One year under my belt!

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 8, 2015

Don't quit until you have found your next job and it is confirmed in writing that you actually have that job. Also, don't settle for "just any job." Hold out for one that you have researched well and you know that you will be happy there for at least a year, preferably more.

Too many people in your position aren't "picky enough" when choosing that 2nd job. They end up with 2 or 3 short-term jobs that look bad when viewed all together after 5 years of job hopping. If a wonderful job that you are confident you will stay in comes along, then this first 1-year job won't look so bad. But if it turns into multiple "1 year jobs," it will look bad.

So ... I recommend keeping your eyes open and exploring some options ... but don't be in a hurry and be very picky ... and prepared to make a longer commitment to your 2nd job before you quit the 1st one.

Also, use the next several months/year to focus on building your team skills -- such as being in Charge, precepting, serving on a unit-based committee, etc. Getting that type of experience will make you a much more valuable employee and help you get that next "great" job when you find it. Use the foundation you have built in your current job to take your development to the next level and open up more possibilities for yourself.

Good luck to you.

msnorth · Jul 9, 2015

Don't quit until you have found your next job and it is confirmed in writing that you actually have that job. Also, don't settle for "just any job." Hold out for one that you have researched well and you know that you will be happy there for at least a year, preferably more.
Too many people in your position aren't "picky enough" when choosing that 2nd job. They end up with 2 or 3 short-term jobs that look bad when viewed all together after 5 years of job hopping. If a wonderful job that you are confident you will stay in comes along, then this first 1-year job won't look so bad. But if it turns into multiple "1 year jobs," it will look bad.
So ... I recommend keeping your eyes open and exploring some options ... but don't be in a hurry and be very picky ... and prepared to make a longer commitment to your 2nd job before you quit the 1st one.
Also, use the next several months/year to focus on building your team skills -- such as being in Charge, precepting, serving on a unit-based committee, etc. Getting that type of experience will make you a much more valuable employee and help you get that next "great" job when you find it. Use the foundation you have built in your current job to take your development to the next level and open up more possibilities for yourself.
Good luck to you.

Thanks so much for you reply! I've actually already turned down two jobs at cancer centers...they didn't feel right to me. So I am being picky about my 2nd job bc i do want to stay somewhere a long time. As for being charge & precepting...these are things I've already done due to nursing shortage on my floot...i didn't feel quite ready but I stepped up to the plate.

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 9, 2015

Thanks so much for you reply! I've actually already turned down two jobs at cancer centers...they didn't feel right to me. So I am being picky about my 2nd job bc i do want to stay somewhere a long time. As for being charge & precepting...these are things I've already done due to nursing shortage on my floot...i didn't feel quite ready but I stepped up to the plate.

It sounds to me as if you have a good attitude and are making good decisions. Just keep doing it until you find the right fit.

Though remember ... no job is every 100% perfect. So don't feel you have to hold out for perfection. The longer you stay in your current job, the less important longevity will be in your 2nd job. If you end up staying in your current job for another whole year, then you will be able to afford taking a bit of a gamble on your 2nd. Does that make sense? Am I saying that clearly?

Good luck!