What would you do?

[Anonymous44, BSN, RN]

Hi Friends! I am a new grad who was recently released from orientation after an almost mutual decision. I did not officially quit so my status will be ‘terminated’ if I do not accept another position within the network. The only positions available for new grads within the network now are on progressive care units which I am not opposed to but not where I picture myself. 
 

I have an offer for a SICU and I’m waiting to hear back from 2 other ICUs from outside hospitals. ICU is where I want to be and what I want to do as a travel nurse eventually. 
 

Before anything gets crazy I don’t think I am too good to do step down I just wonder if it is worth staying at a hospital I don’t love in an area I don’t want to be in to avoid termination when I already have another offer for the area I do want. 
 

I think that PCU experience would probably help me but is it more helpful than transferring directly to ICU? I don’t know if it’s worth putting off my goals for another year (ish?) and resetting my timeline on my goals to be a travel nurse (2 year minimum in the speciality before I can take assignments)?

 

Just wondering what y’all think is the best course of action. I know it’s never good to be terminated but I don’t know how much it will affect my future especially if I have another job lined up. 

[NICU Guy, BSN, RN]

11 hours ago, Anonymous44 said:

 I am a new grad who was recently released from orientation after an almost mutual decision.

What was the reason for being let go during orientation? If it is a performance issue, then I don't recommend going straight to an ICU job. The learning curve will be steeper in an ICU.

[chare]

1 hour ago, NICU Guy said:

What was the reason for being let go during orientation? If it is a performance issue, then I don't recommend going straight to an ICU job. The learning curve will be steeper in an ICU.

In addition to this, you should consider whether you want to explain a termination on a future job application.

[llg, PhD, RN]

1 hour ago, NICU Guy said:

What was the reason for being let go during orientation? If it is a performance issue, then I don't recommend going straight to an ICU job. The learning curve will be steeper in an ICU.

This.  100 times.   You left out the 2 most important pieces of information in your OP.   What type of unit were you working in that is terminating you during orientation?   Why did they terminate you?    

If you are a new grad that struggled in your first job, what makes you think you are ready for an ICU job?

[Anonymous44, BSN, RN]

7 hours ago, llg said:

This.  100 times.   You left out the 2 most important pieces of information in your OP.   What type of unit were you working in that is terminating you during orientation?   Why did they terminate you?    

If you are a new grad that struggled in your first job, what makes you think you are ready for an ICU job?

That’s a good point. I was in Peds and I had some issues with being left out of the communication loop between management and my preceptors and I was consistently not getting what I needed orientation wise despite me advocating for myself. I live in an at will employment state and within 90 days you can be terminated for any reason and I think I stepped on some toes by sticking up for myself. I do not think it was performance based and I think I could do better in a different environment.

I very well might not be ready for ICU but how does anyone know before they try? 
 

My main question is: is being terminated going to be an obstacle for the rest of my nursing career or if I already have another job lined up would it not be a big deal? And is it worth turning down an ICU job? 
Probably a question only I can answer for myself. 

[ThePropofolPrincess]

On 9/4/2020 at 10:22 AM, chare said:

In addition to this, you should consider whether you want to explain a termination on a future job application.

I completely agree with this ! 

[motherofcats, ADN]

Yes PCU will help you. Why would you think it wouldn't? I admire your ambition, but don't set yourself up for failure if you didn't cut it in PEDS. The PCU I worked in briefly was basically an extension of the ICU at times (minus the vents).. you'll get great experience.