New Nurse Wanting to Leave First Job

[kr1989]

So I am a fairly new graduate nurse and have completed my "orientation phase" on a labor and delivery floor. This was the first job offer I had received and obviously accepted it as soon as the offer was made, without much knowledge of the floor or hospital. I feel as though as a new grad I am not supported like I should be and am scared every single day before I go in. Not to mention I work a shift, making it impossible to every see my family.

I was offered a job in a pediatric office, making more money, have fantastic hours, and working with a great/supportive staff. I have done several shadow days in the office and the staff and doctors seem amazing; and they seem to really want me to work there! I have done as much research as possible before accepting a position, and now tomorrow I am needing to give my final decision for the offer. I am scared to loose some nursing skills like starting IV's, caths, etc...what do experienced nurses think?

I have always wanted to work with children and see my future as a pediatric nurse pediatric. I could never see myself being more than a staff nurse in l&d. As far as a notice, what do you suggest? My new (hopeful) employer wants me to start at the end of January...would that be enough notice or do you just quit? Thanks everyong for your input!

[applewhitern, BSN, RN]

Take the office job!! Try to work out a notice if you can; you do not want to burn bridges in nursing.

[FlorenceNtheMachine]

Please rethink jumping ship so soon, especially so early on. It seems like everyone hates their job in the beginning. This new job, will you be doing mostly phone triage?

I'd work out a notice in any case.

Remember you may be bored to tears in five years and want to come back to that hospital network. And hospitals have a long memory!

Good luck to you!

[iluvivt, BSN, RN]

Maybe you can do both> Consider asking the hospital to change you to per diem or supplemental, That way you can take the office job and work at the hospital as well. Make certain that you can actually do the PD or supplemental requirements or whatever type of part time work they can arrange for you.

[kr1989]

Thanks for the input! I have decided to take the office position after talking with my family. Although I am still really scared about letting my manager know, I feel bad for wanting to leave but want to be happy in my career and personal life. How do I give notice? Is an email okay? The unit is very large, so I don't know if I tell my supervisor (I know her name but have never met her) or the manager? I'm not sure what their hours are because I never see either. I was thinking about asking if I could stay on per diem...do you guys think a hospital would let me? Any input is appreciated!

[rn_abbey]

An email is not okay! Call her-- better yet, sit down with her. If you have any desire to receive a good recommendation for the future, act mature and leave in a manner that respects your supervisor and fellow Rns

[KelRN215, BSN, RN]

Do not resign via email. Approach your manager- resignation letter in hand- and tell her that you have accepted another position and are giving your notice. You should resign in writing.