job hopper? advice?

Merlyn · Mar 24, 2012

Hey, I'm always lurking here so decided to post my dilemma to see what you guys think. Sorry it's so long.
I have been a nurse altogether for a year now. My first job I had to move to another state because finding work in my home state as a new grad nurse is almost impossible. I started on a busy med-surg floor with 5-6 patients per nurse but I absolutely hated the job! I hated my unit and also hated the new city I was living in. I was soon offered a position in a hospital in my home state and decided to take it so I can move back home, so after 7 months I left my first job. I am now working in a very busy med-surg/oncology unit with 8 to 10 patients per nurse and have been there now for 5 months and once again I absolutely hate my job. I now have realized that I hate med-surg and/or bed-side nursing. This is not for me. I thought with the first job I was just home sick and if I came back I'd be ok but now that I am working in a hospital near home, I've realized that I cannot work in med-surg. I'm so overwhelmed at work, constantly crying, I literally begin to feel sick on the days I know I have to work, I just can't deal anymore. I want to go into clinic nursing, I feel I will be more comfortable in this setting however I'm afraid of pursuing this because I'm afraid I'll look like a "job-hopper" since I've only spent a matter of months at 2 jobs within the past year. What do you guys think? Should I stick it out with my current job so it doesn't look like I bounce from job to job or should I go ahead and try applying for some clinics anyway where I'm sure I'll be happier?[/quote
As a job hopper my self, I understand. But as you put it the problem is not your job, it is that you can't stand bedside Nursing. My suggestion is if you don't have one yet, go back to school get your BSN or MSN and find an administrative job. Not everybody can put up with bedside nursing, no defect on your part. Its like me. I couldn't follow my father as a carpenter, I can't drive a nail straight So don't drive yourself crazy.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Mar 24, 2012

:hug: I hear you, sister! Med/Surg is a challenge even for those who thrive on stress, and if you don't love it you won't survive long. I did it on and off for five years, and finally couldn't take it anymore......now I'm a DNS in assisted living and couldn't be happier.

What I would advise you to do before you quit is to take advantage of your hospital's Employee Assistance Program, where a counselor can help you find out why you're not coping well, and perhaps guide you in selecting your next nursing position. You would do well to explore areas that are not quite so overwhelming; sometimes clinic nursing can be just as busy and frenetic as floor nursing, so that may not be as good a fit as you might think. Right now, escaping to almost anything besides M/S seems like a good idea, but choosing well will not only make you happier in your profession, it will end the job-hopping. :)

I wish you the best. Please keep us posted and let us know how things are going; you'll find plenty of support here.

caliotter3 · Mar 24, 2012

My only advice is to try to stick it out long enough to prevent an early departure from preventing you finding a new job. I think that you should work on coping skills while looking for a new position. It might help you to think that you will learn to tolerate this up to the point that you get a new job offer. At least that would be your "light at the end of the tunnel", and a worthy goal. Do not quit before finding the new job unless the situation gets drastic. Best wishes.

Columnist · Mar 24, 2012

Moved to Nursing Career Advice for more discussion.

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · Mar 25, 2012

I'm a job hopper as well. I'm ashamed to admit it. My first 2 years as a nurse was stable I had two jobs in two years which I stayed at both a year each. Then I started nursing school again and that is when I became a hopper. My school schedule was constantly changing and I could not balance both. I also tried ped HH and hated it. Now that I'm a RN I'm hoping that I'll have more opportunities to find what is the best fit for me.

Many people on AN advised me to seek out another career, however that is not an option. I'm confident in my ability to be a nurse, I just have not found my niche yet. I'm hope it gets better for you. Hang in there. We will both find our place in nursing. Don't give up.

nycnurse18 · Mar 25, 2012

Thanks for the replies! I've decided to start looking for positions outside the hospital but I won't quit my job until I'm offered something. I hope it gets better meanwhile, I will keep you guys posted.

phillycpnp-pc, MSN, RN, NP · Apr 22, 2012

I'm a pediatric nurse of 6 years....i have also job hopped. I did spend 5 years in the same hospital 4 years on 1 unit and several months on other units. Then i left and went to a outpatient peds facility. I been here for a year and loved it but i have a new boss that is so rude and disrespectful to everyone. This is making hate this job too. I use to love going to work but now i dread it because of her.

Now im applying to more jobs. I really wanted to stick it out and thought i found my dream job...i was wrong. I also realized i didnt like staff nursing and im currently in school to be a NP i have 1 1/2 yrs of school left and i cannot wait. I hate job hopping but i deserve to be somewhat happy at work and not miserable every day and not be talked down to like im nothing.

I suggest going back to school to get away from the bedside,......Good luck and your not alone:)