(LTC/Rehab) Under what circumstances would you resign?

We all know what nursing homes are like. My question is, if you worked in this type of a facility as an RN, what would make you resign? Especially if you were in a position where you only had a few months experience and jobs are few and far between...AND you can't trust anyone at this current facility to give you a decent reference?
A sure cause for resigning would be putting my license on the line....If I felt that I was not safe in the facility, nor was I able to ensure the safety of my patients, I would resign.If I was asked to perform any function that was illegal or unsafe, I would resign.If I had assistive personnel performing activities under my license and I didn't feel that they were competent (QMA, for example), I would resign.

FIND ANOTHER JOB FIRST!!!Then resign.

Been there, done that. I was RN #7 since January and I had lasted there the longest...7 weeks! The lying on charting, the non-existent infection control, the lack of support, the lack of resources, the lack of staff, an overwhelming pt to staff ratio...& a DON who hated you if the owner liked you...It has been hell. I have been gone for a couple of months & I still have nightmares. Calling the health dept & the long term care ombudsman did nothing. My last straw was when I had pts telling me that I would not be part of the lawsuit they were bringing...excuse me, but what?

OK, if I were filling out an online app...could I just specify that I left this job because I felt that my license was in jeopardy, etc.? The nursing lit I've read says that you should never bash a previous job. I'm afraid this will haunt me on future applications because you almost always have to give your sup's name.

landesmummy, did resigning haunt you for future jobs? Were you a new grad?

Quote from JazzythinkerOK, if I were filling out an online app...could I just specify that I left this job because I felt that my license was in jeopardy, etc.? The nursing lit I've read says that you should never bash a previous job. I'm afraid this will haunt me on future applications because you almost always have to give your sup's name.

I am a new grad...after getting my license I had applied everywhere & got this position through a friend of mine who lasted 4 weeks...I was a warm body & that was it. So very wrong. I loved my pts & they deserve the best but the management doens't do it...I have been putting on applications as my reason large pt ratio, lack of resources. Then when I list my duties, you get a pretty good reason as to why I left. In interviews, if you have an RN interview you, all you have to say I worked in a SNF or LTC and the RN will go, 'oh, I know about those places' or 'I'm so sorry'...If its HR, they want a bit more, I have said that it was a bit hectic & left it alone. Cannot bash the former employer even though you want to. In hindsight, I wish I had taken a job at McDonalds as it wouldn't have been the nightmare I went through. Good luck jazzythinker. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

What if someone gives me a not-so-favorable reference bc I resigned? I just can't make up my mind. One nurse I was speaking to told me that she would resign immediately, others are telling me to wait for another job.I really don't know what to do.

They will understand why when they read your duties. I have had people read it, look at me (if I'm in an interview), read again & shake their head. As tempting as it is to not list them, you have gained skills there & it will show up I believe on background checks. My supervisory skills were what got me a new job, finally! I supervised 4 LVNs when they all showed up, 6-7 CNAs, 1 RT for 120 pts.

I took that chance too, as I didn't want the reference of 'she quit' but when things are wrong and your license is in jeopardy, all of our hard work will mean nothing once its taken away. The nsg sup was ok but the DON was not. I have put the nsg sup down as a reference & used a couple of nurses as peer work references--asking them before hand of course. I just left it up to the gods!

Quote from JazzythinkerWhat if someone gives me a not-so-favorable reference bc I resigned? I just can't make up my mind. One nurse I was speaking to told me that she would resign immediately, others are telling me to wait for another job.I really don't know what to do.

When to quit? Wow I wish I had the magical anwser to that one. Personally, I think it is different for each nurse. Also, I think it also depends on how many people are dependant on you to provide food and shelter. It may also depend a little bit on how much crap you are willing to take on a dly basis too.