Is it okay to look for another job?

Ruby Vee, BSN · Sep 26, 2016

No, it isn't OK. Your manager took a chance on a new grad without a track record and gave you the opportunity to get some experience. Now you owe it to her to give her a return on her investment in you. It takes about a year to become comfortable in a job and about two years to become competent. When you become competent is time enough to start looking for a new job.

The reason so many employers are requiring new grads to sign contracts is just this.

ottersloveoysters · Sep 26, 2016

Well, you could start applying for other jobs. However, if I were looking a pile of resumes, I would pass right by yours and look at other applicants. If you have been at a job less than six months and you are ready to move on, how do I know you won't do the same thing to me? Most people do not start out in their dream job. Most people have to put some time in getting experience before they get a more desirable position.

Sour Lemon · Sep 26, 2016

People don't take chances on new grads because they care about their professional development, they do it because they desperately need the staff and don't want to pay higher wages to nurses with experience.

That being said, it would benefit you to present a stable employment history when seeking greener pastures ...and that means not jumping ship before you're out of the bay.

NuGuyNurse2b · Sep 26, 2016

It depends. Some LTCs are notorious for their attrition rates in my area. And as such they will happily take on new grads. I think terming it "taking a chance on a new grad" is being generous. "Exploitation" might be more apt. I wouldn't hesitate to walk away from one of these places and not even put it on my resume.

SierraMoon, ADN, BSN, RN · Sep 26, 2016

Since you literally just started this month, I would wait to put it on your resume.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Sep 27, 2016

Many employers will not consider your experience as a new grad until you have worked at the same facility/ unit for one year.

You can start applying for other positions now (not advisable), but you're a new grad with no experience. Stay and learn where you are.

NightNerd, MSN, RN · Sep 27, 2016

I think that depends. Are they not paying you? Is it unsafe for patients and/or staff? If not, then I would try to stick it out and make the most of it for a year or so. It will actually fly by, and with that year under your belt you'll be surprised at the opportunities that open up.

Libby1987 · Sep 27, 2016

If the SNF job was all that you could find, why do you expect an acute opportunity to become available so soon? If they weren't interested in no experience before, I'd think they'd be less interested in just a few months experience.

I think you'll be more marketable working a year and knocking it out the park (you will be able to talk the walk in an interview if you do).

AutumnApple · Sep 27, 2016

Maybe I'm in the minority here but I'd not have taken the job. The field doesn't interest you. While I understand paying the bills doesn't go on hold so we can seek a preferable job opportunity, you are taking a risk that probably wasn't necessary.

Chances are, you feigned interest in this position during your interview. I doubt you walked into the HR offices and said, as you put it "this is all I can find at the moment and I really want a hospital job." So, once they find out you deceived them, don't expect the company to be in your corner or to have your back. Be EXTREMELY careful about making it known you don't want to be there. This includes the co-workers you like.

So, you run the risk of being considered "expendable" yourself if your employer finds out you're barely in the door and have your eyes elsewhere. By the way, if they get reference calls for you, they know what timenitbis.

You also run the risk of getting yourself railed into LTC. In areas where jobs are scarce, facilities tend to either go with the person with experience specific to the job, or no experience. It's not impossible you will be on here in a year posting how you got passed over for a hospital job because all your experience is LTC or, a new grad got the job instead of you.

Not to mention, since your eyes are elsewhere, you are most certainly at risk for the best "you" not coming through. Frustration over not truly wanting to be there can only be hidden so long.

Tread carefully.

FolksBtrippin, BSN, RN · Sep 27, 2016

It is always okay to look for another job.

MrNurse(x2), ADN · Sep 27, 2016

Putting out resumes with your 1 month experience will make it stand out. It will be forefront in every recruiter's, every manager's mind, and when you make that magical year, their memory will be that you will be constantly looking for greener pastures. This attitude will make you a less than stellar employee as your discontent will be apparent in your attitude and work performance. Don't do it.