Leaving a job in less than a year... is it okay?

[NextSummer]

I have been a nurse for less than a year, and unfortunately I don't like my current job... Even worse, this is my second job already

I am not working on a med-surg that many would suggest as a more desirable job for a new graduate. I work on an area where I need to do thorough follow ups for my own pts, including dealing with discharge issues (although it's not entirely my own responsibility), and related pt education. And I get headaches even at home when thinking about my own pts that I need to follow up. Sometimes it's not a problem when a pt has a supportive family and good insurance... but sometimes it's the opposite. And I feel like I get all the blames if a thing doesn't go well with my pts.

So I am considering about getting a new job, probably on a med surg floor. That way I would get a solid experience of nursing skills and all that And I won't need to worry about pts as long as I finish my shift! I don't mind giving the best care possible, but I don't want to think about how this pt is going to survive in community.... Such a headache for me... And I hate to go to work Monday to Friday, 8 to 5.... I would love to do 12 hour shifts and get some more days off:cool:

I really want to get a different job, but I have been in this place for about only 6 months..., and I feel bad about leaving so early like that... I am worryng about a bad reputation like a job quitter!! Moreover, as I did not work on a medsurg floor right after my graduation, I don't have the hands-on nursing skills.... too bad... (but this is one of the reasons that I feel I should go to hospital nursing before it's too late!)

What would you suggest? Please help me...

[RN BSN 2009]

If the job isnt for you, there's no reason to stay. As long as you give a good amount of time notice, it shouldn't be a problem.

[ZootRN]

Do what feels right for you. It does not make sense to stay in position you hate. You may miss your nice hours though, with 12 hrs shift you do have more time off, but you'll be working every possible holiday and every other weekend.

[Anagray, BSN]

I personally hate changing jobs, so I think careful planning before you get a certain job can help you decide where to go and help you stay in the position.

If you can write down your professional strengths and weaknesses before you apply for the job. If you are going to apply to med surg, ask the floor manager to give you 3 days of shadowing instead of the usual 4 to 8 hours. Try to shadow with 3 different nurses, so you can find similarities and differences in the job you are about to do. Ask the nurses what kind of support systems they have and whether they feel fulfilled with their job, whether they feel safe working on the floor. After the shadowing, review the list you created and see if this particular job will help you improve weaknesses and further advance your strengths.

I wouldn't stay on the job where I feel terrible. God luck to you!

Natasha