Will I be job hopping?

A question for everyone. Well, some background first. I graduated in December 2012 with my ADN. I started in the PICU in February 2013. It ended up being a poor fit for me and I was let go in May. I started on an orthopedic unit in the same hospital that June. I like it there, I like my coworkers, and I've learned a lot. I don't, however, want to do it forever. I've posted before about having an interest in the OR. The interest is still there, and I can envision this as becoming my niche in nursing. I've shadowed a couple of times, so I know how different it will be compared to what I'm currently doing. I decided to pursue this more seriously a year from now, when my personal life will make it easier for me to do so. At that point, I will have two years of experience as a med-surg nurse, which is about what I wanted before specializing.

I worry though that I might be viewed as a job hopper by a nurse manager, since I'll be pursuing a third job in less than three years...even though leaving the first one wasn't my choice.

Thoughts? Thank you


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Your plan to do two years on the ortho floor sounds good. Maybe you could work on any certifications that OR would require of you in the meantime. Most important, don't make it seem like you're just "doing time" while working on your current floor. You never know what might work against you down the road with transfer process.

Thank you, that's good advice. I do like my current floor and don't think I give off a vibe just doing time. Sometimes things can happen unintentionally though!Sent from my iPhone using allnurses

You are not a job hopper. I say go for it! Even if people on Allnurses call you a job hopper, it is not our opinion that matters. It is your s!!

I think you are on the right track

Thanks so much! I think I'm on the right track too Sent from my iPhone using allnurses