Unhappy on ward

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Hi, the last time I had written was when I made a drug error anyway everything turned out ok. But at the moment I am working under a new contract which is called "learning contract" which is fine and I have been able to do the drugs round again on my own. But on the ward where I work they are always quick to find what you haven't done well or maybe wrong and hardly say anything about the good work that I do. I don't mean to brag but I would say I work as good as many of my collegues and I am often more thoughtful to patients and their relatives then others but of course the seniors often miss this. It's so frustrating. I don't feel I can trust my manager as she is nice to your face next minute finds something to critisise and I feel she is very bias as she always puts herself onto the sides of other seniors or peple who have worked there a long time, she is never satisfied with what I do I feel. I don't feel happy on that ward and would like to leave but have to do at least 3 to 6 months to complete this learning contract otherwise I won't get a decent reference so I'm stuck really. Any suggestions anybody???:(

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Specializes in Diabetes, Transplant, CCU, Neurology.

Start looking for another job on you days off. In this economy, don't quit one before you have another lined up (even if you've always heard that nurses can get a job anytime, anywhere). If you have to complete the contract, don't put your starting date until you can actually start. If you feel this strongly about your current unit, you might as well change. As much as I hate to say it, some nurse managers are just not very good. There are plenty of others that are.

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Thanks Booter512 I will definitely leave but didn't want to stay another month never mind 3 to 6 months but try and stick it out with this learning contract to get a decent reference. But will see if I can't bare it then I will leave anyway. The problem is that if I leave before I finished this learning contract they will mention that I made a drug error and that I was subjet to an investigation which turned out to be fine anyway, but they will still mention in a reference. So it's catch 22 unfortunately:confused:

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.

Pipi I have just had a quick look through your other posts and I am right in thinking you are a UK nurse aren't I.

You drugs error resulted in a sentinal event (the patient did not survive) now this would have had to be investigated by an external and independant investigator and the coroner, who would have made recomendations about the event and what plans were needed to prevent such a event re-occuring. Your manager is obliged to follow this plan, she will have no choice. This will be the action plan and "learning contract" you are talking about. It is always difficult when you make a mistake, we all do it and unfortunately yours had serious consequences for the pateint.

I can understand why you are unhappy where you are working, your experience so far has been really traumatic and would shake the hardiest of us but if you look for a new job now, your manager will be obliged to give a reference to state that you are under a learning contract with objectives relating to capability of practice. I don't see how you can get around this, you have to ask her for a reference and no NHS employer will consider you until this learning contract is complete.

I know this sounds harsh but unfortunately this is a reality. The only suggestion I can come up with that may be of use to to speak to human resources, and say that you are finding it difficult to continue where you are, ask if you can be considered for re-deployment where you would take the contract and objectives with you.

You should have a staff support / counselling service available, go and speak to them. They are imparital and can support you through this difficult time.

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Hi again the patient did not die as a result of me giving the wrong drugs out as the toxicology report has revealed thank goodness the patient died because of all the comormidities the patient had. Which is still sad afterall.

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.
Hi again the patient did not die as a result of me giving the wrong drugs out as the toxicology report has revealed thank goodness the patient died because of all the comormidities the patient had. Which is still sad afterall.

Sorry, I must have missed that post when I was reading through your thread.

Have you had a chance to speak to HR, it may be worth letting them know that you are not happy on your ward

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Sorry, I must have missed that post when I was reading through your thread.

Have you had a chance to speak to HR, it may be worth letting them know that you are not happy on your ward

No not yet, but thanks for the advice depends how it goes as I had a good shift today if it carries on ok then might not have to but if not will probably speak to HR dept but hope don't have to go that far. But again thanks for your advice do appreciate it.:)

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Specializes in Advanced Practice, surgery.
No not yet, but thanks for the advice depends how it goes as I had a good shift today if it carries on ok then might not have to but if not will probably speak to HR dept but hope don't have to go that far. But again thanks for your advice do appreciate it.:)

Glad to help, bear in mind things like the employee wellbeing type services that your trust may well have, and I have sent you my email if you need any support, advise or just to let off steam.

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Glad to help, bear in mind things like the employee wellbeing type services that your trust may well have, and I have sent you my email if you need any support, advise or just to let off steam.

That is really kind of you yes I have got your email address so thank you very much for your support and your kind words.:wink2:

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