Quit My Job Today

16 I have 32 years of nursing experience. For the past 5 years I have worked as the charge nurse on 3-11 on a very busy 34 bed med surg unit. My manager was the kind of person who just allowed sleeping dogs to lie, thinking that with time problems would either go away or just solve themselves. I am not that kind of person. I believe in rapid, direct response to issues when they occur, especially when related to patient safety. Let me state that in my 32 years I have never been terminated or demoted from a job. In my current position, I was always given glowing evaluations and have only two write up's in my file. One of those was for going around the chain of command to try to get badly needed wall suction devices for the floor to place at the bedside for patients on aspiration precautions. Can you imagine not having wall suction available in the hospital?

Late last week my manager pulled me off charge and this week, during a meeting with her and the director of nursing, they explained that "this was not disciplinary action. They were just worried about me and my stress level. It is ok to get pulled off charge. It happens to a lot of nurses and it is no big deal.". They offered me a staff nurse job on my floor even though there are no vacant positions. I declined and resigned effective immediately.

As I have been sitting here the past few days filling out job applications and reflecting on these events, I continue to wonder why managers are often so threatened by staff members who bring them problems. Not one time in the 5 years I was there did the manager EVER sit down with the charge nurses as a group and ask us what our problems were and how can we solve them together. She would never sit down and take any disciplinary action against an employee unless her hand was forced. Everything with her was always fine... no problems. When I was a manager I met with my charge nurses and nurse managers on a regular basis to discuss issues and solutions. When I had a nurse with talent I used that nurse to assist me with projects and to help with problem solving. I was not threatened. So, perhaps it was time to go, to do something else.

But I absolutely LOVED the hospital and the people I worked with. They were like my family and it is very hard to leave them.
Google "how hospitals don't learn from their mistakes" by Anita L. Tucker. Talks extensively about how nurses who bring up problems in the hospital setting are considered whiny, mouthy, not team players. I know this is difficult. The only thing worse than working is not working. I wish you all the best.

Wow. I can truly appreciate your commitment to your convictions. Truly, I can. And I'm only about to write what I'm about to, well, because, from what you've written, I believe you to be a person worthy of great respect.Why did you quit? I am reminded of the animal that chews his own foot off in order to get out of a trap. I apologize for seeming dense, but, what did you prove? How did you make the situation better?Often, I say that I treat others as I wish to be treated. And that means if I need to be confronted, then confront me. I believe myself to be relatively self-regulating, so I'm okay with just about anything which is thrown at me. You impress me as one who has dealt with your share, and dealt with it well. So. I'm perplexed. Please enlighten me.Respectfully submitted

Sounds like the personality issues may have been brewing for a while with the manager's style so different from your own, and that the meeting and discussion of taking you off charge was the moment of clarity for you in this situation? I pray they did not intend for you to take a pay cut as well.From what I've read in your other posts, you are proactive and keep your eyes on your goals, even if they ruffle a feather or two in the realm of "office politics". We still need people like you in management!! Have you ever considered becoming a nurse educator or clinical instructor? It just makes me crazy that someone with 32 years of experience can be allowed to walk! On the other hand, I wouldn't blame you if you took a low-stress niche job, you have earned it, and perhaps there are other avenues of interest in your life that you can devote more time to.Parting ways with your longtime friends and co-workers is the hardest of all, though. I wish you peace and hope that the perfect job-- the one that fits where you are right now- comes your way very soon. :redpinkhe

Quote from Davey DoWow. I can truly appreciate your commitment to your convictions. Truly, I can. And I'm only about to write what I'm about to, well, because, from what you've written, I believe you to be a person worthy of great respect.Why did you quit? I am reminded of the animal that chews his own foot off in order to get out of a trap. I apologize for seeming dense, but, what did you prove? How did you make the situation better?Often, I say that I treat others as I wish to be treated. And that means if I need to be confronted, then confront me. I believe myself to be relatively self-regulating, so I'm okay with just about anything which is thrown at me. You impress me as one who has dealt with your share, and dealt with it well. So. I'm perplexed. Please enlighten me.Respectfully submitted

Thank you for sharing. I respect your convictions. It is obvious you know who you are and have a clear idea of how to solve problems and work with others. Too bad those above you were not on the same page.32 years in is a *gift* in the crazy world of nursing. May you always find the strength to be yourself and not compromise on how you share that gift! Best of luck to you!

diane227, you did the right thing. You were being gracefully forced out. Be it age or topping out in your pay grade, they wanted a "change in mgmt style". The VA hospital mgmt always finds a way to force people out they no longer want.

dianne227,HUGS!!! Been there, done that -twice, actually. I had no regrets either time because I was maintaining my own moral integrity. Early in my career, I realized that there were ethical boundaries that I could not 'flex'. These boundaries have to be maintained because stepping over them - even once - would have a permanent effect on my professional self. Well Done! I don't know what part of the country you are in, but you shouldn't have any problems getting another job if you want one. Nurses with your experience are GOLDEN. I am sure my organization is not unique - we have a very difficult time finding qualified nurses to fill clinical manager positions.

You did the only thing you could to salvage your self respect. You can't eat self respect. It won't pay the bills either. But I don't want to know what kind of person I'd be without it. I'm awed by your courage. I hope that I would do the same.

After butting heads with a manager over trivial to major issues I also quit a loved position this year. I deemed it best to resign rather than have to explain a termination on my 40 year nursing record. To the OP, it takes a strong heart and mind to realize when it is time to move on. Blessings and good luck to you!

Seems as though your skill, mannerism and professionalism got the best of your manager! She possibly saw herself in your mirror, if you know what I mean? Kudos to you for standing firm in your beliefs and approach. Best wishes in your endeavors!

"Never regret. If it's good, it's wonderful.If it's bad, it's experience."quote from Eleanor Hibbert

Quote from diane227In my current position, I was always given glowing evaluations and have only two write up's in my file. One of those was for going around the chain of command to try to get badly needed wall suction devices for the floor to place at the bedside for patients on aspiration precautions..