Nurses that change their jobs often. Is that common?

I've worked in 5 hospitals in 5 years. Three jobs I liked, I had to leave because our family moved. One hospital (last year) was so unsafe to work at I had to leave.

Now I love my job, but I will have to leave again in 3-4 months due to another move. I may stay home for a few years, of just do per diem one day a week. Mommyhood is calling loudly, and my two boys are young and FUN.

I really enjoy the flexibility of nursing as it has allowed me to bring in an income and medical insurance for the family, while not having to put my kids in childcare. However, for the next ten years, it just might be my hobby.

I've had at least 8 jobs in the past 11 years not counting my agency assignments. Just a couple of days ago, a co-worker asked me why I changed jobs so often. My answer: because I can. That is one of the few really good things about nursing, you have so many opportunities, there is no reason you can't move around and learn new things and if a job sucks I just quit. I do however try not to burn bridges. After 11 years in this profession I have concluded that there is no "perfect" job for me. I am trying to change the whole way I look at nursing, with one of my options being entrepreneurship or independence. But whatever I do, I'm going to continue to exercise my options. I don't think there's anything wrong with changing jobs often as long as it's voluntary and you're not being fired every time.

Hi I read with interest why people move jobs. I have had 4 jobs in 3 years due to my wife being in the Army. Now I have a fly in fly out job at a mine site I wouldnt change for the world. Plus my wife is now out of the Army.
But meeting new people is great, I just love it.
Anyway Cheers.
Darryl.

One of the things that makes nursing so compelling is it's diversity. I think it's perfectly fine to change jobs as long as one isn't being fired. I try to stay a year unless there's abuse, then I'm outta there. Most of my jobs have been good, some great, but my dearest love is home health.

Nursing does allow a great deal of mobility within the profession. This can be both an advantage/ disadvantage. The main disadvantage to moving frequently is the inability to take advantage of the employer "paid" contributions to pensions, 403B and 401Ks. I've seen to many RNs in there late 40/50's suddenly realize they inadequately prepared for fast approaching retirement. The lost time can never be regained.
So if you are taking advantage of he mobility plan accordingly. And depending on your spouse is not neccessarily a good plan. Unfortuneately marriage is not always permanent. The only one ultimately responsible for you is you.

I've been a nurse for seven years and have held a lot of positions .I have left employers because of ethical , managerial , safety issues , etc . I have even left a job because i got bored with it . Just reading the comments that everyone has shared made me realize i'm not the only one . Most non nurses don't realize that having a nursing license LPN/RN gives us the opportunity to explore other career paths within the field . I have done LTC , unit manager , telemetry and VNA . I love the VNA type of nursing , but currently moving to another agancy because of more money and a better schedule . I'm the type of person that i just want to go to work get the job done and not be bother by the politics that is present in nursing .

I think to stay competitive in nursing it is definitely NOT uncommon to do what you are doing! Alot of time...when you stay at one place you dont find professional growth and occassionally they begin to take you for granted and the employer devalues you in a way. So tell your familoy to chill out and keep doing what is working for you!