Considering leaving after only 4 months...

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Ok here's the deal. I have been working as a new RN for 4 months at a small hospital that is 15 minutes from my home. I really like working there and I have learned a lot. The problem is that the hospital has had a low census ever since I started 4 months ago (and for some time before I started). As a result all the nurses are being rotated through a list and put on call at least every 2 weeks, some are put on call one shift a week. So even though we sign up for 3 shifts a week we only get to work 2 of those shifts and 1 on call shift. For the shift I am on call I only get $30. This is really cutting into my paycheck and making it hard for me to save up money. I know it looks bad to leave a job after only 4 months but I am seriously considering it. There is a job fair this week at a large city hospital about 40 minutes from my home and I think I should attend. I know a nurse who works there and she says they are always needing nurses and they never have a low census.

I am not really sure what question I am asking by posting this. I guess I just want some advice or to know what you would do if you were in this situation?

Thanks.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

I think that any of us who are not lucky enough to be independently wealthy would agree - you need to do whatever it takes to ensure that you can support yourself. It's not like you are deliberately job-hopping. You're being forced to make a change in order to support yourself. I'm sure that future employers will also be very understanding when you explain why you had to leave this job.

I hope things get better for you very quickly.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Float Pool Nursing.

Just leave.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Never leave a job until you have another lined up....that being said though, don't hesitate to explore your options and to take a situation that is more suitable to your needs if/when it is offered to you. There is nothing wrong with looking and you are much more likely to find a job when you already have a job. Go to the job fair. Good luck!

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Specializes in nursing education.

I would stay PRN at the first hospital.

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Thank you everyone! I went to the job fair and was interviewed and offered a job!! I told them about the low census and they completely understood :-)

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Specializes in Med/surg, Tele, educator, FNP.

Congrats! I would also stay at the first hospital per diem just for some extra cash! Good luck!

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.
Congrats! I would also stay at the first hospital per diem just for some extra cash! Good luck!

This.

Congrats! :up:

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