Ugh now what

[LissaLynn]

Okay so I am fairly new to this board, and now I am needing some support. I'm in a really bad spot right now.

So I have been out of nursing for a few years after my daughter was born. I took a break and took a worker's compensation adjuster position to allow me better hours to be with my family, and of course to have those Holidays. Over the past couple of months, I started missing nursing really badly. It is truly where my heart is and I knew that is where I was meant to be.

So I left that job and recently took a job at a LTC facility. Aside from a home health/hospice position, LTC is all I have worked since graduating nursing school. Sadly because when I graduated, no one else wanted me. I went on all sorts of interviews and got the "you don't have enough experience" lecture. What astounded me was how was I supposed to get experience when no one would give me a chance? Well, we all know that most LTC facilities will take anyone that is a warm body.

Anyways, this facility seemed okay at first, then the true colors started showing. Just a few of the problems, they had me doing procedures and things that I had never done before. Now whether it be facility protocol or a scope of practice thing, either way I didn't feel comfortable as I had never done it. I had said many times that I didn't feel comfortable with something or I didn't know how to do something, and the response from supervisors? "Oh well, do your best."

Come again?

And since I was new to the facility, I wasn't sure on what their policies were on certain things, what my responsibilities were on my shift, etc etc etc. Again, I would ask people for help and all I would get were shrugs of the shoulders, or be completely ignored.

But the straw that broke the camel's back occurred a few nights ago. We had a new resident and she was in the dining room with her daughter. We were just finishing up dinner service, and one of the off duty nurses came in and made a dinner run for everyone. Everyone was cussing and carrying on, being loud and obnoxious, with this new resident's family member sitting right there. Oh and they knew she was there, they just didn't care. This poor lady was looking around and had that look on her face that said "What kind of place is this?" I was SO embarrassed!

The DON was just as awful, so there was no use going to her for help. She would have been right up in the middle of them joining in if she would have been there.

I was off for 3 days and I literally cried my eyes out at just the THOUGHT of setting foot back in that facility. I have seen so many posts that talked about how they felt their licenses were in danger due to the facilities that they worked in, and now I know what they meant by that. I truly felt my license was in jeopardy in a place like that.

So I did what I have never done before. I quit yesterday without notice. I thought long and hard and prayed, and prayed some more. I talked with my husband about it, and he was just beside himself seeing me like that and of course supported my decision. I feel stupid for quitting without having something else lined up, and I even replied to someone in another post last week saying never ever to leave without a two weeks notice, and then this happened. Now I definitely see what everyone else was talking about.

I'm scared. I don't want to put my family in a financial bind. We are not rich by ANY means. I still have a full paycheck coming on the 27th, I only missed 2 days on the pay period. But I live in a smaller town, so I am scared that it will take me longer than I thought to find a job. But I couldn't stay there any longer, that was evident. I just hope and pray that I find something quickly. I plan on going back to school this fall to start working towards my RN, so I am just trying to focus on the positives of working towards that and trying not to dwell on this minor setback.

I know I am new, but I have always loved the support that all the nurses here give each other. It truly, truly helps. :heartbeat

[dorisc1981]

Thank God for a husband that supports your decision and for a shoulder to lean and cry on. Sometimes you have to make very erratic decisions to save yourself from a breakdown. When your soul and mind are clouded with negativity you don't think straight. Your rushed decision is understood. Just enjoy your baby more and become a frugalista until things new oportunities come through. Pick up a hobby or two and if possible volunteer. Don't let distance deter future job search and if asked why you left in such a rush come up with a good answer. Some places will understand. Once I had to do the same, going through one more migrane and stomach/chest pain routine wasnt worth it for me. I had nothing else lined up but did have enough saving that lasted six to seven months until I found another job. Took one doing medical assistant duties until nursing opened up. Just take it easy, a job is just a job not your life. May Gog bless you.

[LissaLynn]

Dorisc- Thank you so very much. And yes, I am so thankful for my husband. I would have been so lost if it wasn't for him. I know everything will work out and we may have to pinch pennies even harder, but I just have a feeling that everything will be okay. I just got to keep the faith and keep praying.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

I think you did the right thing and hope you will find a job soon so you can stop worrying. You sound like a nurse I would like to have for my family.