Uh-OH. Many have thought it, I did it. Now what?

[Kevin RN08]

So, I'm 10 weeks into my 12 week orientation in a busy ER. My progress has been slow by my preceptor's and my own opinion. I got called in early for a meeting with the Manager, my intention at that point was to request a new Preceptor as we just weren't connecting. I like her personally, her knowledge is top in the Department, but something in her teaching style just wasn't comfortable, coupled with the fact she was the "Trauma Queen" so we spent our weeks with the most acute, most critical patients. I get into the office with the Manager, Asst, and the Educator and am hit with ... "After much discussion we feel that it is best to sever our relationship; so I am prepared to fire you or you can resign and I will code you as available for re-hire." After collecting myself, the prudent option was to resign as there are 4 hospitals in the commuting area and 2 are in this system, I have been employed there for a year, first as an Extern and then as an Aide (on tele). I have great relationships on the old floor and another where I did clinicals one semester.

I took the position and admittedly was not prepared. My preference was to stay on the tele floor, or possibly move med-surg, and in 2-4 years seek to move to the ER, but not until I was competent in my skills and basic knowledge. The problem was that those positions were quickly given to the Hospital's own students (they have a diploma program), for whatever reason the ER was/is able to hire off the street while the others had to take from this pool of candidates first. The Tele Manager pitched me to the ED Manager and I got the job, I expressed my original plan (tele/medsurg X 2yrs) at the interview and was comforted with the fact that they "prefer to raise our own nurses."

Now, I have taken ownership of the problem. 1- I should have been more assertive early on; asked more questions, took the lead rather than play support role. 2- I could have requested a new preceptor earlier. 3- Studied more, reviewed the cases of the day more diligently. I could go on and on....

My question is "Now what?" How do I address this failure on my resume or in interviews (should I get one)? Do I have to address this failure on my resume (

Any other thoughts or advice is appreciated.

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

On the resume: I don't think you need to say anything about why you're leaving. Just list your responsibilities.

In the interview:

"It wasn't a good fit. Exciting, challenging, I learned a lot, loved the coworkers. Just not right for me. That's why I'm here."

[Kevin RN08]

Thanks Angie.

Although I truly felt relief and ended the meeting and the day looking to the future. I've since become a basket case while playing the "what if", "what now" games. Part of me just can't get over the "we'll raise and take care of you" interview comment, when in reality I don't feel that happened. I sort of feel that "we" failed, but I have to pay the fine alone.

[NickiLaughs, ADN, BSN, RN]

It is really difficult to go to ER straight out of school without previous ER experience. Most nurses are still establishing many basic skills as New Grads. Unfortunately the ER usually isn't a great place to hone those skills unless the preceptorship program is very well developed. It sounds like getting all the trauma patients where time is very limited didn't allow you the chance to grow your basic skills.

I would definitely aim for a Med Surg or Tele position which provides you a better opportunity to grow and develop concrete skills.

At my hospital the ER only hires those who were previously ER techs. It saddened me and I took a position in ICU as I did not have the ER experience, but with the many things that I am learning, it was definitely for the best. I would have floundered in ER. They're always short there. But they don't want to set up anyone for failure either. Costs them time and money, as well as the new grads.

Good luck!