Afraid to tell my manager I want to leave MedSurg

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I'm a med-surg nurse who returned to my hospital after leaving for 6 months. I'm feeling burnt out on my current unit and want to explore other units, possibly transferring if I find a good fit.

I'm nervous to bring this up because I left once before, and I don't want my manager to see this as a pattern or think I'm unreliable. Transfers usually require a year, but exceptions might be possible.

How can I approach this conversation so I'm honest about burnout, express interest in shadowing, and leave the door open for a transfer — without hurting my relationship with my manager?

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4 Answers

Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

I highly doubt you are unreliable (or seen as unreliable) because you are concerned about being reliable.

Acknowledging burnout is the first step towards addressing it, and seeking a solution demonstrates professionalism.

You can only control your own approach, and not your manager's response. Keep in mind that seasoned managers are accustomed to these conversations and situations.  Managers understand the need for growth, and they will also appreciate the opportunity to collaborate on a solution that respects both your professional development and the unit's needs.

Your honesty and transparency will be appreciated. Focus on your approach and embrace the conversation with confidence!

  • First, schedule an appointment with your manager, as befits a serious conversation. 
  • Prepare for the appointment by having your key thoughts/talking points prepared. You want to be appreciative, concise, and professional.
  • Your key thoughts will include:
    • You are burned out, but frame it as something you're actively working to address. "I've been reflecting on my current role, and I've realized that I'm feeling burned out, which has been affecting my energy and focus. I want to be upfront about this because I believe acknowledging it is the first step in addressing it. I've been thinking about ways to manage it, such as exploring different roles within the hospital that might reinvigorate my passion. My goal is to thrive and contribute at my full potential, both for myself and the team."
    •  
    • You are committed to the organization. "I'm not looking to leave the hospital, but I want to be sure I'm doing everything I can to keep my passion and energy for the work I do."
    •  
    • You're interested in shadowing opportunities. "I'm interested in shadowing other units to explore where I might be best suited to contribute more effectively while rejuvenating my passion." Instead of asking for a transfer outright, you're showing an interest in exploring other areas first, which feels less like a decision and more like a discovery process.
    •  
    • You acknowledge and respect the one-year transfer policy. You can either leave it as it is or request flexibility. "I'm aware of the one-year transfer policy, but I'd like to know if there's any possibility for flexibility in special cases. If not, I'm still open to exploring other options or solutions."
    •  
    • You are seeking a solution together. End on a collaborative note,  asking for your manager's feedback and suggestions."I'd love to hear your feedback and suggestions."

Follow these guidelines for the conversation while using your own words. Keep focused on the goal, which is a collaborative relationship with your manager and working together towards a solution.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Specializes in Nursing Faculty, Simulation Specialist.

All the above suggestions are great, but first, I would have a long, internal discussion about why you feel burned out.  Are your personal responsibilities such that a full-time position just isn't possible? Do you take on too many added jobs at work?  My experience has been that it isn't the unit you work on as much as your own attitude that creates this stress.  Med/Surg is certainly a demanding specialty.  I've been there.  Perhaps a transfer to a float team, if your hospital has one, might help you sort out what it is that you are struggling with.  Or, maybe a slower paced job is what you need.  Consider home health.  The money is there, and the autonomy is great. The pace is much less demanding.  Scheduling is more flexible too. Look at your options.  One of the best parts of nursing is that no one expects you to stay at your job forever and if you move around, that's quite normal.  Be honest with your manager.  If you were not responsible, you would simply quit without notice.  I've seen that too many times. Good luck!

Specializes in Adult and Pediatric Vascular Access, Paramedic.

Hi, 

I would NOT broach this topic with your manager, especially since you may not even be eligible for a transfer yet!  I would try really hard to stick it out for the full year so that you know you are eligible and then apply to other jobs, but I would not even discuss with your manager until you have an actual offer!  

Best of luck! 

Specializes in General Hospital Medical.

Due to my mental health on the med-surge floor I am on, I was allowed to have an early transfer, before the 6 months they usually require (Started the process around 4 months, will start the outpatient job on 12/8). 

Explain your situation well to HR/nursing and they may allow you. Clearly, something isn't working as you are already burned out (as I was). If they don't allow it, perhaps it's a good idea to look into a new health system for a new job. Like Beth said, managers are very good at understanding the need for growth and are completely understanding. Luckily, this is the response I got from my manager as well.

Go for it. The worst they can say is no.

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