When to start applying?

I would say wait until that one year mark and then it's okay to start applying. Ideally, I *like* to give my employer 2 years of my time, but if the perfect opportunity came along, I wouldn't pass it up if it was under 2 years. You just have to consider how you look on a resume. I've applied for positions where one of the questions asked was "how many different fulltime nursing jobs have you held in the past 5 years?" Saying anything more than 2 starts to look bad (I had to say 3).

Good luck! I am a lactation consultant, so I fully approve of your short-term goals. :)

Some hospitals (like mine) have a policy dictating how long you have to wait before transferring departments. My hospital makes us wait a year before leaving and going to another unit, however I have a friend who signed a 2-year contract, so she will be on her unit for at least 2 years or has to pay.

I agree that waiting at least a year is smart. Find out what the policy is there- you can always ask HR. When you apply, and they ask why you're leaving, you can be honest and say how much you love the manager and the unit, but that OB is your dream.

I'm going to echo everyone else. Once is tough, and if it's remotely like the unit I was an aide on, they put a ton of time and effort to training you. That said, your skills will transfer well. Cancer patients get sick fast and having seasoned assessment skills will make you an asset.

All the best,

trisaratopsrn

I think 1 years is fine!

I say a good solid year!