Is it too soon to make change?

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I am about to start my 3rd month on med-surg floor and I hate it or at least I think I do. When I took this position there was not opening in L&D (which is really where I wanted to be), but now there is and I cannot decide what to do. I am going to feel really bad if I leave so soon, but I am afraid that if I do not leave now, I will feel worse later.

My preceptor encouraged me to work med-surg, but admits that she shielded me from a lot of the negatives about working on this floor. No nurse manager, low moral, etc. So should I stay or should I go? I do not want to burn bridges, but I did not work so hard to be nurse to not enjoy my job to some extent.

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Follow your heart. Your hospital just looks at you as a number.

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Specializes in ACNP-BC.
I am about to start my 3rd month on med-surg floor and I hate it or at least I think I do. When I took this position there was not opening in L&D (which is really where I wanted to be), but now there is and I cannot decide what to do. I am going to feel really bad if I leave so soon, but I am afraid that if I do not leave now, I will feel worse later.

My preceptor encouraged me to work med-surg, but admits that she shielded me from a lot of the negatives about working on this floor. No nurse manager, low moral, etc. So should I stay or should I go? I do not want to burn bridges, but I did not work so hard to be nurse to not enjoy my job to some extent.

Hi! I think since you have given your job 3 months already & still feel you're not happy there, I would totally go get the job you really want-L & D. You're right-we all worked so hard to become nurses, & you should be somewhere where you are truly happy. Good luck! :)

-Christine

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Specializes in ER/ICU/STICU.

If your not happy, get out!! There is no point in working in a department you hate, it's only going to lead to burnout and possibly negative outlook on nursing all together. I don't see why you cannot pursue other options without burning bridges at your current hospital. If you give them ample time of when your last day is, then there should be no problems. If it does then maybe it is better off that you don't work there. I say try and get the L&D job if that's where you really want to work. I don't see any harm in applying.

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Specializes in Women's Health.

I echo the above posters...I say go for it...apply for the L & D position.

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

Do what is best for YOU. I know you feel kind of bad leaving for something else, but if you are not happy then go and explore another area. After all, I am sure the hospital would not feel the same way in letting a nurse go. By this I mean, do what is best for you. Put an application for the open position (this may be your chance) or express extra interest in it.

Best of luck to you :)

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Check to se the requirements of transfer first in your facility. Some do have stipulations that you must stay x number of months before you can put in for a transfer. And unfortunately, it is usually about six months.

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Specializes in Rehab, Neuro, Travel Nurse, Home Care.

I agree with the other posts. Never stay at a place where you are unhappy.

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Again, check to see what the rules are at your facility, many have them in place that you cannot transfer for at least six months. If so, you could interview for the position and see if they will hold it for you.

Before you say anything to anyone at work, I would check with your HR policies first.

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Specializes in LDRP.
Check to se the requirements of transfer first in your facility. Some do have stipulations that you must stay x number of months before you can put in for a transfer. And unfortunately, it is usually about six months.

I second this. Is this L&D department in the same hospital? If so, there may be some requirements. My hospital system says that nurses (ok, anyone who makes more htan 11 dollars an hour, not just nurses) have to work a year before they can transfer and give 30 days notice.

Good luck!

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I am about to start my 3rd month on med-surg floor and I hate it or at least I think I do. When I took this position there was not opening in L&D (which is really where I wanted to be), but now there is and I cannot decide what to do. I am going to feel really bad if I leave so soon, but I am afraid that if I do not leave now, I will feel worse later.

My preceptor encouraged me to work med-surg, but admits that she shielded me from a lot of the negatives about working on this floor. No nurse manager, low moral, etc. So should I stay or should I go? I do not want to burn bridges, but I did not work so hard to be nurse to not enjoy my job to some extent.

Life is short. Your med-surg floor will get over it. You couldn't have built that big of a bridge in 3 months...burn it.

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Life is short. Your med-surg floor will get over it. You couldn't have built that big of a bridge in 3 months...burn it.

having a job that you love.....priceless

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