Advice

[felineRN]

I posted about a week ago in regards to not being happy with my new nursing position. I made a decision to stick it out and transfer if and when the opportunity arose. This week I was thrown a bit of a curve ball. My manager likes to sit down with orientees and chat about strengths and weaknesses. I thought that there would be some sort of an official meeting time set up for this. Instead, I was randomly whisked into an office (which threw me off my guard) and we had our meeting of sorts. Everything was peachy keen until she looked me dead in the eye and asked what I think about the floor. (I really do dislike my floor) Now, generally, I have a way with words and can squeeze myself out of direct questions like this, but I froze. After what seemed like 30 seconds of silence, all I could manage to get out was "um..the people are great, and it's a great place to learn." I cannot tell you how awkward this was.

Earlier in the meeting my manager explained that she has this meeting with her orientees to evaluate how things are going, if they like the floor, and if this is the place they want to be or would they like to be somewhere else on another floor.

One of the most redeeming qualities about my manager is that she is an honest woman. Should I tell her the truth in the most diplomatic of ways before they spend 6 months training me and I'm scratching to go elsewhere?

Has anyone been in this position? Were you able to find employment on another floor within the same health system?

Any feedback would be nice and before I get flamed: This floor puts my license at risk and I know it. I've even had nurses xferring pts from other floors telling me to get out while I still can.

Edited to Add: Was HR willing to work with you or were you SOL?

[sillyang]

I have not been in that exact situation thankfully, sorry. Although, I have found that I can be blunt and truthful with the way I feel and perceive my work situation as long as I am professional and politically correct with the verbage. If you start out with the direct approach when you are questioned by upper management they will expect nothing less. My administrator and DON will come to me (now) when they want the unsugar coated truth. They don't always like what I have to say, but respect me for not beating around the bush. Grandma always says honesty is the best policy. They aren't the ones miserable, so you might want to make it work for you.

[RedhairedNurse, BSN, RN]

I'd stick it out for the 6 months if I were in your position, unless your license is really on the line, then you need to leave ASAP. Otherwise, you should have no problem transferring in your facility. Just don't let any one know you are transferring and seal the deal with the floor you're transferring to before you give notice on your floor. Good luck, and I hope things work out for you. :)

[misschiatia]

If you are truly that unhappy with your present employment, you need to change something. No one can make you happy but you. Never mind what the other nurses say about "get out while you can". It's not their license or decision. Sounds like you have enough reason of your own to want to transfer. I don't understand what motivated you to answer your manager as you did. If you are uncomfortable or dont like how things run on the floor, why did you not say so? Maybe it's just me, but I would have had to put it on out there. Also, how can the manager address the problems if she doesn't know what they are.

[kellyc034]

I'm a new grad, and just got off my own orientation. I started with a handful of new grads, and we are down to 2. The rest were honest with our manager, said the floor was too much, and they have all transferred to different floors without problem.

[felineRN]

I'm a new grad, and just got off my own orientation. I started with a handful of new grads, and we are down to 2. The rest were honest with our manager, said the floor was too much, and they have all transferred to different floors without problem.

Thanks for the reply! What sort of floor/speciality/environment do you work in/on?

[canesdukegirl, BSN, RN]

Your boss sounds like a good one. She honestly wants your input. I do understand your being put on the spot...jeez, you probably had so many thoughts going through your head that you couldn't verbalize what you wanted to say in a precise, professional manner. I get that.

Most people who are straight shooters like your boss not only expect the same from others, but they also RESPECT people who tell it like it is. You are in a different position, however and I understand that...it is awkward, and you must choose your words carefully.

I would ask her for another meeting. She undoubtedly knows already from your hesitant response that you are not happy. I have seen managers bend over backwards to help get a nurse a position within the institution on another floor. I would ask her what your options are. She will respect the fact that you are being honest and will be relieved that you are bringing this to her attention NOW instead of investing 6 months to train you when you are miserable. Managers often look beyond training and make mental notes about each orientee...and if she knows that you are miserable now, she can either give you additional tools to make your job easier to deal with (like various classes from communication to dealing with difficult people to time management), or she can explore what positions are open within the hospital. What she DOESN'T want is a nurse who is extremely unhappy at work, which leads to poor performance, call outs, etc.

From what you describe, she sounds like a reasonable person. In your meeting, just ask for what options you have. You can both explore this together and you BOTH will feel good about it.

A caveat: if this floor is truly unsafe, I would go ahead and look online to see what other positions are open in your hospital. THE LAST thing you want to worry about is losing the license you worked so hard to get because the floor you work on is unsafe.