Leaving your first nursing job, how hard was it?

GardenDove · Jan 4, 2007

What I did was to get a per diem job elsewhere and gradually work into an FTE there. You can simultaneously cut back where you are now.

Hoozdo, ADN · Jan 4, 2007

After 11 months as a new grad, not hard at all!

Tweety, BSN, RN · Jan 4, 2007

I left my first job after a year to move to Florida. It was hard because while I had a year under my belt, so they obviously did not give me a new grad orientation. This unit was entirely different that the one back home and I had a hard time. I felt like a new grad all over again. I eventually caught on and over 14 years later I'm still here. :)

Sounds like you're mind's made up. Good luck!

weirdRN, RN · Jan 4, 2007

I left my first job after a year to move to Florida. It was hard because while I had a year under my belt, so they obviously did not give me a new grad orientation. This unit was entirely different that the one back home and I had a hard time. I felt like a new grad all over again. I eventually caught on and over 14 years later I'm still here. :)
Sounds like you're mind's made up. Good luck!

Tweety,

I hope someday to have your courage. I also wish to be as articulate as you are.

UM Review RN, ASN, RN · Jan 4, 2007

Actually, by giving me an impossible patient load, the first hospital I worked at made it quite easy to leave. :)

icugirl33 · Jan 4, 2007

Hello,

I left my first hospital nursing job after 9 months due to burnout. It was very easy because I already had a non bedside nursing job set up at an insurance company that I was eager to start.

BJLynn · Jan 4, 2007

After writing me up for altering doctor's orders (after admitting it wasn't my handwriting), not to hard. I had a day off after my write up. Got a job on that day, had orientation at the new job the next day, went to work and handed in my two weeks notice that night. My DON tried to talk me out of it, but I did NOT want to be there anymore. My first job I had five days orientation total as a new grad. My second (still there) job I had six WEEKS of orientation to the different floors.

Brigi23, BSN · Jan 4, 2007

That must be very difficult, I can sympathize with you. It is hard to leave your comfort zone, but think about how hard you worked to get here. I worked at a job that I hated all through nursing school ( waiting tables) and now that I have just about killed myself trying to get this degree, there is NO way that i am going to work at a job that I don't enjoy. Good luck to you.

P.S. You must take risk to gain...

SandraJean · Jan 4, 2007

I started my first job at the hospital where I did my training. I worked on a large, zoo-y med-surg unit and I transferred to another station after a year and a half. I was burnt out, but the change helped. I ended up working for that corporation for 8 years before moving on. Sometimes a change is good.

newLPN04 · Jan 4, 2007

VERY HARD!!! I worked at my first nursing job fresh out of nursing school for almost 2 years. It was an agonizing decision, but one day I just got sick and tired of being sick and tired. I went to work less than 2 weeks later at another LTC facility, had to take 3rd shift, but I'm glad I did it. I still miss my first job, not the crap, but the nurses I worked with, and especially my patient family. The first job even tried to write me up on the last day of my notice after I asked if I could stay. Told them "not signing that, I'll finish my last shift and be gone at 3pm" The write up was a condition of my being able to stay.

welnet66 · Jan 4, 2007

I hate working at the hospital I work at. Ive been there for almost 2 years and cant take it anymore. But I enjoy knowing where to find things, the protocols, the comfort of familiar surroundings, etc. How hard was it for you to leave your first nursing job? Ive been here since I graduated and the thought of leaving is scary. But if I dont leave, I will be leaving nursing altogether. Any advice? Thanks.

I felt the same way when I left my first job. It's up to you but I wouldn't take a Per Diem position. You only have a few days orientation and if you're in a new facility with different protocols and systems, it's too stressful. Take the time now to interview for your next position and I mean really interview. Meet the nurse manager, go to the unit and meet the other nurses, get a feel for the place. Don't settle on a job offer unless you know that's where you want to be. Hospitals are pretty much the same no matter where you go...so no worries, you'll do well and good luck!