Was suspended but reinstated - should I resign?

[doglover45]

I finished nursing school this last summer and got my RN. The recession hit and jobs were (are) scarce. I got a job at a LTC. Orientation was pretty short and nurse to patient ratio is high. After a couple of months of being there, I had a shift during which a patient had a poor outcome. I was suspended.

I was devastated, and I had no idea of the process. I looked at this forum and got some info. (I now have insurance.) I'm afraid I was pretty ignorant of what to do. I think I still am. I saw some people advising people to just resign after being suspended.

After a week of being suspended, I was brought in and told that I was to be reinstated. I asked several times what I had done wrong and they were only able to give vague references to "critical thinking skills" or something like that - nothing specific. Now I'm afraid that it could happen again. That was a very scary experience!

So my question is - should I resign? The job is not great, and I feel at risk after that last experience. I don't want to damage my career when I'm just getting started. On the other hand, I am getting experience, and a paycheck is better than no paycheck. Advice? If I do resign, should I include this job as experience on my resume? If I stay, how can I better protect myself?

Thanks so much to all who reply!

[PAERRN20]

Was your license suspended by the state? Or were you just suspended from your nursing job? If you were just suspended from your nursing home job I would resign. I would NOT include it on your resume.

[questionsforall]

I would resign and find something else.

[leslie :-D]

you have a high nurse/pt ratio.

these type assignments, are accidents waiting to happen.

get the hell out of there.

and tell them to stick it where the sun doesn't shine!!

(which really means, to resign, less the 'declarative'.)

hang in there, honey.

i'm glad you have insurance.

leslie

[FLArn]

If they can't give you ANY examples of your "poor clinical thinking skills" then you were more than likely a scapegoat in the situation. In my job, when you are suspended then reinstated the NM has to present and mentor you through a correction plan contract which has specific areas in which you must improve with short and longer term goals clearly delineated (not unlike a good care plan). if they can't give you specifics of where you are falling short of expectations and what you are expected to do to improve, I would look for something else.

[DAVISJA]

If you feel that uncomfortable about being their I would suggest that you find another job. If the nurse/pt ratio is that high it is safe to say that the outcome for you and the patients can be detrimental. Also if you are reprimanded for doing something wrong, it would be nice to know what it is so that you can be aware for the next time around. At your next job, be sure to dot all of your I's and cross all T's and always refer to company policy if any questions arise!! Good Luck!!

[Blackheartednurse]

Tough situation. On one hand you will be nervous about not making similar mistake again and by being aware that you will be under observation of your manager. On the other hand you can learn from your mistakes,clench your jaw and show them what you got and be proud of yourself,so I guess the choice is really yours..are you strong enough to stick it and fight it or you dont feel like bothering and decide to look for a happier place of employment,either way good luck and I hope you will find your niche!

[Music in My Heart]

Since they could only come up with the very weak, generic "critical thinking skills" then it sounds like they really suspended you as the sacrificial lamb in case the feces hit the rotary ventilator.

I'd definitely get the F out.

Personally, I think LTC is the WORST place for a new grad to start their career. The pt-to-RN ratio is very high, the pace is frenetic, and you're pretty much on your own.

Edit: Oh, and you've got a very diverse range of conditions, mental statuses, and acuities.

[dannyc12]

I would resign and find something else.

I would do exactly what is suggested above in reverse order.

[caliotter3]

I would go back to work with my guard up and vigorously look for a new job. As soon as you are hired, give notice and leave. They have marked you as undesirable and you are always going to be a target. The CNAs now know that you are not supported by management; you might have problems with supervising them. Get a new job and go. Good luck.

[Neveranurseagain, RN]

I would resign and find something else.

I'd consider doing it another way: find something else then resign!

[NC Girl BSN]

Can you give any specifics regarding the incident. Its difficult to believe that could not tell you what you did wrong. At any rate, I would look for another job. Then put in your two week notice.