New grad, not liking the unit I'm in

[flowerchild89]

Hi everyone,

When I passed n nclex I knew I couldn't be picky on where to work, because jobs are scarce out there for new grads, so I took this job in the post acute unit of a large acute care hospital in Los Angeles. I felt like I hit the jackpot because I found a job so close to home in 2 months after passing boards. When I got the job offer I never even thought twice, I just wanted it real bad!

Now that I've been working 4 months into the job, I realized that I really would like to switch to a different unit. I feel like I'm missing out on a lot of learning experiences working in a post acute unit. I would eventually like to transfer out but I really like the ppl I work wih and I don't want to burn any bridges, my manager is awesome too. I also really love the hospital im in. I can request to transfer after a year, which I hope to do but I'm scared to let my team down. However I do feel that I need it for my career. I want to grow as a nurse, and continue to learn and I just don't see me becoming that nurse on this unit. Our patients are all stable and are all mostly there for physical therapy. I would like to be in a more acute setting that is fast paced, where I can learn something new and gain some skills each day. I am still thankful for this job, but I guess I'm just scared that my learning curve will just decline and I'll forget everything I learned in school.

Any suggestions?? Should I consider transferring or switching out of the hospital completely? Has anyone had experience transferring?

[RN2012Newbie]

Flowerchild89- I've never experienced this situation before since I'm almost at a year mark at my first RN position but I wanted to respond. If I was in this position I would def. look to transfer within the same hospital. If you like the hospital, their system, and flow of things there's no reason to look outside of it. Look for units that inspire you where you can learn more and build on your RN experience. Your current unit staff may or may not be upset if and when you decide to leave. If you put your one year in and there was no "contract" to stay with your unit then dont let them hold you back. Im sure you arent the first one to move on from that unit. Do what is best for you and your nursing career. Just make sure to give adequate notice and try not to burn bridges. Best of luck!

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

IMO, stick out the year. It'll make you a better candidate for the next job whether it's an internal transfer or you leave the facility. You'll leave on better terms with the NM than if you bailed after 4 months...and considering that this person is probably going to be one of your references (as you can only play the "clinical instructor as a reference" card so many times), you want to make those terms as nice as possible. Plus if you leave before the year is up, you're still considered a new grad and may not be eligible for many positions.

However, if you are truly miserable where you are and are not bound by any contractual obligations, then start looking elsewhere. However do not leave this first job until you have an official job offer in hand.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Stick it out for at least a year if at all possible -- which it should be. You are in a good situation. Take advantage of it and don't blow it by getting greedy and impatient.

Use the time to solidify skills -- not just technical skills, but interpersonal skills and political skills. If you haven't done it already, establish a good relationship with your manager and unit educator. Then ... talk to them about possibilities for your "continued learning and growth" on your current unit. For example, is there a project that you could work on? Is there a committee that you could join? Is there a certification you could earn? Can you begin learning how to be a Charge Nurse ... or Preceptor? etc.

In other words, look to enrich your current job by expanding and deepening your practice there. Just because you are comfortable with the usual daily routine doesn't mean you still don't have a lot to learn. If you leave now, you will be viewed as "just another new grad whose first job did not work out" -- and who can't be counted on to stay in a job long enough to be worth the investment of orientation. If you stay for at least a year (preferably a little longer), you will be viewed as a young nurse who was successful in her first job and who has demonstrated leadership potential.

It doesn't take a genius to know which of the above reputations you want for yourself.

[Morainey, BSN, RN]

I agree with other posters. It sounds like you have a nice job, especially for a new grad - at least you don't want to leave because you get slammed with an unsafe patient load every single shift. If it's only been four months I'm sure that you haven't learned everything there is to know yet, and I'm saying that because I'm coming up on two years and have worked the same floor the whole time, and I'm still learning. Stick it out for a year and then re-evaluate.

[lmccrn62, MSN, RN]

Sounds like a good place to hang out and gain experience. That first year is so important for you to grow. You will develop your organization skills, assessment, medication knowledge and help to develop critical thinking. While you may be bored use this time to perhaps take some classes towards the direction you want to grow.

[ksnurseks]

Hey @flowerchild89, I am sorry to hear about your frustrations. I followed you earlier and see that you were offered a job at PIH, I am wondering if there is where you are working now. I am deciding between two jobs now and want the best advice possible! Thank you.