When to start looking for a new RN job after >1 year experience.

[x3divine]

Hi guys,

So I am a new-grad RN who will have worked more than 1 year in Cardiac ICU by the time I plan to leave. This was my first ever RN job straight out of nursing school-- though I have experience as a nursing assistant while going to school, 14 months would only be counted for my RN experience. I have thought about leaving for quite some time, but wanted to wait until February (one year mark) before even saying anything.

There are many reasons why I want to leave my job- I miss home, I don't have family in the town where I work, not really any close friends, "long-time" nurses who are bullies, good coworkers leaving, etc. I plan to leave first week of May. I plan to accompany my mom while she gets surgery in a different country in June, and hopefully start July or August.

Question: How long would you guys wait before applying for a new job? Should I wait until I land the job before letting my manager know that I'm leaving? Thoughts? Also does anyone know if prospective employers will call references (job I'm at now) before hiring or after you've been hired.

Thanks for looking.

[Workitinurfava, BSN, RN]

You can apply for something after 6 months (you have experience at a previous place from what I read), a year looks better but who knows you may get the job you want. You don't have to use your manager as a reference. Is there someone who previously used to work at the place or currently works at the place that you can use? Unless the application is demanding that you use your manager as a reference, just click that you don't want that method used. You can provide a pay stub. Wait until you get the job offer letter, then put your notice in. Some employers are slow in doing background checks and some aren't. When I got the job offer I put my notice in. I used one of the supervisors that oriented with me and I became friends with as a reference.

[soapfloats]

Yes, get a new job first before resigning. Give whatever notice is stipulated in your contract.