Should I stay or should I go?

[Miller86]

I graduated in April of 2010 and got a job last week through an agency. At first, I was excited about getting a JOB and also fancied the idea of working at different hospitals on various units, which I thought would be a great experience. Immediately upon being hired, literally 30 minutes after leaving the interview, I was called for a 12 hour night shift. I was told there is no such thing as orientation with agencies and I would be thrown into the pool.

So there I drove into the pool head first. I worked that first shift on a busy medical isolation unit in a fairly big hospital. I was running around like a headless chicken trying to figure my way around and get myself organized. The nurses on the unit were amazing and helped with finding things around the unit, turning patients and etc. I still felt inadequate and of course unprepared for the caseload. It was my first time with the preceptor leash being off and I felt overwhelmed.

I was called for another 2 night shifts and 1 day shift of all 12s, which I accepted still hopeful of getting the hang of it. Units being: Med/surg, coronary care and rehab. Again, the headless chicken was running around but miraculously able to get things done. Going home I kept thinking "Did I chart everything?" "Was anything missed". Most of the staff on shift were busy with their own workload and unable to assist me when needed, which I completely understand and do not blame them since I'm from the agency and should be expected to know things.

Sorry for the long story. Basically, I am wondering if this is safe for a new grad? I did not work for the last two days and I literally dread the idea of going into something I'm unfamiliar with and or losing my licence doing something wrong! Should I quit and wait for something with orientation involved?

What would you do?

Please give me a little advice. My family and friends think I'm just being a whiner/complainer and that I should be satisfied with a job in this economy. I'm just frightened of making a mistake and terribly regretting it.

Thanks in advance

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I agree with the poster that suggested LTC to get your feet wet. As mentioned, they are more stable. But, before you even do that, see if there is another RN that will be available for you to lean on, because from what I have seen when I worked as an aide at a nursing home was that the evening and night shifts only had one RN supervisor...the rest of the nurses were LPNs. You would definitely be the 'go to' person if a patient goes south.

Agencies have no concern about our licenses. They are only interested in maintaining their contracts and sending warm bodies for their cut.

[Suethestudent]

Miller86... congrats on doing the right thing. Short term you may have hardship but just imagine the lifelong guilt you would carry with you if your lack of experience led to a patient's untimely demise.

A license loss would be dreadful but the loss of a person would be am immense tragedy for all involved.

Good luck to you in finding a more appropriate position. You deserve a break as a reward for your admirable integrity.

[nurse grace RN, BSN]

PLease let us know how things go for you in your job search. You have made a wise decision. I am proud of you! You will be an excellent nurse, all you need now is a mentor and some experience.

Plus a great position where you can have the benefit of a preceptor.