what went wrong

Hi RN1. I've heard many other stories of cruelty (stupidity? unprofessionalism? etc.) and other horrors inflicted on new nurses by both preceptors and nurse managers. I've also known some people who had a rough start something like yours (including myself). They got through it and found others job more easily than expected (I got mine within a month) so first of all, don't give up hope! Unfortunately, I have also concluded that nursing is one of the most highly dysfunctional professions out there, and working in the wrong environment can be a nightmare. Keep the faith, though. There are more good jobs and better spots out there for you -- and you'll find one!

Tom

i am a new nurse who worked 4 months on an adolescent unit and decided to quit after a meeting w/ my preceptor and nurse educator. I was told that my performance was inconsistent, sometimes i was on track, sometimes not. Then i was informed "well____, we have already extended your orientation." i was literally speechless, taken off guard, it felt like being warned that i could be fired in a very indirect way. my preceptor wasn't friendly, i had been working w/ her 16 weeks and didn't know her at all and she was agitated most of the time,so I always felt rushed and stressed. if she gave me any postive feedback i don't remember it.my personality ended up being squashed,my voice and confidence gone.i truly felt i was unwanted, but at the same time i wandered what i could have done differently?I need to get another job, but the thought of that experience gives me anxiety. I resigned by e-mail and the reply was like ok sorry it didn't work out.that's it. I at least thought maybe they want to talk w/ me. am i wrong for feeling this way? I just don't know how to get over this. i would appreciate any advice.

why did you resign via email? You're a new nurse, so sometimes you will be on track, and sometimes not. So what? Your preceptor sounded like a tool and I'm sure you're glad that you're out of there. It was only 4 months, move on and try to let it go. Sometimes a work environment can be toxic and it sounds like that one was...

Hey there Square one, You will find another job. On the interview, just say that things didn't work out. Don't offer details. One day you will look back on this experience and see that it was a stepping stone for better things. Stay focused and DON'T let this mess up your self-confidence. Let us know how you are doing. Lots of us CARE!

Sounds like this job was NOT a good fit for you--and ya know what? That is ok!!!

You need to get "back on the horse" as it were and look for another job. Lots of new nurses "look around" and work hard to find their niche which means changing jobs. YOu gave it a good 4 months and it wasnt for you. You are not a failure!

Start looking now so there isnt a huge gap in your employment and dont let one bad experience ruin your career! :)

Sorry to hear it did not work out for you. Regarding you feeling shocked about your manager's response to your email, what did you expect? You should never resign by email. I think you should have given a 2 weeks notice, or at least given them a notice by letter. If you are going to send an email to notify your resignation, don't expect your manager to call you up to convince you to stay. Also, I would not count on a positive reference from her.

I hope you are able to find a place that will fit your working needs, your learning style and aides your professional growth. Good luck.

I know the email wasn't my best idea but it was intended to be a step in resigning. I offered to work my last two weeks, however I would still be in orientation. I also explained that I would send a formal letter of resignation. She did contact via email, saying I accept your resignation, sorry it didn't work out. my email was a last resort and at the time I was pretty devastated. I just wanted some inkling of hope,that i was wrong.thanks for the feedback!