When to make change in career ?

[MTRN13]

Hi ! I am a med-surg RN. I started out as a new grad at my hospial 20 months ago. I really want to go into L&D. I just came back from 3 months of medical leave due to an injury that is now completely healed. I want to change departments, but wondering how long I should wait to try, and change departments. I have been taking continuing education credits, and have everything to be able to transfer. When I got hired at the hospital I was originally suppose to go to L&D but they wanted me to be in med surg for a year. I get along with the L&D director, and wonder how long should I be back before trying to change. I am not happy on my unit. Everyone is out to stab everyone else in the back, and it is truly a toxic enviornment. I am a good nurse, and my patients give me great reviews during patient rounds from the department directors. My director just got a promotion, and our department is further in limbo at the moment. I want to make a change before we get a new director, and who knows what will happen then or what the director will be like. I feel like I want to make the change while I know that I would get a raving review. I never signed a contract to stay at my department for a certain amount of time. Plus my old department director knew that my true passion is L&D. A part of it is having the courage to make the changes, and I do not want to look bad to my hospital or any others in the future. Any advise ?

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

After 20 months in med-surg, when the facility said they wanted you there for 12 months, I think you have served your time. Start by speaking to the L&D manager and let her know that you are looking to transfer to her unit and if/when she might have openings. Go from there.

[Guest505077]

go for it! it's time to move on!

good luck :)

[Merlyn]

The time is now. You gave them a year. Now it's there turn. Go for it, Kid.

[prisonnurse02]

Definately......start looking into it now if that is what you want to do.