Advice for new grad RN after terminated after 3 1/2 months

Hello Everyone,

I graduated May 09, passed my boards in August with 75 questions and received RN license. I feel really bad, not to mention discouraged. My first job was in the ER, I was assigned one preceptor, but worked with several. After 3 months, I was still overwhelmed, but was being evaluated by my assigned preceptor as being "on the right track." However, near my orientation, while meeting with the department managers I was informed that my evaluations stated differently, such as "not doing well, poor time management skills, etc." My experience there was so terrible, that my anxiety level was out of control to a point where I started to have migraines on a continuous basis. My preceptor was horrible, ex. telling me company policy was to perform a task one way, but informing me that management said I did this incorrectly. Anyway, I was given two options resign or termination. I had been with the organization before graduating a total of 5 1/2 years, but not performing direct patient care duties. I was not given the option to transfer. However, I did ask to take a leave of absence b/c the migraines were beginning to affect my attendance. I was told I did not qualify for this. So, I was terminated, and told this would not be held against me and I would be in good standing to reapply to this organization once I was well. Later, I contacted the nurse recruiter, and she informed me that I was in good standing and should explain to perspective employers that ER was not a "good fit for a new grad RN."

I was unable to find a job for about 2 months, when I finally received an offer at a ltc facility. This job lasted for 1 1/2 months. I felt totally deceived, being misinformed of the orientation offered. I was told I would be gradually worked up to the amount of pts nurses general cared for daily, but was just thrown out there. I explained all of this to the DON prior to being taken out of orientation, but that did not help. I felt like I was practicing unsafe patient care. My preceptor did not teach me anything. I was just observing her passing meds to 17+ pts (depending on the # of nurses on the unit), and never checking vitals prior to giving certain meds. I also observed her dismissing pt concerns with their health. I was never shown how to do the required paperwork other than in class (which the trainer did not have all of it available to show us), was not shown how to use the computer system for admissions (never given a sign-on for that), and not shown the procedure for doing treatments (treatment log, etc.). I informed my DON of this and of course nothing happened, I was just thrown to the wolves, so I felt. I felt really bad for quitting, but like I HAD to protect my license.

Currently, I have been applying for positions, but every one I apply to comes back "thank you for your interest, we've selected a candidate with qualifications that matched more closely." The only offers that I have been receiving are from ltc facilities, which I dont feel safe working at. I recently applied to a med/surg position within a hospital and the next day went to personally deliver my resume to the department director. I did have a nice conversation with her, but was told that the nursing shortage was over and don't be discouraged. What should I do to improve my chances while I am competing with other new grads? Should I include these experiences on my resume? I have included my ER experience, b/c I feel its relevent, b/c I did learn a lot despite my preceptorship. I don't want to jeopardize my license and place a unstable nurse label on myself. Can any experienced nurses or nurse recruiters or nurse managers, give me any advice to help? Looking forward to hearing from you.



Thank you
Others have been in your shoes, if your use the search tool at the top of allnurse you will see several threads by new grads describing experiences similar to yours. You have had a bad start, but you will get through this, for now make finding a job your job.good luckdishes

Good luck.

If there's one thing I've learned about being a new nurse is that it's not easy period. I know what it feels like working in an intsitution who doesn't properly orient their new employees. Honestly I think majority are like that. Back in college we are used to being oriented with almost everything and then when we finally graduate and work the hospital assumes that we don't need much assistance. I remember being too bookish during my first few months at work. But the reality is not all informations are available in a book and you just need to put yourself out there. Maybe your just too focused on guarding your license that you don't really focus on the things you learn day to day? I too got sick, not because of the job itself but rather due to the stress given by the other nurses that I work with. After that I realized that you just need to adapt to survive. Instead of complaining that the preceptor is not that supportive why not learn things on your own? Like for example observe what the other nurses are doing when they're handling a patient. When a new case is presented evaluate yourself. Was my assessment right? Was I able to cover all my responsibilities? What are other ways to improve my skills on this case so that when it is presented again I can do a much better job? Also you must put an effort to read and learn more about your field. Trust me, the things we learned back in college are just basics. Besides, our profession is ever changing and we must continue gaining knowledge. We can't change the past but we can change the future by learning from our previous experience and putting it into actions. If you feel that the ER is too toxic for you try a different area. Afterall, we are still young and we have the luxury to try what works and what doesn't. heheCheers! Good luck in your career!

I have tried LTC, was given a week of orientation and I started to work by myself,there was no formal classroom discussions or whatsoever. I learned by asking some of the nurses what to do when I was stuck in some situation. It got better, I was doing different shifts so I kinda knew the flow of every shift. I was working on different floors and was given harder sides since I was a RN. It didn't bother me, they put me on the floor, I perform. LTC is a good way to start Nursing career if the other options are still unavailable.I was handling 73 residents at one point for a week. Full Census.

luvnursingRN you are right, that 3 1/2 months in ER was great experience. Have you applied to positions in an Urgent care? They prefer those with ER experience and you have it! Good luck whatever you decide. Hey, think about getting your EMT license too. My teachers kept saying to keep going to school so you don't have gaps in your resume.

If just one new grad ever said "I want to start in Med surg and work my way up to Er/ICU/CCU I would probably have a heart attack!

steelydanfan that's exactly what i wanted to do, but all the hospitals were not hiring new grads last year when i was applying. i ended up in a ltc facility. great experience for learning to organize, meds (other than iv) and quick assessments, but not so good for foleys, ivs, and what not. op keep trying. it really is tough out there for new grads. ltc is a good option, but like you have learned #1 not much, if any training. #2 way too many patients. i was sick for the first month or so of my job with migrains and n/v. i lost 25 lbs in a matter of weeks, but it does get alot better once you figure out the ins and outs of what is going on and make some friends that you can rely on when things get sticky. good luck!!

What did you do prior to nursing? I recommend you consider applying at a doctor's office. Yeah, the pay is pitiful, but the environment is really nice. Lower stress, weekends off, you can leave during the day without people acting like you're commiting a felony. I've never worked at LTC but I would think that they are not all the same. You might have better luck at another one. I'd give it longer than 6 weeks, though. I hesitate to bring this up because I don't want to be misunderstood, so please disregard if it is not applicable. Have you thought about your role in your career so far? Yes, not every preceptor/orientee is a good match, but if a person has trouble with every job thus far, I would think about the common denominator. I wish you all the best.

When I came to my new job straight out of school, I had one day of training on the job. The next day I was passing meds. The job was short of nurses, I had a license so they put me to work. It was not the idea situation, but the job was 15 minutes away from my home, 7-3. I wanted the the commute and the hours so I stuck it out. I asked m/a's, cna's, other nurses, lab techs, pharm techs, other nurses, about how things ran. I did alot of observation to see how the other nurses did things. It was not the best way to learn, but I did. I have come to realize that since being a nurse for 2 years, it is not like school. You cannot worry about what other nurses do or don't do with there patient's. Focus on your self and your job duties. I did not work in the ER, so that would be different without training. Nobody is going to spoon feed you a perfect nursing job. Good luck and stick it out.

You didn't mention what shift you worked at the LTC. But maybe you should consider getting a night job at one for now. My first experience at one was on day shift, and it was a disaster. But I didn't give up. I actually went on nights for a while, because it was a bit slower paced. And I asked a ton of questions and observed every nurse I worked with. After a while, I saw what worked and what didn't. Now it's all second nature, regardless of the shift.No job you get, will be easy right off the bat. And from my experience, it's quite common to get a short/insufficient orientation. But you have to stay positive and focused. You can't give up. Over time everything gets easier. Maybe you can work at the LTC on nights, then move to days after a while. And from there, you can give the hospital a try again, once you are more organized and confident. If not, then like others suggested, there are other areas in nursing that aren't so hectic. Good luck to you.

Not all LTC facilities are bad as you have described. I have worked for one of the nursing and rehab center that is owned by medical center and they treat nurses nicely. A nurse educator told me that they don't throw new nurses to the floor after few days of orientation and I found that all new grads received at least 1 month of orientation and up to 2 to even 3 month depending on how comfortable she felt. Yoy might want to find rehab centers that are owned by medical center or hospital. Also, can relocating be an option for you?

Does anybody know where current shortages are the worst? I am graduating in August and want to be able to find a job before finishing! Any advice about the application process would be greatly appreciated!