Experienced RN job hopping...is it that bad?

[CApediRN]

I admit I have a problem with job-hopping. Every 9-12 months at a job, I get antsy and want to move across country for a better opportunity, see a different city/state, or learn a new skill. Currently, I have 5 years experience in the same field (NICU/PICU) with 5 different jobs; my longest employment being 15 months in my first job as a nurse. Since then, I've jumped every year in search of better opportunities. I've always kept good relationships with previous employers and I can be rehired at all of them.

My problem is that I am catching a ton of heat from friends and family. They think my job history is not solid and are wary about the job market and whether I will be able to get a job in the future.

I'd love to hear thoughts from other experienced RN's or RN managers regarding job hopping. Is it really that bad if one job hops in order to advance their career (more training, moving to a more prestigious facility, higher pay, etc.)?

[PediLove2147, BSN, RN]

It sounds like you are leaving your current jobs for better ones but it could hurt you down the line. A NM is going to see your history and may not want to take the chance that you'll jump ship in a couple of months.

You should look into travel nursing. You would get to "job hop" without actually doing so. With 5 years of experience in NICU/PICU I am sure you are more than qualified.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I agree that travel nursing might be a better choice than actually taking a job, going through orientation, then leaving. That's really wasteful for the employer and they don't like that. The only reason you have been able to do that is that you have experience in a high-demand field.

But that same high-demand would probably make it possible for you to get good travel assignments. That would look better on your resume.

[bagladyrn, RN]

I'll agree with the others that travel nursing might be a good fit for you. I've been travel nursing for over 15 years now and staying steadily employed while moving around the country and satisfying my urge to see what's around the next bend in the road.

While many travelers list with multiple companies for varius benefits, I personally have stayed with the same company for the whole time which shows on references as 15 years steady employment, looking better in terms of resumes and credit applications. (and would probably satisfy your family)

[ukjenn231]

I'm the same way. I get bored about a year or less into a job. I want a new challenge. I have found that travel nursing and also "pool" type positions satisfy me more. I have actually been at the same hospital on a "travel" contract for almost a year and I am bored of my floor. However, the job provides me opportunities to float to different areas and hospitals, so I am staying because it's such a sweet deal :)

[bagladyrn, RN]

I'm the same way. I get bored about a year or less into a job. I want a new challenge. I have found that travel nursing and also "pool" type positions satisfy me more. I have actually been at the same hospital on a "travel" contract for almost a year and I am bored of my floor. However, the job provides me opportunities to float to different areas and hospitals, so I am staying because it's such a sweet deal :)

Ukjenn - be careful with staying at one location for too long. Being at one location for a year changes your tax status with the IRS to make all your nontaxable expenses become taxable (housing, M&I, etc.)

[ukjenn231]

Oh yes, thank you. I am careful, actually, I don't have any tax benefits with this job. I work for the hospital system as a float pool and they provide an apartment. It's not through any agency, and so I don't deal with the per diem, tax free money, etc.

Thank you though :)

[lawandaluxnurse, ADN, BSN]

I have been in a similar situation due to various reasons, health, personal etc. I kind of agree that maybe going the travel route may be the way to go. I have found it difficult and get put through the ringer if I get an interview, they do not want to hear that you switched jobs because the people you worked with were cruel to you when you were taking care of your mother who then died from Alzhemers or that you need surgery to take care of your own personal health. they don't care that the last 5 years have been He## but you are now healthy and ready and able to work. just saying