Struggling new grad. Alternatives to acute care??

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Hi,

I graduated 6 month ago and landed a job on a busy surgical unit 2 month ago. I've had 6 independent shifts and I struggled through them. I'm making errors (some due to not knowing how things work since I switched provinces... others due to carelessness) and my manager wants to put me on a learning plan. I'm terrified of eventually making an error that will harm a patient. I just don't think acute care is for me. I have a few questions.

1. If I quit 2 months in, how bad does that look for my next employer? Is it better to suffer through my current job, potentially making errors, to avoid a redflag on the resume?

2. What are some alternatives to acute care nursing for a new grad? I love nursing, but I'm not good at rushing to get tasks done. Is there something that fits this?

Thank you!

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You're probably off orientation but ask if you can have a few more shifts with a preceptor. Also try asking other nurses or the support/charge nurse if you don't know something.

If you're in Ontario, try looking for hfo new grad positions.

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Which province did you move from?

Is the scope of practice that different?

Ask for a couple more orientation shifts, and take notes. Figure out what is intimidating you and get those issues sorted.

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Specializes in Indigenous Health, Virtual Care & Medicine.

I would definitely recommend finding something you love doing. I went into community/public health nursing up north right after I graduated from my nursing program knowing that global health is my passion. After having some experience (around 1.5 years), I wanted to explore other specialties, so I decided to transition into medicine inpatient at an academic hospital and primary care telemedicine. It was hard to adjust back to the medicine floors from community nursing initially, but I'm glad I got to try out different things. I also had to ask for additional orientation or buddy shifts. I'm hoping to eventually go back to public health after a few more years of bedside nursing.

Don't be afraid to ask for help from your clinical educators and charge nurses.

Feel free to message me if you have any questions ?

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