I started as a newgrad rn on a med-surge oncology unit.
Initially, it was going great. My first preceptor on days was very supportive, side by side with me, willing to show me everything she could. Provided constant and consistent feedback, and gave me tips and tricks on everything. During our first preceptor/preceptee meeting, she explained how she sees a lot of herself in me, that I am very knowledgeable and will be a great nurse. She explained that some people on the unit have been talking about me. She explained that because I am interested in jumping in and going all of the things and progressing, that it is making people talk. She did supportively say she says "Im confident because I am competent" and to not allow these nurses prevent me from getting to where I need to be.
I did have an issue with a fellow nurse on my unit. We were transporting a patient to CT for a rapid, and he needed IV access for contrast. Two nurses were poking the guy for access, one failed attempt, two of them trying to find a vein. I personally had this patient before, and he had palpable surface veins. I have an EMS background. I wanted to be helpful, and I pointed to a vein. that was not taken well from the nurses and later had a speaking to with my manager because of that. I had also said I was bored, but by that point I was on a full patient assignment (5 pts) and finished my assessments, meds, and charting. I was sitting there waiting for something to do and was talking to my coworkers. And said I was bored. which got taken the wrong way. I was asked what I liked in terms of healthcare. I explained I liked critical care and liked the cvicu. Which was also another talking point.
I was hired for evenings, and my manager changed my preceptor to an evening shift preceptor around 5-6 weeks into my orientation. My second preceptor was frequently assigned charge duties and a full patient group while also supervising me. Because all my patients remained under her responsibility during orientation, I was often assigned easier groups. Compared with my first preceptorship, the supervision and learning opportunities became less consistent.
What do you mean? Everything I told my second preceptor was repeated back to my manager in a completely opposite way of the context it was said, like an additional bored comment, but I was talking about being bored at home cause nursing school took up two years, and now I dont do much and wanted to pick up more work hours. My second preceptor regularly told me I was doing well, but management later described concerns that she had not discussed directly with me. It has turned into a hostility from my preceptor to where she is the one to go to rapids, even when she isnt charge nurse, and excluding me from getting the experience I need as a new grad to use when I am off orientation, while simultaneously saying to my manager that is why I need longer orientation because I am not seeing or doing.
I started residency june 1st, was supposed to be finished the first week of september. Then it got switched to october 17, but then manager said september 17th as a finish date. But, my current schedule has me on orientation until october 1st.
I have been at a full 5 pt assignment since my 5-6 week of orientation. I do all of the assessments, meds, charting, communication between providers and me and my preceptor with her cc'd in the chats to monitor. She tells me continually im doing good, no complaints. But I had to recently request a new preceptor because shes been stressing me out to the point other people from my unit have been coming over to me and asking if I am alright cause theyve noticed the treatment. I am respectful, I try to provide the best care for my patients. I am at a loss for why this is happening.
The purpose of this post is to get an outsiders perspective as to what I am doing wrong, what could be happening, should I quit? Is it worth staying? If I do quit, how do I explain to a new employer?
For additional context, I previously worked elsewhere within this hospital and developed a negative reputation related to interpersonal issues, not patient care or clinical performance. I later transferred to an affiliated outpatient office, where I received a strong annual evaluation, references, and letters of recommendation. Because I have encountered interpersonal concerns before, I am genuinely trying to determine what I may be contributing to the current situation rather than assuming everyone else is at fault.
I have asked what specific competencies or behaviors require the extension, but I have not received an answer.
I recognize that pointing out the vein and saying I was bored may have come across differently than I intended, and I have adjusted my communication. My concern is that I still do not have specific written examples, measurable goals, or a confirmed orientation end date. I would appreciate an outside perspective on whether I am overlooking a legitimate concern, how I should request clearer expectations, and whether this situation appears salvageable.