Ready to change

Are you required to stay on that unit for the full 2 years? Or you could just transfer within your hospital system to the ER? That may allow you to keep the contract and get into the ER.

I signed a 2 year contract on a med/surg floor. I didn't want to do it but it was the only job that revealed itself at the time. I am one year into the contract and I want to go to the ER. I want to travel as an ER nurse and I will need 2 years experience there first. I feel like I would be spinning my wheels if I were to stay on the floor another year.

I hate to burn a bridge and break a contract though.

You guys think I am being lame? A year goes quick and I have to do what is right for me.

Dont burn bridges, trust me, after 43+ years, you never know which Bruges you may need to crawl over..

best wishes

I signed a 2 year contract on a med/surg floor. I didn't want to do it but it was the only job that revealed itself at the time. I am one year into the contract and I want to go to the ER. I want to travel as an ER nurse and I will need 2 years experience there first. I feel like I would be spinning my wheels if I were to stay on the floor another year.

I hate to burn a bridge and break a contract though.

You guys think I am being lame? A year goes quick and I have to do what is right for me.[/QUOTE]

You're right - a year does go quickly. Believe me, you (after 1 year) still have lots to learn. It will definitely not be time spent spinning your wheels. And you're right, a year does go quickly - in no time, your contract will be up. What's truly best for you is to not start your young career by breaking a contract. Nursing is a small community within a city or a region and word travels. Not good for potential future employers to find out that you bailed on your very first contract.

Yes, I am required to stay on the unit. The first year is a residency program. And the second I work for the same floor.

If you need 2 years of experience to work the ED, then I would stay and muddle through until such time as you can change.

To travel, some companies require at least 2 years.

In the meanwhile, I would be sure I take advantage of any certification opportunity that you would need for the ED. ACLS, PALS, NALS even look into your CCRN. Which would make you more marketable.

In the meanwhile, look at your current position as a stepping stone with your goals in mind. Get really, really good at your assessments. At your IV starts. At your medication administration. Refine your practice.

Best wishes

I went to the ICU and it is better for me. Did not burn a bridge. The advice received was invalid. For those that have the

same concerns in the future, do not be dismayed. If you want to do something else in nursing, do it.

xxxxx

Nursing is a very small world. I would not burn a bridge. one year is really a short time. Try something to shake it up: work some nights, work weekends, volunteer on a committee that you might be interested in. Learn Spanish. I had to sign a 2 year contract and it went by fast, the next was a three year contract for tuition assistance. I have a year and a half left. It is really worth it to play by the rules early. My first job, I was given incorrect information about notice and didn't give enough. I talked to DON and HR to find a way to fulfill my commitment so I would be "eligible for rehire" and cash out my PTO. It was a good choice on my part. I can now use them as a great reference (I only left because I got my dream job).