Should I give up and find another job?

I am trying to figure out what I should do. I started on a Med/Surge floor 4 months ago. This is my first hospital job. I am 45 years old and get pretty physically and mentally tired by the end of a busy 12 hour shift.

My probation period was supposed to end at 90 days. At that time the brought me in and said that they could not name anything I was doing wrong, but they wanted to be sure I could handle 5 patients on my own before ending my probation. I thought that was pretty reasonable since I had only been done precepting for a couple weeks.

So that time has gone by and I think I did pretty good. I am still learning a lot of course. So now they say they want me to have support person I can go to for the next two weeks with any questions I have, then work on my own two more weeks and then "we will re-visit where I am at."

I have made minor mistakes along the way, I am a new grad and still have tons to learn. My question is should I just look for another job or if I should ride this out and see where it goes. They say they want me to be successful and they think I can do it, but they keep extending my probation period. I am frustrated and overwhelmed by them not being able to say what I am doing wrong but they keep saying they "have some concerns".

This whole thing has been very stressful. Any advice you be greatly appreciated!

Thanks!!
Hello, and welcome to Allnurses! We're glad you're here. To answer your questions: Your manager owes you an explanation of what "concerns" they have about your performance. It is not fair to say this to someone without giving them an opportunity to improve; how can you do better if you don't know what you're supposed to fix? Your manager needs to be clear about setting goals for you, e.g. you need three successful IV insertions by such-and-such a date. As to whether or not you should quit.....I think you should be aware that you have a target on your back and that it probably won't take much for administration to say something along the lines of "not a good fit". This also may be due to a subtle form of age discrimination. Sorry, but that's the harsh reality. On the other hand, you still have the chance to learn and grow while you remain employed. Find out what your manager wants you to do to improve, and then do it. Pay attention to detail in order to avoid making mistakes, which may be minor to you but if you have a pattern of them, that is indeed concerning. As a new nurse, you have to be doing it better and cleaner than the experienced nurses---you have a lot to prove in the early going. It's not fair but that's how it is. Take every opportunity to learn; I'm assuming you're still working with a preceptor, so ask lots and lots of questions.Wishing you the very best. Please keep us posted as to your progress.

Seems like they are going to let you go. Write you resignation letter and keep it near by.

Quote from prnqdaySeems like they are going to let you go. Write you resignation letter and keep it near by.

I wouldn't give up yet. But I would be prepared to move on if necessary. The fact that they have given you some "extra time" is not a guarantee that they are going to fire you. As an orientation coordinator, I have often found that a few extra weeks has enabled some people to stay on and become solid employees. Give the situation a good chance to work out.Ask for specific guidance as to what you need to do. Jointly establish some goals that you need to meet. Then show you can meet them. Don't be quick to run away.

I agree you need to tell them to concretely define their concerns and what you need to achieve to put them to rest. This nebulous, indefinable crap they're tossing at you is unfair and impossible to address.

They seem to want their cake and to eat it too. Probably afraid that you will come up with an age discrimination accusation so they are taking the time and money to hedge their bet. I would vigorously look for a new job.

As a new grad, I don't think the OP is in danger of age discrimination. That usually happens to nurses at the top of their pay scale, not at the bottom. The question I have is are they extending the learning period where they provide extra support and mentorship? Or are they actually extending the probation period through HR? I've heard of the first, but not the second. When you're hired, there's usually a pre-determined probation period, and I've not heard of that being extended unless you're in a disciplinary process. If they're just extending the end of orientation where you're still being mentored, that's probably a good thing. They've made the investment in you as an employee and they're extending themselves to make sure it works out. Sometimes a couple of extra weeks (and then maybe a couple more) is what it takes for someone to consolidate what they've learned and become a good, solid and competent co-worker. It sounds as if your manager is willing to work with you. I wouldn't jump into leaving yet -- no guarantee you'll find another manager willing to work with you rather than just cut you loose if you're not catching on as fast as they'd hoped. I may be wrong, and there may be a "target on your back", but I doubt it's age discrimination. Try and find out as many specifics as you can to work on the things you need to work on. And keep positive. I'd bet it will all work out.

Completely agree with viva very well said!!

Hi Chrissy and welcome to the board!! And congrats on finishing your nursing degree.I think you have received some great advice in this thread so far, so I will just speak to a few things that jumped out to me as I read your post.First, you mention that the 12 hour shift is draining you physically and mentally. Two thoughts, it does that to many people, regardless of age. IMHO, It is a bit harder to start out as a new grad on 12 hour shifts, because you only get to practice your skills three days a week vs. 5 for an 8 hour shift. And yes if 12's are kicking your can, then errors will happen. Have you considered swapping for 8 hour shifts for a while?Second, if you need to stay with 12's, have you looked at what you are doing during your shift and what you are wearing. Fatigue would be expected for that length of shift, but are you wearing good shoes, taking breaks to refresh or at least getting some carbs in all day [it takes a LOT of energy to learn]. As to the shoes...my dogs were killing me, until I got a pair of rockers....and then my fatigue went away.Third, the they 'have some concerns' statement. That is not good..as the other posters eluded to they are wondering if you can handle the work. You say your errors were minor...would you NM agree?Go ask. And if they cannot give you a really defined answer, then you just might not be a good fit for the culture on that unit. If that is the case....ask if you can transfer.

Agree with the others....this does not sound like age discrimination. Be careful tossing things like that around.

Age discrimination doesn't make sense to me in this situation for the same reasons Ruby Vee gave. It seems likely that they don't think you are a "good fit", but cannot explain this to you exactly. It's a tricky situation to be in since it might not be about measurable skills, but some other subjective issues that can't easily be addressed. If you ask them for clarification and they cannot or will not give it to you, then I would conclude there is something else going on personality wise or some other reason you will probably never be able to uncover. I can imagine how frustrated you are. I wish I had some great advice to give. It's possible that you will, in fact, be able to "fix what's wrong" and I hope that is what will occur, but I can see why you would be discouraged. I wouldn't quit the job just yet. I'd give it a bit more time with further inquiry for clarification.

Actually age discrimination was my first thought. I am of this age grouping also.None of the youngers want to put up with us olders, and some of my co- workers are happy to throw us under the bus for being slow.