Questions to Ask Yourself Before Switching Nursing Jobs

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Most people have moments (or entire days) when they just want to say, “I quit.” Maybe you have had it and have been fantasizing for a while about quitting your current position. In other cases, you’re feeling antsy, and you’re looking for a new challenge. Either way, before you take the plunge and switch nursing jobs, it’s a good idea to ask yourself some of the questions below.

Are typical patient to staff ratios manageable? Even the best nurse can only do so much. If the patient to nurse workload is unmanageable, it can lead to increased job stress and dissatisfaction. Before accepting a position, make sure you know what typical workloads are like.

Does the new job help you reach your goals? Consider what your goals are. Do you want to get involved in education, move into management, or develop new skills? Maybe you want a more flexible schedule, so you can spend more time with your kids or return to school. Whatever your goals are, ask yourself if switching jobs is a step in the right direction.

Have you walked around the facility; how do people interact? If possible, visit the healthcare facility that you are considering. Take a look around. Does it appear clean? Are people friendly, or does everyone look miserable? Although you can’t always judge a book by its cover, walking around the facility may help give you an idea of what the work environment is like and whether or not it feels like a good fit.

Have you researched the hospital? Before you jump ship from one job to the next, check out the hospital or healthcare facility you’re considering. Go to their website. Consider accreditations and staff credentials. Google the hospital to see if there has been anything negative in the press. Read hospital reviews online to get a general idea of how the public feels.

What is your motivation for moving on? There are a lot of good reasons to move to another job, from wanting a new challenge to better hours. Sometimes it makes sense to jump ship. After all, sometimes you have to do something different to grow.

But there are also other instances when switching to another job may not be the wisest choice. For example, are you considering leaving your current job out of frustration or anger? Only you can decide if switching jobs is the best choice. But don’t make a hasty decision based on emotion. Before making your move, take a step back and think about what’s motivating you.

What are you giving up? You might have considered the reasons why you want to switch jobs, but have you considered what you are giving up? For example, do you have a good benefits package or a lot of seniority built up? Do you love your co-workers and the fact your commute to work is only ten minutes?  Make sure you weigh the pros and cons of leaving your current job before you move on. You might find it’s worth it to give up what you have for a new opportunity.

Are you willing to start over? Keep in mind: if you take a new position, you’re starting over in several ways. For example, your new co-workers do not know you, so you have to build trust and comradery. You’ll also need to learn procedures and policies at your new facility. Being the new kid in town may also mean you have the least seniority, which may result in working the least favorable shifts.

Should you talk it over with someone? Making a job switch is a big deal. If you are single, you might only have to consider what you want. But for married folks or those with kids, you have other people to consider. Before switching job, talk it over with people who are close to you.