I am a new grad (kind of) and got my first job in the emergency dept. in August. Although the hospital I was working at had a long training program (6 months), I was never really able to get my feet under me. For the first 2 months that I was on the floor I was being bounced around from one preceptor to another. Everyday was essentially like starting new for a long time. Finally I had a meeting with the powers-that-be and I was given 2 consistent preceptors and I feel things went a lot better.
When I finally hit the 90-day mark I was told that my probation period was going to be extended another 30days. They saw a marked improvement in my performance but felt it would be best to remain on probation. So at 120 days I had another meeting but they said that I didn't improve much since the 90-day meeting and they made the decision to terminate my probation. My director was really nice so when I asked if I could voluntarily resign instead she agreed.
What I want to know now that I am back in the job hunt again is this. If I do mention my previous hospital, does that mean that I am no longer considered a new grad? When do you make that transition from new grad to experienced nurse?
I heard if you get terminated during probation you do not need to mention that job in your resume. Then I was also told that I have to mention it in the application since it is a legally binding document. Aside from the fact that I don't want to omit information that can later be discovered in a background check. I really want to stay in Emergency Medicine so I know I will have a slightly uphill battle in my interviews seeing that I left one ER and am still pursuing the ER. I've thought about the Telemetry floor as well, but my passion is in Emergency.
I would love any advice! Thanks in advance!!
Jay
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January 4th, 2008 at 10:11 am
1. You’re a qualified RN – you have the skills base, just need to consolidate.
2. The fact you haven’t yet consolidated them is normal for a new-grad.
3. A new-grad usually requires a year or two to consolidate.
4. Terminating the job at end of probation isn’t a huge problem, especially since you ‘resigned’. Explain it in your CV as you tell it here: No preceptorship, and this gave you a very unstable start. All places employ on probation, so there’s no real damage done as I would see it.
5. It may be useful to go into less stressful area to begin with and consolidate, then seek to move to ER.
6. Seek out a place with good preceptorship or new-grad programme – and in fact, make it a selection criteria for the place you look for – when you call for info on the advertised job, speak to the contact person and specifically ask about preceptorship/new-grad programmes. Don’t represent yourself as “experienced” as this will become evident when you start work (& on your CV) and stand against you.
Hope this helps
January 5th, 2008 at 5:50 pm
Thank you Mr. Ian. You addressed a lot of the questions I had in mind. There was a time that I was questioning if I was “slower” than most just because I felt like I wasn’t getting things right away. I always heard that it takes a while to get accustomed to he new role, I just didn’t realize it could take upwards of a year or 2.
January 5th, 2008 at 10:52 pm
No nurse (or doctor) knows it all, ever.
I still discover ‘fundamental’ things I never knew existed 17 years on! Our more experienced staff will back me that they too are still learning – I blame the bloody technological advances and evidence-based paradigms!
Glad to help and you’re welcome.
January 7th, 2008 at 5:03 pm
Hi,
I agree with Mr Ian in regards to starting out your career in a less stressful area and working your way up to the emergency room. I think it is important for you to get some “real” med-surg experience under your belt sort of speak before you settle into the ER. I wish you luck.
January 8th, 2008 at 5:58 pm
Jay,
Termination during the probationary period has recently happened to two close friends of mine–you are NOT alone. Whatever the reasons (usually lack of support, communication, or misunderstanding) you can move on as an RN. Nurses are needed everywhere, as you know, and for my friends, they were both able to find jobs in their desired settings–Pediatrics and the ICU.
Good luck, keep pressing on, and remember that you ARE a great nurse…and will only become better as you get your feet under you!
January 10th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
I understand how you feel. I too was fired from a probationary period job. I was terrified thinking I would not be able to find another job. Boy! was I wrong I a job at a major “excellent” hospital. So, my termination was the best thing that could have happen to me. I told the recuiter and directors exactly what happen and it did not hinder me. Trust me just be honest because there is always a through background check, especially with nurse. Just do the right thing keep your integrity and be honest
Wishing you well
God Bless YOu
Trust me you will be just fine!
January 11th, 2008 at 5:43 pm
Thank all you guys for the encouraging words… unfortunately this time of year I am finding that it is getting tough to get into another New Grad program since they have all been filled. I am still trying though. There is no harm in trying. For now, I have to suck it up and go back as an EMT, I need the positive cash flow. Don’t get me wrong, I loved the EMT work, but now being an EMT with my RN license in my pocket is kind of a humbling experience.
April 24th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
I have been working as an RN for 6 months now, and have been bounced around from preceptor to preceptor, unit to unit. And then they sat me down one day and said “We don’t feel that this is the right place for you. The nurses on your floor say you aren’t fitting in.” It was a complete personality conflict, not an ability issue. Well…the next week, the pediatric ICU offered me a spot in their internship program (same hospital), and after just 9 weeks they are telling me that I am doing great and will be ready to leave the internship and work on my own in half the time of the normal 6 month training time. So don’t ever let them tell you that your preceptors have nothing to do with your ability to succeed (like they tried to tell me). Don’t be discouraged! You’ll find your place….and don’t give up on ER altogether. When you find the place you are supposed to be, it is just so much easier to become a good nurse. No reason that can’t be ER for you.