What is wrong with me

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Specializes in LTC & Rehab Supervision.

I just got fired from my second job in three months. I've officially lost more jobs than I've had altogether in nursing. Apparently I wasn't "catching up to speed" with pediatrics vital signs and wasn't doing good enough for them.

I just don't know what to do. I'm so close to giving up completely and not even going back to school for my RN and finishing. I'm just sinking into a dark hole.

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I don't understand the part about the vital signs.  All you had to do was to make yourself a cheat card with reference numbers to keep in your pocket so you could check yourself before writing/reporting anything.  Not doing good enough doesn't cut it either.  Didn't they give you any specifics?  You say your specialty is LTC. If I were you I would head back to LTC to get on firmer ground before you venture out again.  Once you can handle a LTC shift without getting canned, you will be well on your way.

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Specializes in LTC & Rehab Supervision.

I did end up using a reference sheet towards the end, and I made it known. I WAS doing better. But I guess it just wasn't good enough. "Good enough", as in up to speed of what I should have been.

I've been doing LTC since October 2019. Maybe I should just stick with it for awhile....

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
30 minutes ago, JabuJabule said:

I've been doing LTC since October 2019. Maybe I should just stick with it for awhile....

It may be what The Fates are telling you, JabuJabule.

My heart goes out to you in this time, as I commiserate with your situation. Please allow me to compare my situation with yours:

I really wanted to work in medical nursing, but, for various and sundry reasons, ended back up in psych. Once I learned to embrace my lot in life, I was a more content human being.

For example, I was fired from a community clinic as a NS for medical services and a methadone clinic after only one year.  I planned to give up on nursing when a position as a psych nurse found me. I ended up working in that position for 17 years, the remainder of a 36 year nursing career.

I hope the very best for you in whatever you decide, JabuJabule.

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Specializes in LTC & Rehab Supervision.
11 minutes ago, Davey Do said:

It may be what The Fates are telling you, JabuJabule.

My heart goes out to you in this time, as I commiserate with your situation. Please allow me to compare my situation with yours:

I really wanted to work in medical nursing, but, for various and sundry reasons, ended back up in psych. Once I learned to embrace my lot in life, I was a more content human being.

For example, I was fired from a community clinic as a NS for medical services and a methadone clinic after only one year.  I planned to give up on nursing when a position as a psych nurse found me. I ended up working in that position for 17 years, the remainder of a 36 year nursing career.

I hope the very best for you in whatever you decide, JabuJabule.

Thank you so much. I might just stick with the nursing home until I'm done with RN school and then move forward. It seems like the best bet right now instead of putting myself through this over and over again.

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Specializes in Psych (25 years), Medical (15 years).
1 minute ago, JabuJabule said:

Thank you so much. I might just stick with the nursing home until I'm done with RN school and then move forward. It seems like the best bet right now instead of putting myself through this over and over again.

You're welcome.

Working in OR as an LPN scrub nurse and getting laid off was the causative factor in pursuing my RN, JabuJabule.

Although I really wanted to work in the OR, the hospital hired me back after two weeks to work in CD. I thought it would be just like another psych unit, but it turned out to be one of the best experiences of my life.

And, while working CD, I got my RN!

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Specializes in Travel, Home Health, Med-Surg.

There is nothing wrong with you!!

It is hard to work peds if you are not used to it. I used to float from adults to peds, whole different ball game. It doesnt sound like they even gave you a chance! 

I am sorry you got fired and are having a hard time! I have been fired before (and dare I say more than once) and it is no fun. But please don't internalize this and don't "sink into a dark hole". Time will heal these wounds. I think it is a good idea to work a job that you already have experience in while going back to school as school is already hard enough without learning a new specialty on top on that. 

Keep moving forward, you got this!

Good luck!!

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Specializes in Hematology/oncology/apheresis.

Pediatrics might not be your thing and that is okay! Give the LTC another try and see how it goes. Sometimes we try to fight what the universe is telling us, if that makes any sense. Don't be too hard on yourself either. We all excel at different things and it can take years to find your place. Sending some virtual hugs your way! 

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