quitting after 6 months?

Nurses General Nursing

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Hello, I am a new RN, I've been working on a psych unit for 6 months and I've had enough. The unit is so short staffed and we have a very high acuity. Also, I feel like the managers have their favorites. I feel trapped and obligated in this full tme position. I am planning on moving to another city this summer and I want to continue working in this field of nursing that I'm currently in.. but I would really like to quit my current job and just take some time off because of personal issues on top of being emotionally drained. However, I am afraid if I quit I will have a hard time getting a job this summer... Any advice??

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Specializes in psych. rehab nursing, float pool.

I recall, while working in acute care psychiatry at least once a year I would think about quitting. Fortunately I would give myself some time to figure out was it that I actually wanted to quit what I was doing or was there something else in my life I wanted to change.

Most often as proved by the fact I stayed on the same unit for 20 years, it was something else in my life I wanted to change.

I did finally quit after 20 years to move south. I also left psychiatry for good. I think you need to find the answer within yourself as to what is best for you to do at this time.

Good luck in your decision. I have no idea how long you have been working as a nurse. Remember though if it is under a year you will have a better chance at getting the next job if you have at least one year of employment in the field of your choice.

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Depending on where you are and where you're moving to, it could be difficult to find a job in this economy with a period of unemployment. At some point in the application process, they will ask you about that time. If you say you left because of short staffing, that could send up warning flags. Now, if you can hang on and leave a couple of months before your move, you can say you were using that time to scout the new city for places to work and live.

It's a lot easier to find a new job when you already have one.

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Specializes in ER/Ortho.

I don't have any advice as I am a current nursing student with no experience in the real world yet. I do remember being told that there is a high turn over in psych because it is such a difficult field to work day in and day out. Don't be so hard on yourself for needing some down time.

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Specializes in PICU/NICU.

If you are planning on moving within the next 6 months and you only have 6 months experience to begin with, you risk looking like a "job hopper" when you settle in your new town. You mention that you would like a break and time off. Could you go perdeim on your unit? Would this be doable? You could decrease your hours big time but remain in the same position until you relocate. Maybe the decrease in hours would help you feel less burned out?

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I agree if this is your first job you need to stay at least one year or more. Yes if you quit now and take time off you will not get a summer vacation in your new position. Take some of the suggestion such as cutting down. You are not even eligible for a FMLA.

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Can you wait another "critical", "essential" and "necessary" six "long" months? It is about 180 days which I think it is quicker than you think!

Can you focus on the "positive" side of your job?

Let's try another one...Many new grads in New York City can't find any work. City owned hospitals are not even hiring at all! Having a job and paying your bills are one of the positive things that you can think of!

Another one: Have you ever tried meditation? It might work if you are also a Buddhist!

Here is another one! You might be able to save a patient life because you were there! Focusing on the patients might also help! If you focused on your supervisors...you see negative things!

Well! Here is another one! The "pain" will be gone in 6 months! Take a deep breath, you will be fine!

Tomorrow is another day. Except we are one day closer to our final resting place! Life is short and always try to make it more interesting! But it is hard if you focus on the bad things only!

Good luck with your decision!

Your patients need you! They need your care! Don't forget this!

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Specializes in ED, ICU, PSYCH, PP, CEN.

See if you can decrease your hours and still keep current job. Now is a bad time to be looking for work. Everyone I know has had hours cut. Agency work is significantly decreased, as is travel nurse jobs.

Some hospitals by me are laying off.

It is normal to feel overwhelmed as a new nurse. Just focus on how much you are learning and will be able to take to any new jobs you have in the future.

I envy you your psyche experience because you have learned valuable skills that we can use with any type of patient.

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