Thinking about leaving 1st nursing job after 5 months- any suggestions

Nurses General Nursing

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Greetings,

I just wanted some advice from some seasoned nurses. . .

I am a new grad and I have been working in a busy ER for the past 5 months. I really like it but the hospital is an hour away from my house and the commute is really getting to me. I have a 3 year old son and on the days I work I don't see him at all. I miss my little dude! :crying2:

My sister-in-law works for our local health department and they have an opening. I was thinking about applying.

I was wondering if leaving my first position so soon would eventually hurt my career later on? I feel guity even thinking about leaving, especially since the hospital was so kind in giving me my first job when new grad positions were Very hard to come by.

Any input would be greatly appreciated.

Unless she signed a contract to stay, she is within her rights to move on. 7 months of a longer than necessary commute - not to be morbid, but accidnets happen. Any employer that judges all new grads by one person is a fool, and any large hospital deals with constant turnover, even in this job market. Not to mention the lack of committment any employer would have to OP if they needed to cut heads. A more suitable job has appeared, I still think she should at least try for it.

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Unless she signed a contract to stay, she is within her rights to move on. 7 months of a longer than necessary commute - not to be morbid, but accidnets happen. Any employer that judges all new grads by one person is a fool, and any large hospital deals with constant turnover, even in this job market. Not to mention the lack of committment any employer would have to OP if they needed to cut heads. A more suitable job has appeared, I still think she should at least try for it.

Of course she has the right, but that doesn't make it right.

Accidents can happen anywhere, not just on a long commute.

This would not even be an issue if the OP were the only new grad to do this, so employers are not judging on one person alone.

You say that an employer shouldn't judge on one person, but you are judging the OP's employer based on what another employer may have done.

I said before that I don't believe that anyone owes an employer blind loyalty forever and ever. But I do believe there should be some give and take that goes both ways between two parties when an offer of a job is made and accepted. So far, the OP's employer has given and she has taken. In my opinion, the employer in this case has kept their end of the bargain but the OP has not yet fulfilled hers.

And yes, I know, there is no written contract. But some people still have enough integrity to understand that in the world of professionals, the unwritten expectation, barring any egregiously bad behaviour by an employer, is that an employee should give them at least a year of his/her time.

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Specializes in acute care med/surg, LTC, orthopedics.

All I'm going to say on this subject is after having worked for several employers who as quick as a whip would not hesitate to throw their staff under the bus sometimes, seemingly, for no other reason than they just didn't like ya anymore well... let me go on record saying that I hold no loyalties to any of my employers, past or present. I'm there for the patients and to pay my bills and feed my kids, so if a better opportunity came up for me to succeed professionally or personally I would be the first one to hop on that train.

Look out for Number One, because you can bet your employer is doing the same thing.

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You are obviously one who is concerned about the effect of your decision on your current employer, and have no desire to leave on bad terms. Sometimes we cannot fully understand the entire impact until we get into a job and start seeing the "real world" impact. I have also "chosen" to leave a postion that I was given right on the spot after getting my license, but as life unfolds day by day my wife and I found it better for our children at this point to withdrawl and place our children first. The management understood completely, and had no problem hiring another RN or even a New Grad to take my place. They have allotted postions set aside for new grads, because they have students they desire to hire. Hospitals who dont hire new grads will just lose out on the new talented RNs that will go elsewhere where they are appreciated, and wanted.

Nursing will always be there in one form or another, pay will fluxuate, economy will ebb and flow, but you only have one chance to spend time with your child. The reality is that just a couple more hours at home that you would normally be commuting will be priceless time spent with the greatest blessings in life, your children. God bless.

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Specializes in future OB/L&D nurse(I hope) or hospice.

I feel what I feel, but I have also always felt that one needs to do what their heart tells them. If you feel in your heart of hearts the best choice is to leave, then by all means do it. It is you that must live with your decision, not me. I have worked for the same company for over 21 years now and have had thoughts many times to leave. But every situation is different and I get that. When the time comes for me to quit this job it is going to be hard, but my dream has always been to be a nurse. Perhaps once I am in the profession I may have a different opinion, but for now I still believe at least a year shoud be given. The world has turned to a horrible place because of the me, me, me attitudes. As long as I win in the end who cares about the other party. So what if such and such hospital gave me a chance. So what if they spend a whole lot of money through the hiring process because after all they could ditch me too. These thought processes are just horrible. I prefer to go to bed each night knowing I acted with integrity and stood firm on my values. It's just how I feel.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Keep in mind that if ever want to return to acute care it would be much better to have had at least 1 year experience in it.

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Specializes in future OB/L&D nurse(I hope) or hospice.

kesr- unfortunately the reality is that as stupid as it is, an employer could create an image of new grads based on one individual. it happens in many aspects. if one goes to a certain restaurant and the food is horrible, i bet most will not go back. if one goes to a popular hotel chain and enter a dirty room, disgusting bathroom, and nasty attitude at the front desk i would bet most would not give that hotel chain another chance. if one has a bad experience with a certain airline, they will most likely never fly with them again. it's just reality.

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Specializes in Step-down ICU.
Keep in mind that if ever want to return to acute care it would be much better to have had at least 1 year experience in it.

I graduated a year and a half ago at the peak fo the economoic crisis. Needless to say I was not hired as a new grad in ANY hospital including the one I worked in. (the 3rd largest public healthcare system in the country). My experience came as a HH nurse with a trach and vent patient. What is being said about a year of acute care experience is ABSOLUTE TRUTH. I am speaking from experience, it's HARD to get jobs right now. If you can stay for a year that is what I would do. It will make it MUCH easier to transition back into a hospital setting if and when you decide to ever go back. Without it, you'll be considered a new grad and in my opinion that'll create more frustration down the road. The situation with nursing jobs in this country is a scary reality. Many nurses are forced to do things they don't want to do just because of the times we're living in--some of my nursing school friends moved hours away for a year and half. They are now are just now able come back to work where they originally wanted to. I know some don't agree with GM2RN, but he's spot on! Do you know what I would do just get a chance to work in the ER? That was my first choice as a new grad and it didn't happen for me. But I thank God because my steps were ordered in a different way.

It's only been in the past 2 weeks that I've even been OFFERED an interview--now I have 5 different areas competing for me. I was offered a job at a hospital that is a 55 min drive one way for me, but it's in a transitional ICU. So even after 2 years, with NO acute care experience I will be commuting for a chance to work in critical care. I also have no children or family obligations but it will still be a sacrifice. I have already determined to stay in the position for at least a year and who knows, I may fall in love with it and stay longer. Not saying that you would, but don't burn any bridges right now. Employers everywhere are being picky about who they're hiring and they can be! With everything that is going on with the jobs and nursing I would think twice before walking away from a job. This is not to discourage you because you can certainly do it, but you have to think long term. Just my 2 cents...

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I'm going to have to agree with others that you should stay at least 1 year because I think it will be in YOUR best interest in the future. You will have that 1 year experience that will make you more desirable in your future career. This 1 year experience in the ED will open up more doors to you, probably even some closer with a better schedule.

I understand your desire to have that little extra time with your child, but think about this. What if this new job doesn't work out and you get stuck at a crap place because you need to pay the bills? Do you understand how that will have an adverse affect on your mental health? I remember my mom having jobs that she despised and how it affected her personality. I didn't care that she was close to our home, I wanted her to be in a job that made her happy. If that meant she was away from home more, then so be it.

It's only 7 months. 7 months to open up many more doors than just this health department position. Plus, I never agree with working with family.

Also, you should take into consideration the amount of time and money this hospital has put into training you. At least give them the respect of staying there 1 year. Don't burn bridges.

I'm not a nurse, just a student, but as someone who spent 2.5 years looking for a job, and just now got one, I will NEVER forget that they have taken a chance on me and I will make their investment worthwhile.

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I find it commendable that someone puts their emotional/physical/mental well being above loyalty to an employer who would fire them to save a few bucks if they saw the need. There's nothing wrong with leaving an environment that's unhealthy for you. The OP as well as I have to take care of ourselves or else we're no good taking care of anyone else. I applaud people who recognize their limits. It's best for them as well as the patients they have to care for. EVERYONE is having a difficult time finding a job. I say if an employer wants to not waste time/money on a new grad, listen when they cry for help and provide a better working environment, allow opportunity to move around if a unit doesnt suit them. A person's well being is more important than loyalty to a company that, at the drop of a dime, won't be loyal to them.

I'm having a problem with my first job as well and am thankful to hear someone else so that one's own mental/emotional/physical well being is more important than the employer, who wouldn't think twice about letting you go when making cuts.

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OK, here's my 2 cents...do not let "loyalty" to a company make you go against what you feel that you need to do. Family always needs to come first! I understand your reluctance in leaving your job. Yes, you knew that the job was one hour away from home when you accepted the position--but, you are now understanding that the two hour daily commute really wears on you after awhile! (I speak from years of experience with the two hour commute!) And, it is really tough to miss seeing your little guy because your work days are not 12 hours but now are 14 (and that is when you get out on time). So apply for the position and see what happens! If you receive an offer, then you can make your list of pro's and con's to determine what is best for YOU.

Regarding the hospital that "took a chance on you"--well, they are aware that new grads (and seasoned nurses) leave positions for a variety of reasons and I can assure you that if they thought that "it just wasn't a good fit", they would waste no time in letting you go and would not worry for one second about the economic impact on your family. I know I sound hard-hearted, but I have been around long enough to have seen some pretty callous treatment of nurses by employers on many levels. Also, the training that new nurses get is usually provided by an experienced nurse on the floor who will probably not be compensated or will be given a nominal $1 per hour as preceptor pay!

Anyway, I wish you the best on your decision--only you can know what is best for you.

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Specializes in Clinical Research, Outpt Women's Health.

Well being is more important, but job hopping at this early stage in the game may make it very difficult to find a decent job in the future. How will it harm the family if you have no income? You have to consider the long term effects on yourself and your family. Will it cause the good jobs not to consider hiring you?

I am leaving the whole issue of "loyalty" out of the equation and just considering the possible ramifications of your actions.

When I was hiring nurses I honestly never even considered people who stayed less than a year at previous jobs unless it was just one time out of several others when they had stayed a year plus. I just found they were too likely to jump ship too soon.

I am not saying stay forever, but you may want to consider getting that 1 year in for many reasons.

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