Stay or go?

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I am new to the department at a hospital and the environment is very toxic. Rude staff, not a good learning environment, walking on egg shells around my preceptor. I don't feel comfortable. I have heard some terrible things about this company as far as staffing and culture goes. During the morning or evening meetings before shift starts everyone seems miserable getting their assignments: everyone is quiet and not speaking. I believe I made a mistake by choosing this hospital and I feel stuck. I signed a contract. Not smart I know. 

The department is short staffed, no one gets breaks, not even a 15 minute break for 12 hours. 

I can't bare the thought of going back again, to endure the same grueling 12 hours with no break, no one cares if you get one or not. If they do it's along of the lines of 'hey, don't forget to take your break!' knowing full well you can't take an uninterrupted, 30 minute restful break. I'd love to see a nurses face in an ER  when we say, hey here's 5 patients, they're stable, I'm going on a 30 minute break! I am still in the orientation period. I am in a position where I can quit, but I don't want to because I don't know what the next job will say after quitting. I really want to have a good learning experience. 

Any thoughts?

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I am in the same situation. After several years, I left a comfortable position that I felt stuck in to take a growth position with more money and a sign on bonus at another hospital. Within two months I knew I had made a mistake. My orientation ended 4 weeks early. Unit is always short staffed and 90% of staff consists of new grads. No pca. The unit and patient rooms are filthy because "cleaning" staff is only there for a few hours each day. The job is physically taxing. Everyone is stressed out. Break consists of eating a snack at nursing station which I refuse to do.  Lunch is usually between 3pm-4:30pm.  I have overheard some non-nursing staff members talk about me behind my back. 

I would have quit long ago but I have to stay a year because of the sign on bonus. Since the bonus is prorated, I will most likely leave a few months early and let them take what I owe from my pto. I was concerned about how quitting early would look, but my nursing license, health, and sanity are more important. Look for a new job NOW and without being too critical let them know your current position is not a good fit for you. If possible leave it off your resume.

 

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Specializes in CEN, Firefighter/Paramedic.
summertx said:

I'd love to see a nurses face in an ER  when we say, hey here's 5 patients, they're stable, I'm going on a 30 minute break! I am still in the orientation period.

Just as an FYI, that's exactly how lunch breaks go in the ED, and I always assumed that's how they went on the floor.

"Hey I'm going to run to lunch real quick can you keep an eye on my peeps, nothing really going on at the moment..”

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Specializes in Psych, Corrections, Med-Surg, Ambulatory.

Twelve hours with no break of any kind?  Why is it still like this?

Yes it looks bad on a resume but so what?  You need to survive first.  More nurses need to vote with their feet.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Capacity/Bed Management.

You are not alone, so many people have been in similar situations myself included. I once took a job at a level one trauma center working in their SICU, I very quickly realized it was a toxic environment and although I was not the target of the unit bullies I did not like seeing other people get pushed around. I resigned four weeks into orientation.

I still put the job in my resume and have never once had anyone ask me about it, or why I left after such a short amount of time. You have to do what is best for you, there are so many opportunities in nursing that there is no need to stay in a place that is causing you discomfort and anguish.  

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Okami_CCRN said:

You are not alone, so many people have been in similar situations myself included. I once took a job at a level one trauma center working in their SICU, I very quickly realized it was a toxic environment and although I was not the target of the unit bullies I did not like seeing other people get pushed around. I resigned four weeks into orientation.

I still put the job in my resume and have never once had anyone ask me about it, or why I left after such a short amount of time. You have to do what is best for you, there are so many opportunities in nursing that there is no need to stay in a place that is causing you discomfort and anguish.  

I agree with this.  No one should work under such pressure. 

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If the job is effecting you like this chronically (meaning it's more than just a couple of tough days), go because sticking it out will only drive you further down emotionally and physically and no job is worth your health. 

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I agree with others here, do what's best for your mental health and well being.  You can explain why you left in a positive light if ever you need to.  I'm sorry you are dealing with this. I hope you find a better place to work.  Good luck! 

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

Start looking for a different job and put in your 2 week notice as soon as you accept another offer. Don't quit until you have a new job offer, it's easier for some reason to get a job when you already have a job. 

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