Leaving New Job after only 4 months

[Sweetie_Pooh]

Hi all!

So I recently started a new job in a new department and unfortunately, it is not a good fit for me.
I began searching for other opportunities and I did see an opening at a different facility but is owned by the same company where I am currently employed. I really would like to explore this option as it is a remote position. However, because I’ve been at my current position less than 6 months, I would need to get a transfer approval from my manager or HR. I’m hesitant because I don’t really want my managers to know right now that I’m job hunting.

I’m not exactly sure how this transfer approval process works.. I don’t know if I Only submit to HR for approval, will it somehow make its way back to my manager anyway ??

Just wondering if anyone has been in this type of situation and advice how to handle? Should I just forget this opportunity altogether and keep looking elsewhere??

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

Yes, any submission to HR will get back to your manager. Chances are you won't be considered prior to the 6 month mark if that's the corporate policy.

Also, if it's not a good fit for you, it's possible that the feeling is mutual on behalf of the employer. (Is that the case?) That could impact transfer possibilities as well...

[WorkInProgress RN BSN]

Just call HR and ask- "Hey hypothetically if I wanted to transfer to a better fit within the company at some point would that be reported to my manager? I'm not really certain yet, just curious for the future." At my facility you can opt to not tell them until you are actually offered a position. if you don't submit anything they don't have a reason to say anything. Secondarily, most companies would rather keep someone they have already paid to inboard and approve then lose them completely. Its easier for THEM if you move within the company than leave completely.

[RNdonut]

You should speak to your manager first before applying for a transfer. He/she may be able to work with you. Just be honest, and you can come across respectfully, and just say you want what is best for the unit and that you just may not be who they need. If you have a good manager, they will help you find where you fit. If you manager is not very supportive, then just apply anyway! Life is too short to be unhappy.

[RNNPICU, BSN, RN]

Many times you have to be in your role for at least 9 months before transferring. Check with your HR policies. Remember orientation does not count towards months of experience. You will probably need to wait some time.

[NurseJJ]

I know it's a little late in post but this is for reference for others who are going through what you are going through. To answer your question, yes you honestly need to look for another job elsewhere cause you won't be guaranteed a transfer. I was in a similar situation when I started my first nursing job out of school. Long story short, it was not a good fit at all. I was bullied up the wazoo, everyone around me knew I was miserable, I kept making mistakes, and when I didn't they would bully me and find SOME thing to yell at me for, and what was worse my manager knew I wasn't progressing, since she was getting negative feedback from my so called co workers and was legit considering to fire me. I left that job after a solid 6 months. However, a month or two before that I was looking into other jobs within the same facility (once you start looking for other jobs that early in the game that's already a red flag for you to leave). Little did I know that I was not considered for transfer until after a year according to the HR handbook, BUT there were new nurses who did get transferred after 6 months (probably because of good reference and good rapport). Now I could've applied but why take the chance? Why risk getting fired by my manager who I knew for a fact was considering to fire me (one of the few good co workers had told me in confidence that my manager and a group of other colleagues had a meeting when I wasn't working and was considering to let me go). I was going to leave either way, I wasn't going to get my manager's blessings at all (and yes the manager will know you are applying to other jobs within the same facility, he or she will find out because they need to approve it). So I made the move and resigned. No point. I took a chance and stuck it out for 6 months and I was lucky she didn't let me go on the spot but I told myself at least let me get to six months then I can split.

So my take is this, if you know early that you're not happy where you are and (depending on your transfer eligibility) you can't transfer because of your manager's low expectations on you and you have proof of that, then why take the chance? Just resign and leave. If it's your first nursing job then you'll be OK I promise you. I had no regret leaving them high and dry because the feelings were mutual. If you started out on the wrong foot in the beginning it won't get better. ESPECIALLY if you started looking for other jobs so early on. Better to leave now and early in your career and start fresh. That's what I did and I'm at my new job for five years now. Listen to your instincts!