Is 8 months too soon to leave a job?

[C-lion]

Hi all-

I would love to hear some opinions about something I am considering. I graduated last August, and have been working on a Med-Surg floor for my first job. Unfortunately, I am not really happy there, and interviewed somewhere else recently. I did not get the job, and the recruiter said she thought it was b/c I only had 7 mos (would be 8 mos by the time I left) experience, and the supervisor was worried I would be a job hopper.

I can totally understand her concern, but that is not my plan. I really want to find a unit that I like, where I feel like I am learning a lot.

So. opinions? Should I give up looking for a new place for a while, or keep searching?

[brithoover]

Keep searching! Find somewhere that makes you happy. I went through 5 jobs in 2 years before I found what I wanted (:

[SwansonRN]

Hey that's a long time to work somewhere when you're not happy! It could be the whole "job hopper" idea or it could be 100 other things that kept you from the other job. Don't let it bother you and keep trying. The only thing I would advise to someone looking to bolt after 7 months is to really examine the reasons you're unhappy, truthfully. Also be careful because the grass isn't always greener...you may be switching into a specialty you like more, but the manager might be really unreasonable, for example. This is something I have learned myself because around 5-6 months into my job I was thinking I can't do this anymore and started daydreaming about quitting. when I sat down and really thought about my situation I realized I was sort of blaming the job for my unhappiness. I like my coworkers, my managers like me and are fair, the specialty is something I always wanted...would I be guaranteed these same things if I went somewhere else? I figured out my unhappiness was more related to difficult patients (that's never changing) and the stress and frustrations of it being my first year out of school. I have been changing my attitude and I am feeling happier and like I can last at the bedside a little longer . Sorry for the long post, just thought I'd share in case anyone felt the same. Good luck!

[C-lion]

I appreciate both your posts so far, thanks for the supportive answers. And sarakjp, I definitely know what you are saying, and have been doing some soul-searching. There are good aspects to this job, and I HAVE been concerned about "jumping from the frying pan into the fire". I just feel it is a good idea to find a specialty I like so I can start getting experience there.

Anyhew, I guess it can't hurt to look; who knows how long it will take to find another job anyway?

[BlueDevil,DNP, DNP, RN]

yes, too soon.

[iToniai]

I know the feeling of not being happy at your job. My first job out of nursing school I only stayed for 2 months, the pay was great (76K) and it was at a prestigious hospital, but for whatever reason it was not a great fit for me. I say go with what your heart desires but make sure you are not heading for something worse.

[ThePrincessBride, MSN, RN, NP]

I'd wait until you hit the one year mark before peacing out.

[C-lion]

I will try to get close to a year, but if I get a great offer I can't say I won't take it. I am paying out-of-state income tax for the "privilege" of commuting to work, which is yet another reason I want to to jet.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

how can you be a hopper if you are in your first job??? I say keep looking. On the other hand, do not expect perfection anywhere.

[pinkiepieRN]

Is your unhappiness something that can be fixed on your current unit? Is it the staffing ratios or the patient population...or is it your co-workers?

[hiddencatRN, BSN, RN]

yes, too soon.

Especially as a new grad. If you had some experience it'd be easier to argue that the 7 month position is simply not a good fit, but as a new grad without other experience how do they know that you're not just having reality shock about the nature of nursing vs being a student? If you were leaving an intense specialty like ICU or ER, you can make the case that you bit off more than you can chew, but leaving med surg after 7 months throws a lot of doubt on your stability and willingness to work through the challenges of being a new nurse.

[salvadordolly]

I'd try for the one year mark. I'm a manager and I hate it when people cut out before a year, but I'm usually supportive because they've gotten something that fits better for them. On the other hand, when it comes to hiring, I have the same concern expressed by those you've interviewed with. I don't want to hire job hoppers either because orientation and training is expensive and time-consuming. Your explanation of the commute and out-of-state taxes may be well-founded, but I'd still try to hang in and get a year. It shows your employers you can stick out some less-than-desirable situations, because those abound in every unit and every specialty.