Advice needed on floor change!

[Jamie34NY]

Hi! I have been an RN for about 7 months on an OB/Postpartum/Meg Surg unit at a large local hospital. I love what I do, however I feel I am not getting more in terms of what I am able to learn and using my skills. I do learn something new daily, don't get me wrong. I am a very high energy person and really enjoy when we are really busy and different things so to speak take place. I feel like my end goal is to be a flight nurse. I am really interested in the ED, ICU or a trauma unit, however I have never worked on a unit like this so at the same time I am nervous to make a change like this and regret it.

I work on a great floor, but I feel it is very routine and my nursing skills are going to waste. I am being warned off about going to the ED in my hospital as it is very very busy. Also, my manager takes it very personal when people leave and we get along great so I am also scared she will be upset and the opportunity for per diem is shot as they rarely allow that for some reason, despite being super short staffed.

Any thoughts or advice? Thanks so much!

Jamie

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

You owe your manage one year, no longer. In the meantime, keep learning about the ED and ICU's in your facility, and elsewhere.

Are there certifications, such as ACLS you can obtain?

[nynursey_]

All you can do is make yourself as marketable as you possibly can. Obtain as many certifications (that are applicable) as possible, such as ACLS, PALS, NRP, TNCC, and any other as required by the specific job posting. A year in Med/Surg is an asset and should be considered as such. Make sure you absorb as much as possible from your current job. Perfect those nursing skills (assessments or procedures) that you're still a little unsure on. Use this time to challenge yourself to do things even more efficiently than you have been. Once you've put in a full year on your unit, you can rest assured that you've met your commitment to your manager, and you can then begin to think of yourself and your desire to specialize. Make sure you have an outstanding resume put together and then put yourself out there and sell yourself hard.

If you're not sure about making the change to something more in the critical care/trauma realm, ask to shadow on the floor for a few shifts, and then make a determination. If you've got a good relationship with both your manager and other nurses in the hospital, shadowing on another unit shouldn't be an issue. It's never a bad idea to get your feet wet first before jumping in.

Best of luck to you!