leaving first nursing job before 1 year mark?

[NurseJessie2]

Hey guys.

I have been working in the ED for 7 months, but I am casual which means I am not guarunteed any hours.If I were to apply for a full time position, I would have to work 3p-3a, which doesnt work out for my family because my husband leaves for work at 330am. I applied and went on an interview for a surgical floor, which would be guarunteed 20 hours/ week. I think I would have a better chance of getting a full time position on this floor after working there for a while. I am just concerned because I dont want it to look bad on my resume that I only stayed at my first job for 7 months. My goal is to end up in mother/baby or L&D, but I plan on staying at my next job for at least a year before I start looking for a l&d position. How long has everyone stayed at their first nursing job?

[RNdynamic]

I worked at my first job as a new grad in med surg for only seven months. I left because the ratios were terrible and we hardly any ancillary staff and the hospital had cancelled all raises for the year, stating they had to do so in order to remain financially sound. Basically: the job sucked so I ditched and I have no regrets over doing so.

[dah doh, BSN, RN]

No, short term jobs don't look good. However, your reason for leaving is easily explained...looking for a permanent status position and guaranteed hours! Why don't you look for an L&D or post partum job if that's really what you want to do?

[NurseJessie2]

I have been looking at my hospitals job postings for over a year and have only seen one posting for L&D and not one for post partum. I didnt apply for the L&D position because it was the 3p-3a shift that I cannot work. I want to get at least 2 years nursing experience before I go into L&D though..

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

If you're working for the same hospital/employer, it doesn't really come across as job hopping because it would be a transfer rather than changing employers. I would recommend that you format your resume to include both jobs under the same employer to make it clear that you held multiple jobs for the same employer - like this

Employer

* job one

* Job two

In fact, this is actually very positive - shows that your were valuable enough to your employer to qualify for internal transfers.

Just re-read your orig post... If you're changing employers, disregard above comments... LOL

[dah doh, BSN, RN]

Unfortunately as "low man on the totem pole", you would end up with the shift no one wants, but at least "your foot's in the door". Sometimes you need to "suck it up" and do that shift or job until the right shift or job opens up. My question to you is, does your L&D at your place or region open up positions all the time or is this a rarity? Because if its a rarity, you just might want to take the bad shift and have to figure the rest of your life around your job just like the rest of us. Another question to think about is how long is the wait time to get off that shift because it might be 6 months or 6 years. That can make a difference in your decision. Why do you want to go to med-surg if you really want L&D?

[NurseJessie2]

The L&D position that I saw was months ago. It said 2 years of med/surg required. Like I said, it was only one posting in the last year, so when I do apply, I want to have at least the minimum requirements. I dont have any other connections within that department, so it will be difficult for me to get into. And thanks for pointing that out HouTx. The job I applied for is in the same hospital that I am currently working. :) Any other advice is welcomed. I spoke with my mother and she said that If I were to do an overnight shift that it would be easier for her to watch the kids overnight when they are a bit older...like after toddler/ potty training stage :) It is my career goal to end up in L&D, but I am ok with a few years of another floor if that is where I am supposed to be.

[dah doh, BSN, RN]

Have you talked to the L&D manager yet? Will she have any openings soon? Will she count your ER experience in lieu of med-surg? The reason I ask is you won't know until you ask. FYI: When I showed interest in transferring to CCU a decade ago by casually asking questions for the future of the CCU manager's boss, I got called the next morning for an interview from the CCU manager. I didn't have the "requirements" either but I got the job anyways.

[Jolie, BSN]

I'm not certain that med/surg experience would be any more valuable to a L&D manager than your ER experience. I would check on that with the manager before making a change. Good luck!

[NurseJessie2]

Hey guys,

So I decided to stay in the ED and not pursue the position on the surgical floor. I plan on contacting the nurse manager for L&D and her know that I am interested in working on her unit. I wanted to also ask her what type of qualifications they look for in an applicant, and what I can do to better my chances of getting a position when one does come up. ex.. taking a fetal monitoring class.. do you guys know of any other questions I should ask?

[dah doh, BSN, RN]

Shifts, hours, call? Training program or orientation period? Ask about the unit...how many beds, own anesthesiologist for epidurals, etc? Anything she can suggest that you can do to increase your chances for hire? Would it be ok to check in with her every few months? Give her your résumé when you feel it's got something to say. Make sure you check your internal and external job posting regularly (every week or so) for and L&D opening at your facility and the local area hospitals as well. If you get lucky, you will make a good impression on her and she'll call you when a position opens up. Be persistent, but not a pest! Go for your dream! Good Luck!