but it hopefully will be an improvement.

Best of luck to you! You do what you have to do.

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Specializes in Pedi.

You have another job lined up. Resignation letter in hand, go to your manager- thank her for the opportunity but tell her that this isn't a good fit for you and that you will be leaving.

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Specializes in critical care, Med-Surg.

Don't even worry about this.

You are still on orientation, and facilities usu. have a 90 day sort of "no fault" period where they can fire you, or you can resign, and no one is "penalized" in any way. You should not list this job on your resume. It's perfectly fine not to do so.

I once worked a couple of weeks in the dialysis unit at my hospital. I realized I hated it. Went to my former nurse manager, and she gave me FANTASTIC advice. SHe told me to go ahead and let dialysis manager know it wasn't right for me, and I returned to med-surg. It truly was no big deal. THe manager where you are know has seen this situation plenty of times, I guarantee you. You are doing that manager a favor by not having her spend more $ orienting a nurse who hates it and will leave.

It's just not a good fit. Don't beat yourself up. Go somewhere you can have some job satisfaction, don't be a martyr.

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4 days of orientation being a new nurse is not enough lol! I had 1 week of helping the nurse administrators with orders and chart stuff, and then 3 weeks of floor training. I've been there 6 months now and not to toot my own horn to hard I've got it down pretty good (Meds, treatments, paperwork) but there are something's you will not know until you experience them (death, codes, explosive diarrhea because noc nurse gave patient a few to many doses of milk of mag). We had a new nurse train for a couple weeks and then in another 2 she was on the schedule to start pm shifts, she just walked out no notice or anything. Your doing the write thing letting them know!

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