Leaving job for love after working one year

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Right after passing my nclex I found a job on a medsurg floor. Even though I find work very stressful I love my job here. However life is bringing me to florida. My boyfriend and I have been dating long distance for a year and a half, but the distance is becoming to much to handle. He is going to be there for the next few years and I don't think we can wait that long. Ive been told that leaving my job after one year will reflect badly on me. But I need to move to Florida. Do you think leaving after a year will really limit my prospects? I would really appreciate some advice from some experienced nurses.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.

Be sure this is what you want and be prepared if it doesn't work out. Quitting for relocation is OK...but the job market in Florida is tight. You have the 1 year that many facilities are looking for...but be sure this is what you want. It is very difficult being away from family. I moved 1100 miles away from family when I married my long distance relationship boyfirend. I miss my family very much and have needed them on various occasions, Kids sick no sitter, last minute help or ride all kinds f things where it is important to have family near by....just someone to have coffee with.

I use the phone....A LOT!

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Simple solution.. get a job in Florida before you quit your current position.

Good luck and congratulations... on a new and exciting chapter in your life.

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Simple solution.. get a job in Florida before you quit your current position.

Good luck and congratulations... on a new and exciting chapter in your life.

Agree with this

It would be a huge mistake to quit a nursing job without having an incredibly attractive resume (or another job lined up)

A decent amount of facilities in my area want 2+ years of experience. 1 year is obviously better than being a brand new grad, but its still not rock solid.

Also being from ny (and also having looked at nursing jobs in florida) you might cry when you see what they pay down there.

No exaggeration, theres a very legitimate chance that you will be offered LESS than half what you are making now.

Of course many of the hospitals in florida look way nicer than the hospitals up here, and obviously the cost of living (and taxes!) is much lower

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Specializes in Nurse Scientist-Research.

I moved once for love; but with a travel company footing my bill for travel & housing (read; I didnt have to stay w/BF if things stopped working out). I also had a 3 month period to figure out if I wanted to move on. As it turned out 3 months later I had a marriage proposal and though that may sound very sketchy, we're coming up on 16 years and going strong. It was the end of my travel career though.

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Specializes in CVICU.

Also being from ny (and also having looked at nursing jobs in florida) you might cry when you see what they pay down there.

No exaggeration, theres a very legitimate chance that you will be offered LESS than half what you are making now.

Of course many of the hospitals in florida look way nicer than the hospitals up here, and obviously the cost of living (and taxes!) is much lower

when comparing FL salaries with NY you have to look at what you have in your pocket at after taxes and bills are paid.

Taxes and cost of living are a lot higher in NY. Another thing, in FL salaries vary widely. I worked in West Palm Beach for 14 years and made a salary that was competitive with salaries being paid up north.

Try what TiffyRN did and try to get a travel assignment near your BF. The advantages would be many.

1. The company will pay your travel expenses.

2. You will have your own place.

3. The opportunity to evaluate the job market without the risk of committing to a job you might hate.

4. Many hospitals there hire travelers as staff when the assignment is completed. I worked at my hospital there for 6 months as a traveler and then they made me a very nice offer to stay permanent.

Have a job before you quit your current one. Travel assignments will be drying up for the Summer but will pick up in the fall and be in full swing in Winter.

this is a big decision and you must make sure you do you due dilligence.

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Specializes in ICU.

Leaving after a full year bad? No. Now you have your 1 year experience that most places want. Just start feeling out the job market in Florida and make sure you give your employer a 2 week notice. No more, no less. And the advice to not quit your job in NY until you have one in Florida is good advice. Employers want to see a stable work history and any gaps in employment will reflect badly on you. So just start putting feelers out there and good luck!! I would love to live in Florida. The humidity and warmth help my fibro so much. After my son grows up I think I may move there.

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Thank you guys for all your advice. This has really helped.

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Specializes in CCU, SICU, CVSICU, Precepting & Teaching.

Changing jobs due to relocation isn't really the same as changing jobs because "the grass is greener" or "it's my dream job" or "my manager hates me." It's a very acceptable reason to change jobs. But I agree with trying to find either a permanent job or a travel assignment in Florida before you relocate. Relationships don't benefit from the stress of being unemployed or job hunting, and if you're moving for your relationship, you want to give it the best chance that you can. Plus, if it doesn't work out, you need to be able to support yourself.

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