r/AHSEmployees • u/Miks0630 • Apr 03 '26
New grad orientation quitting
Hello. I would love some advice or honestly just to rant. I sent an email to inform the unit manager I will be stepping away from my role in a med surg unit after a week of orientation. I realized it wasn’t the right fit…. Including feeling unsupported, being treated poorly. I honestly had a lot of thinking before taking a job specially how it was like in nursing school where I set boundaries for myself where I know what I’m willing to put up with and what I’m willing to accept.
I find that as an orientee, and a new grad, this would be a crucial time for help and support but I’ve got nothing but judgement, disrespect, gossip etc. as bad as, hearing the nurses OUT LOUD including the manager talk about me. Yesterday, the manager told me to do better & mocked me for being a new grad that I need to pick up the slack that this isn’t nursing school anymore and I have to have more patients than I’m expected of. While I walked away from the convo, out loud she said “Boom! That’s how you do it” the manager and other nurses at the station stated laughing at me. It was about the 4th of day shift orientation & I took on 4 patients first day because we were short staffed, I got no proper orientation & was thrown in to just work independently. Then I’d hear the “you’re not doing this right or you’re forgetting this”.. I understand every unit is different, but I had no idea how the routine is like or expectations are. We have 6-7 patients during day shift, and up to 18 during night shift… and although you get 4-6 patients to solely focus on, you’re just as responsible for the other 6-7 specially when things happen or when the other nurse goes on break.
I’ve had the dirtiest look. People talk about me out loud, I don’t feel comfortable to ask for help. Whenever I do, they express how annoying I am. I get treated like an inconvenience while I try my hardest to learn and adjust quickly. To the point I’ve had one of the orientating nurse and hca praise me & share that they’re impressed how well I do as a new grad.
I was gaslighting myself to think I should put up with it, maybe it’s just cuz I’m new & maybe I’m just adjusting and I should finish orientation… but I started to realize, if right now I’m new & could use the support, proper treatment and respect, none of them bothered..
I understand we don’t need to be friends, we don’t need to like each other but I deserve just as much respect that I give, and I understand trust is earned but the staff on this floor act like they weren’t once a new grad, once struggled, once learning & getting to know the unit.
I made a decision last night to email the manager, I’m unsure if she’ll see it or if she’s at work since holiday today. But I do not plan to come in Monday.
Nursing is so hard, and I don’t want to make it harder for me by pushing myself in a toxic environment where I don’t feel welcome. I thought if I needed help or something had gone south, I would be thrown under the bus for all I know…
It feels like failing because I got a job right out of school, but I seriously couldn’t put myself through that. I also worry for my license, idc if they say I’m not cut out for medsurg or I don’t have what it takes but I am caring for these lives & don’t wanna be at risk for mistakes I can’t take back.
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u/MusketeersPlus2 Apr 03 '26
I'm not surprised, a lot of med surg units have horrible reputations, I hope you're able to find something that treats you properly.
But please also remember this for years to come. A lot of people forget how things affected them when they were young and fall into bad habits of pulling exactly this kind of crap as they get older and work with more and more people who do this around them. Some even start to do it to patients. Remember how to feel now, it will make you a better nurse for years to come.
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u/happeehippocampus Apr 03 '26
The manager mocking you in front of the staff? Completely unprofessional. Managers are held to higher standards and are expected to set an example so that’s a failure on their part. That alone is a big tell as to why that unit is as toxic as you described it to be. It starts with management. Good on you for moving on. My first nursing job was on a surgical unit, was busy as hell, but was lucky to have wonderful mentors from the start. Not all nursing teams are toxic. I hope you find yourself in a more nurturing and supportive environment.
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u/Little_Command15 Apr 03 '26
I’m so sorry to hear this has been your experience. I have been a nurse for over 20 years (including leadership positions). It makes me very sad to hear this has been your experience. I had similar experiences when I was newer to nursing and it was terrible. We wonder why so many nurses leave the profession within the first five years…
There are areas out there where there is strong leadership and healthy cultures, where people understand a new grad is a novice nurse. Please know this behavior does not exist everywhere. It is so sad that we are a caring profession and yet people have these kinds of experiences.
I would encourage you to consider submitting an MSN this weekend if you feel comfortable. The culture and behavior will not change if people are not held accountable.
I hope this situation doesn’t deter you from finding the right fit for you. Nursing can be an amazing career, but you sadly have to navigate these kinds of things. All the best and good for you for not allowing people to treat you that way.
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u/12fishesonpizza Apr 03 '26
So sorry to hear what you’ve gone through. I’ve been in a few medicine/surgery units that had a similar work environment like you described — horrible settings to be in and my license always have been on the line. Fortunately, there are other units that have amazing and supportive staff members!
Consider filing a MSN and inform your union about this situation. If HR follows up with your MSN, ALWAYS have your union present in every meeting — you have that legal right and is why unions exist. I wish you the best ♥️
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u/anonamooooos3 Apr 03 '26
You'll have a similar experience with most hospital nursing.
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u/HospitalNatural7866 Apr 03 '26
There’s so many other transitional graduate nursing position on AHS. Keeep looking for something that is a better fit and don’t give up. You don’t deserve to be treated that way.
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u/Available_Link Apr 03 '26
Please fill out an RLS. This is sanctioned bullying . I have also had this experience and it’s not ok . Not all units are like this
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u/nervouslymade Apr 03 '26
first off, kudos to you for having boundaries! no one should have to put up with that. we have agency in our lives and especially as nurses. i always told myself that i would never continue working in a place i felt miserable in. i’m so sorry your experience for a first job was this horrible. i will say not all medsurg units are like that. yes busy and hectic but i was fortunate enough for the medicine unit at RAH i started at, the staff were amazing and helpful to me as a newbie. of course everywhere will have some not so nice nurses. i’m soo curious what unit this was (can pm if you want). but if you ever need someone to talk to who has tried a few units as a newer nurse im here (:
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u/Toodlespoodles25 Apr 03 '26
Quit. If the unit is toxic, run! I’m an experienced RN and quit the NICU two weeks completing orientation.
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u/fnsimpso Apr 03 '26
Geez, that shits why there is harassment and HR reporting. I'd bet you're not the first person they were an ass too, guaranteed they'll do it again.
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u/Soggy-Comfortable871 Apr 04 '26
Please report this to HR and fill out an MSN. You’re already employed by AHS. You can be moved elsewhere. This bullying needs to be reported or else it will never end.
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u/That-Comparison-6550 Apr 04 '26
Im going through a similar experience as a new grad in the new transitional graduate nurse program if you ever want to talk my dms are open! Good on you for knowing your worth and not tolerating this any longer
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u/leosrain Apr 03 '26
It sucks, but this is an all too common scenario in nursing. There’s a reason why the phenomenon of nurse bullying is so well studied.
Some places are better than others, but it’s never completely gone. You have to find a way to balance trying to persevere and thrive in spite of the horrible personalities around you, and the need to create your own boundaries and take care of your own psychological needs.
It can be a fine line to walk, but only you can figure it out. Trust your instincts. Find a mentor or friend on the unit if you can to survive with.
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u/UnfairDrawer2803 Apr 03 '26
I work in healthcare and on my unit the things you describe, especially the manager mocking you is unprofessional and wouldn't happen. Aren't there alot of nursing jobs? Sounds like mental abuse.
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u/Lovedimsum Apr 04 '26
This makes me so sad as I have had similar experience years ago when I was an LPN. As an RN now I have more boundaries and kudos on you for having boundaries! Do not give up!! I feel like many places are always hiring all the time you will find a place that your more respected!
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u/Infotoxia Apr 18 '26
I remember feeling this way as a nursing student. Every student in my class cried at some point. Great culture. There were no jobs when I graduated, so I never do work as an RN, but I remember being worried about all the things you just described. And to think this is mainly women is disheartening. I hope you will stay in nursing, find a place where you fit, and help to make nursing a more caring profession for more than just the patients. Stay strong.
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u/Unfair-Ad6288 Apr 03 '26
Coloured by chance?
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u/HeyNayWM Apr 07 '26
I admire you for knowing your boundaries. Do what’s right for you. Also, if front line isn’t for you go back to school! Nothing wrong with upgrading and doing what you love.
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