Should I Add This on my Resume?

[abundantjoy07, RN]

Long Story Short...I was not happy with my orientation as a new nurse on the floor I was working on. I felt the environment was not a positive one for a new nurse. I was left on my own often and had to figure out many things on my own or through various other nurses. There was no structured orientation/precepting and I rarely recieved any feedback.

I let my NM know I was not pleased with my orientation and the reasons for my displeasure. I also told her how stressful it was to not have the support I needed at this time from my co-workers. She told the director who fired me on Thursday. Their reason for termination? Because I was unhappy there and they did not want to keep me on staff. They did not want me "bringing down" the rest of the staff. I did not leave on bad terms. I was quiet and cordial during the whole firing event. It wasn't a bad experience, but my employer felt I was just a miserable mess working there. At least that was my perception.

My question is should I include this previous job on my resume? Or should I leave it off and present myself as an RN who has never worked as an RN a day in her life?

[flashpoint]

I would probably put it on my resume...just explain in interviews that it just wasn't a good match for you. It is much better to be honest than to have something come back to haunt you later on. I was hired to work PRN in an LTC...my first night of orientation, I was put on their Alzheimer's unit alone because the person who was supposed to be working there got in a fight with one of the residents. I woke everyone up on rounds because I had no idea who was continent and who wasn't, who needed help repositioning, etc. Then one of the charge nurses from another unit CHANGED MY CHARTING! I almost didn't go back. My second night of orientation, I was handed a set of keys and the regular nurse curled up in a recliner and slept. I didn't go back after that.

When I have interviewed since, I add it to my resume and applications and note that I left because I was denied appropriate orientation.

[torchlake]

Suggestion would be to add to your list of places worked. When asked reason for leaving put in personal and willing to give details. That way you are being up front and open to questions. There are definately hospitals that do not provide a good orientation. Have heard this from various nurses that I have worked with. Hope you find somewhere new that has a more supportive orientation. Good Luck!

[Dolce, RN]

You should put it on your resume and in your application. Trying to hide that you worked at a place would appear deceptive to future employers. When you interview for the next position try not to cast a negative light on the former job. Remain positive about the things that you learned at the old job and explain why you believe that their position would be a better one. Remember, you are not the first new grad to realize that some first jobs are better then others! I quit my first nursing job after 7 months because it was horrible!! I think I had one week of "orientation." However, I never slammed this facility in my subsequent interviews because employers are looking for positive, team players--not people who criticize their former places of employment.

Keep your chin up...there are lots of facilities out there that need new grads.

[abundantjoy07, RN]

Thanks everyone. My first instinct was to add it and to explain my situation in a positive light. I appreciate all of the affirmations I've recieved about this.

So tomorrow begins my new job hunt...wish me luck.