change jobs 9 months out?

[theantichick]

I'm pretty sure I know the right answer, I probably just want someone else to tell me differently. :/

My love is ER, and according to the recruiter at my dream hospital (local county) the only reason they didn't choose me for the new grad residency was that preference for the limited slots went to people already working there as techs.

Through an instructor I impressed, I got a lead on a job in ICU at an LTAC. I've been there 9 months, 3 of which was orientation/preceptorship. My nurse manager when she hired me told me she didn't see LTAC as a long term career choice for me, and asked me unofficially to commit to a year which I did. I also started my BSN bridge which I will graduate in May (last coursework end of March). Everyone has been very happy with my work and progression as a nurse.

While the facility has been overall a good place to work, and I will forever be grateful for the training and opportunity... there are some workplace issues that make it uncomfortable. Nothing I can't handle, but just ... eh. What I really don't like is the long-term care environment itself. I don't like having the same patients days, weeks, months on end. I'm geared for a faster paced environment, as I apparently didn't get all my adrenaline addiction worked out when I was a paramedic years ago. :)

Anyway, the rub of it is that my dream hospital has multiple ER jobs posted with a minimum requirement of 6 months patient care experience, which I now have. But, I promised a year (and should that include my orientation time or not?) to my NM, and changing jobs while still working on my BSN is a little daunting. I know I don't have to accept if they offer a position, but if I apply and they offer, I don't know that I could turn them down.

Logic says I should stay put at least until April, or maybe June, and then apply. I'll have fulfilled my promise to my NM (and gotten them through the holidays without being short staffed), have my BSN in hand, and also have passed that 1-year experience mark.

My gut wants me to believe my NM will understand, that I can handle my capstone while learning the ER job, and that I should apply now. I have no reason to believe that the county hospital would hire someone with my limited experience to a part time or PRN job, and their orientation/training is probably during the day while I work nights, so I don't think working both for a while is really an option, though I could probably contact recruiting and feel it out.

Thoughts?

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

She gave you 3 months orientation? Has played fair? Honor your word to her and give her the promised year. But, you already know that deep down.

[theantichick]

Yeah, I know that's the right thing to do. And realistically, after the 2+ years of hell I went through working full time and going to nursing school, another 5-6 months here isn't going to kill me. It's just really hard to see my dream job dangling and know I can't try for it for that long.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

But, you will be a more attractive candidate and you will do better with more skills. Just think of it as positioning yourself for success.....

Also, you never know in future years when something like not keeping your work will bite you in the butt. When you least expect it!

[Clovery]

I remember you from the LTAC forum. We started in LTAC (and the same company, if I remember correctly) as new grads around the same time. Your experience sounds like it has been better than mine. I can't wait to get out and I've been applying. But I don't feel like I owe them anything since I feel I have been treated very poorly even though I've been a reliable employee. I'm pretty sure it's company-wide... we've been on a pay freeze since before I started and it doesn't look like anyone is getting a raise any time soon. If you're not happy in your job, and your dream job has an opening, I would apply. The application/interview/offer process can take a long time, probably well into the new year before you would even give your two weeks. You may even be able to negotiate starting the new job after the 6 week schedule you've committed to ends. They are used to high turnover at LTAC, and although they may be disappointed if you leave, it won't be anything new for them. It can't hurt to apply... If nothing else you may get the interview experience you need to land your dream job in the future.

[iPink, BSN, RN]

I would apply to the dream unit you want, interview, and see what happens. If you are offered a job there, I would sit down with your NM about the opportunity.

You don't want to play the "what if" game down the road.

Also you know what you can and can't handle. Is it feasible for you to be in school and be in orientation on a busy ER floor. When you're motivated by desire and drive, it's amazing how much you can handle. Good luck.

[theantichick]

Clovery, I'm sorry you're having a bad time of it. I can look at our med-surg floor and know I'd be miserable out there. I was lucky in so many ways that they gave me a shot at ICU. There are some issues with my unit/hospital that I won't go into in a public forum... not horrible enough that I have to leave RIGHT NOW but icky enough that on top of not liking the patient population makes it uncomfortable to work there.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

Speak with your manager. I don't think she will have a huge issue issue with you applying. Apply for the job. If you are selected to interview tell them that you would prefer to honor your commitment to your current manager and start in 2 or 3 months. Be perfectly transparent and tell them that you have discussed this with your current manager. They will respect you for this. Hopefully they will allow you to start in a couple months. If there are multiple positions open, one can wait for you.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

See if you can meet briefly with the ER Manager.

Tell him- her that you really want to work in the ER, but made a commitment to complete a year on the other unit.

See if you can work it out to be interviewed formally or informally regarding a future position. If you do interview, do it on your time, off the clock.

The manager will likely respect you for being a person of your word.

[TerpGal02, ASN]

I stayed at my first job 9 mos. I didn't give them a year commitment, officially or unofficially. If I had, I would have stayed.

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

You promised your manager a year. You owe her a year. (And I'd assume that means a year of solid work AFTER orientation, since you're not contributing to the unit while you're on orientation.) Your dream job will still be there when you've fulfilled your comittment to your current job.

[TU RN, DNP, CRNA]

theantichick I was in the same dilemma as you just a few weeks ago with potential offer in MICU. I also told my current NM I'd stay for a year or so. While nothing was in writing, I ultimately decided (after also consulting AN ) that I'd honor my word. I was hired as a new grad and my orientation and additional training since then has been stellar. I'm blessed for all the opportunities I've been given.

I know that after this year though I'm going to want to try a move to ICU because that's my area of interest. I do not look forward to that conversation with my managers. They are all such amazing people and have contributed greatly to my professional development - how will I possibly face them with the topic of my departure?