Too soon to change jobs?

[chinesefoodRN]

Hi everyone! I'm looking for some opinions on if it's okay to start applying to new jobs or if I should stay put a bit longer. When I first started nursing and I was trying to find my niche, I had two short term jobs. One was 6 months and the other 7 months. The third job I had I stayed for 1 year and 1 month and had to leave for a health issue/surgery/recovery. I remained unemployed for about 6 months until my doctor gave me the all-clear and then I went back to work. I've been on my current unit 1 year. I love my job but I'm considering a move to ICU. At this point my resume looks like 6 months, 7 months, 1 year, 1 year. With my current position and previous position being maintained for one year, I'm hoping I have improved my resume a little from those early transitional positions. My question is- if I apply to ICU now will I look like a job hopper? Should I wait one more year? Or is my resume ok at this point to start applying elsewhere?

Thank you!

[chinesefoodRN]

Bump. Anyone?

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I would start looking. Who knows when you'll find a position that suites you.

[chinesefoodRN]

Thank you.

[sassysoutheRN]

I'm a firm believer that people should do whatever makes them happy. If you want to change jobs...why not? If you have the chance, take it. Maybe before you jump ship, see if you can shadow in ICU to make sure that you'll really like (if you've never experienced ICU before). If you get asked why you've had such short spands in your career, you can be honest and tell them that you are trying to find your niche/right fit. There's nothing wrong with that. On one hand, job hopping can look concerning. On the other hand, sometimes an employer just needs to fill the position & will accept someone who's enthusiastic and willing to stay and learn the position. Good luck!