Quitting a new job

[HappyBeeps]

Hello all. Just signed up. I have a question for all of you. I am a new graduate that just got my first nursing job in the ED. For reference, I was also an EMT-Paramedic off and on for almost 15 years and worked for about 8 months as a tech in an ER. So I was applying for jobs, and ended up getting one in an ED almost by accident (they got my resume off of the internet). I hadn’t found work yet, so I took the job.

Now, I didn’t want to work in an ER, but I needed the money. I am about a month in, and not liking it so far. Not only is the ER run a bit poorly, it is insanely short staffed. It is also really far from my house. I have been there a few months, and am about to get out of my orientation.

I really don’t like the job, for several reasons, but the biggest reason is I don’t want to work in the ER (I want to work in ICU someday). Here is my question:

How long do I need to stay at my current job before I can start applying elsewhere? Also, what do you think I should say when I interview with other places? I don’t want to be unprofessional with either the current job or in any interviews.

Thanks!!!!

[crazin01]

Technically, you can keep applying all the time, and that shouldn't necessarily be considered as unprofessional, but a few things to consider:

As a new grad, it is very common to feel overwhelmed on any type floor, certainly in the ER, even with prior paramedic and ER tech experience. I think it's realizing you are now the nurse, the one responsible even for other staff members (techs & vitals, etc). And, it seems the norm, that 90% of hospitals/acute care/SNF's, LTACHS, almost anywhere are always 'short-staffed' in regards to nursing. Fact of life...

How long is your orientation? You said a month, then 'a few months in', so not sure how long. It seems a 3 month orientation for new grads for almost any floor (even med/surg) is standard, then longer if needed. ER is certainly a rough first choice for a new grad. But with your prior paramedic and ER tech experience, that's a decent advantage. Even if you have a great pre-ceptor, sometimes shadowing another nurse or seeing how they run their shift is beneficial. Everybody has their own system and only you will know what helps you and works best.

And, if you're wanting to get into ICU, ER is definitely a great way to get the experience most ICU's will prefer and require. Also, it's pretty much a expectation that new grads put in a full year for a first position, anywhere/any specialty, just getting your feet wet. Unless you have really great connections, generally quitting so soon into your first nursing position will not look well to potential employers down the road.

Bottom line/factors for pros & cons list:

1) you need the money? (as you said)

2) how far/timely is the commute?

3) do you have another job lined up already, promised in writing? It is so much easier to find new employment while you are employed. Never quit without another ready to go....

[Lunah, MSN, RN]

On 9/20/2019 at 9:29 PM, HappyBeeps said:

I am about a month in, and not liking it so far. Not only is the ER run a bit poorly, it is insanely short staffed. It is also really far from my house. I have been there a few months, and am about to get out of my orientation.

So are you a month in, or a few months? How long is your orientation?

I was a paramedic and ER tech for several years prior to becoming an ER nurse, and despite my experience, there is still a transition and much to learn. But hey, if you don't like it, you don't like it. Not all ERs are created equal, that is for sure.

You can start applying to other jobs any time you want; you might just be more likely to receive an offer when you have more experience. But there is no crime in looking for something closer to home or in a specialty to which you might think you are more suited. Good luck! ?

[medic981, ADN, RN, EMT-P]

In short, I believe you should work at least one year at any place you get hired unless you were promised things that didn't materialize. As stated previously, you don't want to have to overcome a short work history with your next employer. However, with that said, my dad always told me, "It is easier to get a job when you have a job." Keep looking for that position in the ICU and if you can find someone to hire you, then you can explain that you left the ED for the ICU opportunity.

I can definitely relate to your situation. I was hired as a new grad into a critical care nurse residency program for ICU. As a paramedic, I wanted to go to the ED. I signed a 3-year contract and at 18 months when I was just getting comfortable and liked being in the ICU, our hospital downsized due to an on-going financial crisis of 20 some odd years. I was laid off. I never thought that would be an issue going into nursing.

I found a position at a sister facility which was 35 miles away in the ED and took it. My ICU experience was invaluable but even as a paramedic I was a bit overwhelmed.

I work in a critical access hospital with a Level IV trauma designation. I have worked there now for 18 months and our ED has been short-staffed since the day I started to work there.

I too am looking for better opportunities, and when it presents itself, I will be ready to move forward in my nursing career.