Is six months too early to transfer?

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I am a new RN starting out on a Progressive Care Unit. When I took the job, I knew it wasn't what I wanted to do. But now I am finding myself actually dreading going to work. My coworkers seem to be very nice and supportive, I just don't enjoy the patient population at all. My question is... When is the appropriate time to consider internally transferring to the unit I actually want to be on? Do I need to hate this for the next year, or would it look terrible to ask for a transfer at six months?

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I am a new RN starting out on a Progressive Care Unit. When I took the job, I knew it wasn't what I wanted to do. But now I am finding myself actually dreading going to work. My coworkers seem to be very nice and supportive, I just don't enjoy the patient population at all. My question is... When is the appropriate time to consider internally transferring to the unit I actually want to be on? Do I need to hate this for the next year, or would it look terrible to ask for a transfer at six months?

Policy varies, but many places require at least one year before they'll consider transferring internally. Contact HR or read your employee handbook?

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Yes it's too soon, where do you actually want to work?

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

Hang in there and get your year in, if you possibly can. The first year of nursing is hell no matter where you're working, so the grass is not always greener on the other side. You may not enjoy the patients you're currently caring for, but you shouldn't transfer this soon even if you're allowed to. I hated geriatrics at first, but I got used to it and learned to love the elderly and disabled. You just never know...but you have to give it a fair chance, and six months is not enough time.

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Sour Lemon, Peds is really where I want to be. Preferably peds ED, since I was a paramedic before I got my RN. I just don't enjoy adults.

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Since you asked...yes, generally. Most facilities require 1 year of experience; however, keep in mind that other people applying for the same job could have 10+ years experience in that specialty. Try to make it at least a year. PCU is not easy but that is a solid foundation for a new nurse. You will be in a better position to transfer to Peds the longer you stick it out on PCU.

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