Quitting my 1st RN job

Tenebrae, BSN, RN · Nov 21, 2016

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Please don't lecture when you when haven't even read the thread...

Please dont ask for advice and then turn around and whine when its not what you wanted to hear.

Nori.Giselle · Nov 21, 2016

Please dont ask for advice and then turn around and whine when its not what you wanted to hear.

Read entire post.. Thanks

Nori.Giselle · Nov 21, 2016

Please dont ask for advice and then turn around and whine when its not what you wanted to hear.

Also that post had nothing to do with my question. Quite like your reply.

Swellz · Nov 22, 2016

If you want to leave, leave. I agree with you that if Peds is your passion then why spend the extra time in adult care. I don't think leaving one job should make someone necessarily worry that you are a job-hopper, especially if you have evidence to the contrary on your resume. Would it look better to stay for a year? Sure, but if that is not important to you then it's not important.

I do agree with the others about the merits of staying at your current job to really develop these skills that you've only just started to learn. I know you have other experience and I get that, but I would think there are translatable skills you can better master in your current position that may make you a better candidate in the future for any other ICU position. It seems silly to me not to take the opportunity to do that while you have this job, but again, if it seems silly to you to stay because you want the PICU job, go get that interview.

DTWriter · Nov 22, 2016

OP, dude/dudette,...you need to be Lincoln smack.

Ever heard of the expression "the grass is always greener...?"

Do you really know how hard it is to find a safe unit for a new nurse? "Safe," as in, there is enough staff (whether you work day or night), there are coworkers who are competent and willing to help you, the training is realistic for a new nurse (no random nonsense like getting multiple preceptors from the jump, or your training is being shortened b/c management is desperate for people), and managers are willing to work with you?

If your unit is a "safe" unit, then, why would you give up your position and risk going somewhere less pleasant?

Well, if, and only if, you feel that you can last long on your unit, give them at least 6 months, and have another job secure, before moving on. And, make sure this other job is on a "safe" unit!

6 months, so you get in somewhere easier. Nowadays, you can find a hospital who would take you with even less than a month experience, but 6 months definitely help with marketability, and getting onto the "right" unit for you.

So, I agree with Swellz - don't let being viewed as a job hopper prevent you from making a decision. As long as your RN license is clean, and you are willing to relocate, you can find a job.

Tenebrae, BSN, RN · Nov 23, 2016

Read entire post.. Thanks

I've read it thanks.

I stand by what I wrote.

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Nov 23, 2016

It concerns me that so many young nurses don't seem to understand the differences between "finishing my competencies" and "being competent." Do they really think that a brief class and a multiple choice test makes them COMPETENT? Or do they not understand the word or the idea of competence?

******

It seems pretty clear that you don't understand what competence is. You have no idea what is required to be deemed competent at my place of employment. Obviously its more than merely "a brief class and a multiple choice test"... You're really reaching..

You clearly have no respect for seasoned nurses, even those in your specialty (critical care).

Ruby Vee can run circles around you, competencies completed or not.

So be careful.

And check your attitude at the door.

Nori.Giselle · Nov 23, 2016

******
You clearly have no respect for seasoned nurses, even those in your specialty (critical care).

Ruby Vee can run circles around you, competencies completed or not.

So be careful.

And check your attitude at the door.

I'm not obligated to agree with her. Disagreement is not disrespect. This is nursing. NOT a competition.

Nori.Giselle · Nov 23, 2016

I've read it thanks.
I stand by what I wrote.

Have you ever worked in the PICU?

Libby1987 · Nov 23, 2016

Was there really a question here? The responses not validating your predetermination have been rejected.

I have a question though, in what world is anyone competent in any area of nursing with only 1 yr of experience? Are we just talking about competency in tasks? Or are we debating whether stringing together multiple task competencies and claiming it as a competent ICU nurse?

macawake, MSN · Nov 23, 2016

The definition of competence is having the necessary ability, knowledge, or skill to do something successfully. Therefore if I've been deemed competent by the proper authority, then I am competent. I've said what I have said. And I stand by it.

Well, yes. After passing your competencies you are considered competent enough to work on your floor. But with your mindset I wonder if you're planning your next 20 years of nursing to simply be 20 "rinse and repeats" of your first year (as an ICU nurse) or if you plan on learning new things every year and increase the breadth and depth of your knowledge/expertise? I'm with Ruby Vee on this. It's takes time to become truly competent/proficient and completing competencies is just the first step. It's like getting your driver's license. You are allowed to drive a car on public roads but it takes time to become an expert.

OP, you came here asking for advice. You've been given plenty. You are free to listen to it or discard it as you see fit. But I think you'd be doing yourself a disservice if you instinctively/immediately reject opinions just because they aren't the ones you were hoping for. There are a lot of smart and experienced nurses posting here and in my opinion they are often worth listening to.

It seems like the job you currently have is a good place for a new ICU nurse to learn and perfect her trade. Since you seem to be in a supportive environment I personally think that staying for two to three years will provide a solid foundation for you as you move on to the next phase of your career. That's my 0.02 for whatever they're worth.

Best wishes!

Ruby Vee, BSN · Nov 23, 2016

I'm not obligated to agree with her. Disagreement is not disrespect. This is nursing. NOT a competition.

While disagreement is not, indeed, disrespect, your postings are disrespectful. Please check your attitude. It's no skin off my nose, but you may find that your attitude turns off the more senior nurses at your work, and that will not be helpful to your career. Disrespecting anyone may be harmful to your career.