When your first job doesn't work out

I hope Commuter doesn't mind me paraphrasing her, but recently on another thread concerning someone else leaving a job she mentioned that when we leave a job, for whatever reason, we grieve a bit. I thought that was a very wise comment, and I think that's exactly what you are doing here. Let yourself grieve the good things about the job. No matter how bad the overall situation is, there is always something good, someone you hate to leave. If nothing else, you went into this job with hopes, dreams, of what it was going to be, and you have lost those, and you need to grieve that, too.

Now: you are not a failure!!!! Tell yourself that, over and over. You did your best, they didn't work with you. It's not you.

Next: be very, very thankful that insurance and money are not an issue for you.

Finally: Since money and insurance are not an issue, take your time. You will want to find something quickly. Don't give in to the temptation. Look around, and listen very closely to your gut. Consider doing per diem or part-time before you jump into another full-time position, since you have that option, money-wise. If you find a place you like, and they have a part-time option, take it. Try them out for a while. See if it really is as good as it sounds. If your brain and your gut are in opposition, once again, listen to your gut. (And if you gut and your hubby agree, then for sure, listen!!!)

Good luck to you. Take a little time, do some fun things for yourself, get yourself built back up before you jump right in again. Reconnect with family, have lunch with a girlfriend or two, have a spa day, do whatever you need to nurture yourself. Your residents were lucky to have you; the next group will be, too!

santhony44

Your post touched me deeply. Of course, you are right. Your post made me think of all the positives. Next time, I will know exactly what questions to ask of my perspective employer. Last time, I just wanted a job and was more worried about making a good impression. It is strange to say, but I am greiving. I didn't think it was possible to grieve a job but that is exactly what I am doing. Things happen for a reason. Thank you for your understanding. Metfan

This is just so silly -- hearing how nursing takes on new grads who are honest, reliable, intelligent people, yet it spits them out like they are worthless -- only to keep hiring on and hiring on -- what are they looking for? Robots? Perfect people? It isn't going to happen. Nursing managers really need to take a good look at what they're doing to "fail" employees like this.

It just really grinds my gears. Sorry it happened to you -- and I agree that you should not rush into anything soon. Try to shadow for at least a week at a place before you sign on. One day isn't enough.

Many LTC facilites are like this. They like to give their nurses a hard time, especially if you are new. Stand up for yourself and let management know they can't just walk all over you. My facility tried to fire me over O2 tank. Try not to take things personally, it is a business after all. Even though they deal with patients, money is their top priority. I'm not leaving my job though. No matter how they stress me out, I go in to work with a smiling face and take care of my patients. They always ask me "Why are you sooo happy?" Cause I ignore negativity.

Please don't feel like a failure because your first job didn't workout. Sometime things just don't workout and all you have to do is dust yourself off and try again. I'm a new nurse myself, I started working the week after I passed NCLEX. Needless to say, I lasted a total of 2 months at my first job. The funny part is I have no regrets, even though I liked the floor I was on I didn't feel as if the training prepared me to take care of that type of patient population, so it was either I stayed and be petrified everyday I stepped foot on the floor (and possibly loosing my license) or walk away. I decided to walk away and I had no problem finding another job