Seeking new job after 5 months

[Margo31]

I recently graduated from nursing school in December of 2020, in February I started what I thought was my dream job as a L&D nurse. I’ve been in this position for almost 6 months now and I’ve been pretty unhappy since the beginning. This is my first time working in the hospital setting and I honestly just don’t think it’s for me, on top of that I’m really struggling working night shift. I know it’s bad to leave a position so soon but I feel like life is too short to be this unhappy. 
I've found a few clinic jobs I’d like to apply for but I’m wondering who I would use for references if my current employer doesn’t know I’m looking for a different job? Should I let them know I am I unhappy first? Do I put in a notice and then start applying? 

[JKL33]

You would likely need to use the same references you used to get your first job. Just apply to the jobs you're interested in.

Before you do that you should spend some time contemplating what made you go from imagining that something was going to be your dream job to deciding that you dislike it enough to make big moves that may have consequences. In other words, just think through what it is that you're looking for and what it is that you can't tolerate before you try to find a new job. Otherwise you may just jump from one disappointing thing to the next disappointing thing. Is there something that could realistically change that would allow you to be satisfied in this current position? If so, start looking into it and exhaust your options before leaving. If you really, really dislike hospital nursing and would be fine with later finding it difficult to get back into hospital nursing, then it's reasonable to just move on now.

Make sure this is what you want to do and is necessary. Generally speaking leaving a very sought-after specialty after a short time may raise flags with potential employers.

Good luck~

 

[Blatant Shannon]

Nursing is one of those fields that you count on having a job in always, even if the economy crashes and burns, you will have a job. I hated my first job as a bedside nurse. I felt so many negative feelings and since I am an already anxious person, it made my first impression of nursing a bad one. I worked nights too! Most nurses spend their first year or two on night shift. My only regret though, I should have left my job way sooner.

It's easier to get a job when you have one already. No one will blame you for finding something else that works for you. You are free to find your passion. L&D isn't for you, that's fine. Maybe one day you'll want to return to it or not, but that is a choice only for you. I recommend leaving a job you don't like and go for the clinic job you're looking into (if it is still interesting to you). 

Unlike other fields, job-hopping will not deter you from getting a job. In fact, use it in your interview. If they ask you why you didn't stay longer, you just tell them that you're looking for your passion and it might be here. 

I hope this helps. I really do. If you have any other questions, please send me a message! I might have a worthwhile answer for you.