Only 3 months but have to move on

[jusbeingme2007]

Okay so I work in LTC and I absolutely love my job. My residents and my Co workers, nursing I have discovered is truly my passion BUT the facility I work at is overloading us and I truly feel it is very unsafe for my residents and myself and my nursing license could be at risk. So I'm looking at other places around my area and I found an opening but I've only graduated in May and have only worked this place right at 3 months. Do I put my current job on my resume and why do I tell the next employer why I left? Thanks

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

If it is the same type of setting, I am not sure what will be much different than what you are currently doing. LTC is a tough gig. At least where you are you enjoy the people.

The only thing you can say is that after a 3 month period of time, you have come to the conclusion that the culture of the facility does not bode well with your practice. Period. Do not trash talk the facility, the unit, the way it is run. Only that it is not I line with how you practice.

Make sure that you will not be going from the frying pan into the fire. Take a good look at the facility in which you would be applying as to if it will be any change or better than where you are.

Going forward, you can only put in your time, then see where to go from there.

Best wishes!

[NotMyProblem MSN, ASN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN]

Don't leave....at least not until you begin working the other position. That way, you could tell them that you are currently employed and in need of additional income that would not be reflected as overtime. Every facility understands budget and OT controls. This way, you've moved on and you've kept a foot in the door elsewhere. Nursing can be cutthroat at times and it is beneficial to have a back-up plan. This is very important when you encounter territorial co-workers in LTC. Don't plan on all of your co-workers being as welcoming.

On another note, I whole-heartedly agree with jadelpn. If you love your current position, and it is LTC, I dare say you're in the best place regardless of the workload. Having an effect team of colleagues that you can depend on is what makes or breaks a place.

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

I truly feel it is very unsafe for my residents and myself and my nursing license could be at risk.

I doubt your nursing license is at risk. The "my nursing license is on the line" mantra is terribly blown out of proportion by new nurses.

Statistically, the vast majority of nurses lose their licenses due to issues revolving around addiction, diversion, theft, impairment, or drug-related causes. Nurses rarely, if ever, lose their licenses over patient care mistakes or errors.