New grad desperately needing some guidance...

[sjh4120]

Hi all- I graduated with my BSN in December, passed my NCLEX in January and am now orienting on a medical/oncology floor. I have realized over the past week or so that this is not where I'm meant to be. It was my first job offer and I jumped at it because I saw everyone else in my class accepting jobs and I felt behind. I've decided now that I want to move back home and pursue other opportunities there. I want to give my notice to my job ASAP as to not waste any more of their time but as I'm looking for other jobs back home I see NOTHING. My heart has always been in community/public health have come to terms with the fact that med/surg experience may be my only option as a new grad. I guess this leads me to my main concern/question- I feel guilty continuing to orient at my current position when I know I can't stay so I'm leaning towards putting in my notice this week and then returning home to continue my job search. How long after graduation do you think employers start to dismiss you as a candidate? I'm only four months post graduation but already feel like employers see that as a disadvantage. I want to take my time this time when accepting a position but I don't know how long is too long before I leave myself stuck without a job. I worked at a local hospital as a CNA for 1.5 years before graduating and did well in school, so I'm hoping to have those things going for me. I left on good terms with the hospital back home and although they don't have any RN postings right now, I'm thinking of calling my manager to let her know I'm coming back into the area and that I am interested if anything becomes available. Would that be appropriate? I'm only 22 so I'm hoping this is just a small bump in the road and that I can get back on my feet before too much damage is done. I hate having to start from scratch but I've lost my appetite and sleep and know that I am only hurting myself and my patients by staying here. I really appreciate any input :)

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

What is it that you do not like? Maybe there is something that you can do to make it less stressful until you can get a new job.

It may be very difficult to get another job of you don't finish orientation. If you can get a job closer to home, wait until that is final before you give your notice. And give 30 days.

Good luck!

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Keep in mind that there is a glut of new nurses on the market. If you depend on being employed to support yourself, you should not give up your golden first year of employment without a certain job waiting for you.

As you said, you are only 22. You can endure whatever you need to in order to progress appropriately from your position into one that is more to your liking.

[AnnieOaklyRN, BSN, RN, EMT-P]

I strongly recommend you stay in your position for at least a year! You may not be able to get a new job when you move back home and it will also look bad that you left the current one so soon!

Annie

[Ruby Vee, BSN]

Again, I recommend that you stay in your job for at least a year. I understand that your heart isn't really in it now, but the first year of nursing is very difficult. It could be that as you gain experience on your current floor, you will enjoy it more. If you stay a year or two, you'll have better luck finding a new job in your home town.

You're only 22. A year is just a tiny speck of time.

[Nurse SMS, MSN, RN]

At the risk of sounding snarky, what makes you think you will feel any less overwhelmed and anxious at a new hospital?

Tossing away this job would be foolish. It doesn't take much reading on this site to recognize you are right where you are supposed to be in terms of your development as an RN. The honeymoon is over, the bow is off the package and now what is left is the grunt work of learning to deal with the challenges of this job. It gets better but only if you give it the time it needs. Otherwise you become one of the new grads that jumps from job to job to job trying to find one that doesn't have a steep learning curve. They all do.

YES you will be limiting yourself by quitting without something else lined up.

YES it could ruin your future prospects.

Go ahead and contact your old manager. Apply at things in the other place. But under no circumstances would I quit this job if I were you. Not until you have a firm hire date with starting salary in writing from the next one. If you quit this one there is no guarantee another opportunity will ever come your way, let alone one that is "easier".