5 months in the ED but want a closer job.

Mulan · Aug 17, 2010

I have had various and long commutes over the years. The very best commute was 5 minutes. What a difference that made.

What would it hurt to ask for a transfer? It's not like you are going to quit your job. If it's refused, you still have the current job.

netglow, ASN, RN · Aug 17, 2010

OP are you nights? I could see then why you would be so very tired.

Ace587RN, RN · Aug 17, 2010

Yes i do work nights. I do work with decent people but the manager not so. Im willing to stick for a year, but i guess ill ask it later in a few months

Faeriewand, ASN, RN · Aug 17, 2010

I say wait until you are there for 6 months then start talking about transferring to that sister facility.

Wow scary falling asleep at the wheel. :eek:

GM2RN · Aug 17, 2010

Yes i do work nights. I do work with decent people but the manager not so. Im willing to stick for a year, but i guess ill ask it later in a few months

Please don't let us make your decision for you. We have given our opinions and advice, but I suspect that you probably haven't had time to check out the new environment to see if it would be a good place to work.

Like someone else stated, it can't hurt to apply for the job. While you are waiting to see if you get an offer, try to talk to nurses in the new ED to see if it's a good work environment. Also make a list of pros and cons for going to the new hospital and decide where your priorities lie.

I wouldn't necessarily let the fact that your resume will show that you left one job after six months stop you from making the move as long as you have considered the possible consequences of the move and are willing to take the risk.

If you decide to stay in your current position, maybe you need to get more sleep to help you stay awake during your drive.

MassED, BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2010

you have one more month to wait to get to 6 months. Then put in for a transfer.

grateful2010, LPN, LVN · Aug 17, 2010

Falling asleep at the wheel is the problem! Working night shifts isn't easy, even an 8 hour night shift. I suggest you get more sleep- when you leave work take a nap in your car before driving home! Drink some coffee, blast the radio, have the windows wide open, just so you can stay alert! I can imagine how drained you are after leaving work, only to get behind the wheel (which requires your FULL attention) instead of getting immediate rest. It would be in your best interest to focus on how you're gong to stay awake while driving, rather then transfering. You never know, at your new job you may fall asleep behind the wheel too...just a thought.

Ace587RN, RN · Aug 18, 2010

Please don't let us make your decision for you. We have given our opinions and advice, but I suspect that you probably haven't had time to check out the new environment to see if it would be a good place to work.
Like someone else stated, it can't hurt to apply for the job. While you are waiting to see if you get an offer, try to talk to nurses in the new ED to see if it's a good work environment. Also make a list of pros and cons for going to the new hospital and decide where your priorities lie.
I wouldn't necessarily let the fact that your resume will show that you left one job after six months stop you from making the move as long as you have considered the possible consequences of the move and are willing to take the risk.
If you decide to stay in your current position, maybe you need to get more sleep to help you stay awake during your drive.

oh when i said ask in a few months, i mean ask my manager for a transfer lol.

yeah i applied just out of curiosity to another hospital. But my mindset is to stick for a year.

As for commute, i tried everything to keep me awake and still didnt do me any good.

My mindset is still set for 1 year though

HappydayRn · Aug 18, 2010

I got into a car accident I work nocs drive 33miles away takes me an hour or more. I would do what's best for your health and sanity ( I've been working 10months here) found a new job ten miles from my house. Maybe some people have a longer commute then you but so what, if this is significantly impacting your life then it's your choice.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Aug 18, 2010

i live in miami but i work in ft. lauderdale and take a 24 mile drive . i see that hospitals near me have slots for their ed and want to apply there. thing is im only 5 months in the ed so far. my commute is pretty stressful even though i do it 3 days a week. i just cant tolerate the distance anymore and its taking a toll on me and my car. i have no contract whatsoever with the hospital and i see that their sister hospital in miami has slots open. since im only 5 months here in this ed, is it too soon to ask to transfer to the other hospital or do i have to wait at least 6 months? 6 months is the policy for my facility to transfer to another unit. ive been told that wait till 6 months is up so it will look good on the resume.

i sympathsize with your stressful commute. i don't like commuting. there are 24 mile commutes that take 24 minutes, though and then there are 24 mile commutes that traffic and traffic lights render intermidable. which is yours?

five months isn't long. neither is six months. switching jobs after six months isn't going to look good on a resume -- it just won't look quite as bad as switching after five months. i'd advise you to stick it out at least a year if you can, and two would be better. i know the commute sucks, but you must have thought it was doable when you took the job.