I’m looking to get advice from nurses this may have happened to because I’m feeling especially blue at the time being. OK, so little backstory - I graduated in December ‘19 with my ADN and got hired at my areas bigger hospital for a new grad position in the mother/baby unit. I was also offered a peds position as well as on oncology. However, I took the MBU because my passion is to be in LDR one day.
The first week went well, it consisted of class time and learning the hospital. The second week consisted of a class and two shifts in which I was placed with a preceptor. This is the where my first bad incident took place - I didn’t make it to the 6:45 huddle because my badge wouldn’t let me in through the employee door by the employee parking lot so I had to walk around the building to get in.
I made it in by 6:55 before report was given on our patients but that was considered late (which at the time they were sympathetic, but later used it against me.) I spent the two days learning my preceptors routine, figuring how to do the charting, and going solo on the steps she had taught me to do on the mommies and newborn babies. This preceptor was awesome and I appreciated how she was patient with me and helped me find my own way while teaching me.
That was about the extent of my “good” experience because the following week, I made the rather unfortunate mistake of oversleeping for a required class. I text a classmate to let her know of my plunder and that I was on the way. The text I received in return stated that they had decided to shorten the class and that the teacher claimed it wouldn’t be an issue for me to reschedule if I so chose to do. I agreed and went about my day until it was time for me to come in to shadow my charge nurse at 4:30.
That’s when I received the call from my clinical coordinator wondering why I wasn’t at the class and why hadn’t I told them about it. My exact words to her was that at the cost of sounding ignorant, I simply wasn’t aware that it was necessary to inform them and that I was told I could reschedule the class within a few weeks. I was told not to come in for the shadow and to expect a call from the clinical coordinator as well as my manager the following day. I get that dreaded call and they proceed to tell me that I cannot come to work till after they speak with HR because 1. I was late the first day, 2. I didn’t let them know I missed the class, 3. I “lied” by telling them I was told I could reschedule the class because it wasn’t the teacher who told me that but rather a fellow friend/co-worker.
It took them a week to get back to me, they ended up telling me I wasn’t a good “fit” for them, and they cut up my badge in front of me. Now, I am well beyond aware of my mishaps and what I should have done differently - I should’ve set aside time to make sure I could get in and out of the building before my scheduled shift, I should’ve set 5 alarms if that was what it would’ve take to ensure I didn’t oversleep, and I should’ve contacted my employer rather than my co-worker about the blunder. I am taking these unfortunate happenings and 100% learning from them so as to be the best nurse I can.
That being said, it’s been a week and I’m terrified I’m blacklisted from this hospital since I have been applying for other positions and have yet to hear anything. Should I wait it out? I was offered interviews at another hospital, however it’s an hour away so I’m hesitant to accept. Do I have to list this on future resumes? I don’t feel as if I got to truly “nurse” and I’m discouraged my skills will atrophy if I don’t use them. I’m also concerned that that was the only time I will ever get to experience my “dream job” as this manager is over both the MBU as well as LDR. Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks
