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?
If you're a new grad, yes, 8 months is too soon. With less than a year, you're still considered a new grad and not eligible for many positions. For these positions, many facilities are looking for 1-2 years' experience. Also, your 8 months' experience may (not always) make you ineligible for a lot of new grad positions and programs.
Last, when job hunting it doesn't make the best impression on employers--they'll see you left the job after several months and wonder if you'll do the same to them.
If possible, try to tough it out for the year: then you'll be in a better position to find something else.
That being said, if you are truly miserable...life is too short to be truly miserable, so if you really feel you have to leave ASAP, start looking for other jobs. But if at all possible do not quit this job without another job offer in hand. With only 8 months' experience you're not exactly a top candidate for other positions, so that next job may be a while in coming. Better you work while you search and keep racking up experience.
While I agree it's probably best to wait it out and you'll have the best chances if you wait until after the year mark, I can tell you from experience it is most definitely possible to switch.
My first job was at a very prestigious hospital- I loved my unit and my coworkers, but it wasn't very challenging, and I moved to a city where I knew absolutely no one for that job - so I was unhappy outside of work. I worked there for five months. I got a job out of state where I had more connections on a unit I was okay with, but wasn't my goal of ICU. I had mentioned to my coworkers that I had an interest in ICU and that was where my goal was, and a week before I was to get off of orientation, I was offered a spot in ICU. Turns out my coworkers spoke with the manager of my unit, who spoke with the icu manager, and they decided I would be a good fit for ICU. ICU also happened to be desperately short for RNs at the time as well, so I think the timing was key in this.
So, I'm technically in my third job, but I know I'm there to stay. I love my job and my life outside of work, and that is what's important. It will never hurt to apply, and your happiness is most important. If its meant to be, it will be!
Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN
4 Articles; 7,907 Posts
If you're a new grad, yes, 8 months is too soon. With less than a year, you're still considered a new grad and not eligible for many positions. For these positions, many facilities are looking for 1-2 years' experience. Also, your 8 months' experience may (not always) make you ineligible for a lot of new grad positions and programs.
Last, when job hunting it doesn't make the best impression on employers--they'll see you left the job after several months and wonder if you'll do the same to them.
If possible, try to tough it out for the year: then you'll be in a better position to find something else.
That being said, if you are truly miserable...life is too short to be truly miserable, so if you really feel you have to leave ASAP, start looking for other jobs. But if at all possible do not quit this job without another job offer in hand. With only 8 months' experience you're not exactly a top candidate for other positions, so that next job may be a while in coming. Better you work while you search and keep racking up experience.
Best of luck whatever you decide.