Should I stick it out or look for a new job?!?!

Published

Specializes in Tele, Home Health, MICU, CTICU, LTC.

I am just looking for some opinions here. I know I have to make my own decisions but would like to hear the thoughts of some experienced nurses. I am a new grad. I have been working on a cardiac telemetry unit since the end of February. I oriented on days up until 2 weeks ago. When I got on nights everything seemed fine at first and now it is all going down hill. The average experience level on nights is less than 1 year. Everyone that works nights has been hired in the last year. The turnover rate for night shift is 95%. Yes you heard that right....95%. Is this normal? I'll be off orientation in 2 weeks and just pray that I have someone to turn to if I have questions. Apparently our unit manager is blocking everyones transfer off the floor, she is refusing to sign the transfer request. People are quitting left and right. It's just crazy. I'm having trouble determing exactly what the problem is. I know one problem is that one of our shift supervisors is very young, unexperienced, and treats everyone like crap. Other than that I really can't pinpoint exactly what the problem is. Any thoughts or opinions?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Public Health, DEI.

It doesn't sound like you've experienced any trouble yet, so I'm not sure if I'm understanding you correctly. Why borrow trouble? I'd go ahead and stay, and make a further decision when and if you start finding the situation intolerable. Is there more to your story than what you've shared, or are you just concerned that you'll end up being as unhappy as those that have left?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Tele, Home Health, MICU, CTICU, LTC.

I'm concerned for two reasons:

1) I'm in a situation that is potentially unsafe for the patients due to lack of experience and lack of people to assist if I or any of the other new/newer nurses don't understand something or don't know how to do something.

2) I feel as if I'm stepping into the frying pan sometimes.

I have not experienced any problems yet and I hope that I never do. I think it's a situation of....what if?! My preceptor who has the most experience on the unit is leaving as soon as I am done with orientation. So I won't have her to rely on if I have questions or need help after I finish orientation.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Hold on to the job you have until something better comes along. Always keep your eyes and ears open for other opportunities (even in good jobs). I would also learn from coworkers on how to best cope with difficult supervisors and/or situations. See what strategy works best in your setting and adopt it quickly. Learn from the success and failures of other staff members.

-AS

Up Vote Up Vote ×

give it a try, select a certain period of time you will give yourself, say four months if at the end of that time you have more information available to you to decide what you want

don't hesitate to 'jump ship' ahead of time if you feel like your license is in jeopardy

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion