Unsafe Environment for Graduate Nurse?

[KMcRN19]

Looking for some advice. I have worked in this ER since last August as a PCT. we are the smallest ER/Hospital in our whole hospital-wide system. (14 ER beds) we recently lost 5 nurses at once while already being shorthanded. However, we did just gain one brand new grad nurse who started 2 weeks ago. And me, another grad nurse starting next month. I don’t think that offers a lot of help, considering we don’t have the experience... So we had a pretty busy day yesterday & had 2 RN’s & the graduate who was on orientation training. Her preceptor made her take her own 7 patient assignment alone, even though she explained to her that she does not feel comfortable doing so since she was on orientation for 2 WEEKS! That is so unsafe and scary! I don’t want to be put into a situation like that where I’ll put my license in jeopardy because they are short. I don’t know if I should try to switch jobs at this point (start date being June 10) or try to stick this out. This just seems like a good way to lose my license before I even get it!

[Kallie3006, ADN]

You have to also remember that you have the power to NOT accept an assignment if you feel that it is not safe or not in your scope of practice. You may lose your job for refusing an assignment or may face disciplinary action (or may not), within the facility, but you do have a choice and have to ask yourself if it is safe or not.

[Nurse Magnolia, BSN, RN]

Since you mention Talent Acquisitions and you are in PA, I believe I know what hospital system you were hired to. Talent Acquisitions is pretty good with getting you interviews with different units, so definitely let them help you out. I would not start on that unit in that situation.

I’m a new grad also, going to work at the OTHER hospital system in the area. I interviewed at both but the other system had a much more streamlined hiring process from my perspective. However since you were also a PCT I understand if you don’t want to give up your seniority with the system. If the seniority doesn’t bother you, check out the other system as well. I applied, interviewed, shadowed and was hired within 10 days.

Good luck!!