Maybe it's you, maybe it's the job

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

My advice to everyone who is unhappy to consider looking for another job even if it is under the year mark. I was one of the people who was so unhappy they cried often on the way home. I was on the verge of crying nearly every shift. I had two preceptors and I could barely stand the one. Everything I did was wrong according to her and her little friend. There was lateral violence or "bullying" going on due to a combination of things.

Not to mention that the unit was having major dysfunction in terms of happiness and job satisfaction. The float pool was disbanded and the members assigned to units so they started pulling nearly every day from the ICU. They floated the ICU nurses multiple times and to units that are considered specialty such as psych. The unit dynamics were so bad that it was also killing morale. I can say that I am 99% sure that the change in dynamics along with a change in charting systems affected morale to the point of where taking on new staff let alone new graduates was a bad idea for the unit. Another girl hired the same time as me quit a month after.

I can truly say that getting out and changing hospital systems saved my sanity. I was really close to quitting nursing if I did not get out of there. I was willing to do anything, long-term care, dialysis, etc. I felt trapped since I was just shy of the six months. So I found another hospital system and I can truly say that I am so much happier.

This hospital is not perfect. There are things I do not like. I don't like the charting system or the way they do some things. I think the patient load is a bit high for the department. However, it is better. I come to work and smile. My coworkers think I am never angry and I tell them they should have seen me at my old job.

So if the hospital unit is not a fit, then consider looking for a new job. Sure people will say to tough it out and it is better if you do, but consider the other options. The grass may not be greener on the other side, but it may be softer and less rough.

[UpennRN]

Hi Silver,

Did you have any trouble finding a job given that you were only 5-6 months in? When I look at other positions, they require 1-3 years of experience. This frightens me and I feel trapped as well.

What advice can you give regarding leaving before 1 full year?

[applesxoranges, BSN, RN]

I had no issue. I think the best thing is to be honest that the department is not for you and to identify why you are leaving. I could identify some negative issues with the ICU however I spun it in such a way that it wasn't so bad if that makes sense. You don't want to put down your old employer. I mainly identified that the ICU was not for me.

I was offered two jobs, an ER and an infusion center. I really wanted the infusion center but there was a mix up with HR sending me a message saying I was not chosen but it was a different HR recruiter for a different spot. The mix up meant I picked the ER job and turned in my two weeks so when I found out the infusion center wanted me, I was unable to accept the job offer because I would be off work too long. I cried over the job.

Also realize you may not be eligible to be rehired at your old facility. I was offered part-time in my old spot in the ER but the weekends didn't line up so I was unable to commit. I know realistically that every where else I burned my bridge in that healthcare system for at least five years unless some of my former coworkers are still around. If you feel comfortable asking for references, get them too.

Your best bet is to start looking and applying. I had to fill out hundreds of applications and I am still getting calls back about them. I would also emphasize why you think that unit would be the best fit.

[UpennRN]

I'm really sorry you were unable to accept the infusion job. That is something I am interested in as well. I plan on meeting with nurse recruitment to try to find a job suited for me within the health system. I work on a busy step-down floor and probably hate it for similar seasons that you hated ICU.

Are you enjoying the ER?