New grad wanting to switch floors?

[Kalena1238903]

I am a new grad (graduated in May of 2020) & I have been working on a med surg floor for 3 months. Since before starting nursing school I wanted to do L&D but in my area not a single hospital was hiring in any L&D departments. My hospital system is pretty well known for helping you transfer and move where you want to be. I have a friend who works in L&D at a different hospital in our system who says they are now hiring. My question is do I stick it out on my med surg floor for at least a year or do I try to switch now while I can? 

[Swellz]

Are you even allowed to transfer? In my experience, transfers tend to only be allowed after 1 year of employment. That may not be the case in your health system, but I bet it's in your contract or somewhere as an HR policy if you look it up.

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

1 hour ago, Kalena2027730 said:

 My hospital system is pretty well known for helping you transfer and move where you want to be... My question is do I stick it out on my med surg floor for at least a year or do I try to switch now while I can? 

Let the system help you after you've stayed in your current position for 1-2 years.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

Might as well  go for it .. all they do is say no.

Good luck.

[Sour Lemon]

On 11/28/2020 at 3:20 PM, Kalena2027730 said:

I am a new grad (graduated in May of 2020) & I have been working on a med surg floor for 3 months. Since before starting nursing school I wanted to do L&D but in my area not a single hospital was hiring in any L&D departments. My hospital system is pretty well known for helping you transfer and move where you want to be. I have a friend who works in L&D at a different hospital in our system who says they are now hiring. My question is do I stick it out on my med surg floor for at least a year or do I try to switch now while I can? 

Is the L&D position a new graduate position? Three months is a typical orientation time for a new graduate in med surg, so you have practically no experience on your own at this point. And if it is a new graduate position, they may not want someone who bailed after three months at their first job. After all, they'd need to spend a good amount of time and money training you.

I would say try it and see what happens, but things are complicated by the fact that it's a job in your current hospital system. Nursing managers often know each other. And even if you do get an interview and an actual offer, your transfer might be blocked.

[ErinDel, ASN, BSN, RN]

Most hospitals allow you to transfer after six months in a position. In your case, I would stick it out a year then email the hiring manager in labor and delivery to let them know your interested in any upcoming positions. I think it will look better at least if you stay for 1 year as a med surg nurse, esp as a new grad..