[chrism]

Hey guys, I'm new to the board and I think it's great. I'm a 22 year old male nursing student and will be graduating with my BS in nursing in December. I've got a question. My gf also graduates in December, but since it's a school related job she may have trouble finding work until July/August. If I start working right in January and she finds a distant job in July, how big of a deal is it for me to quit my first job after only six or seven months to move where she is? Will other hospitals be hesitant to hire me? Hope you can help. Thanks

[GratefulTedd]

Be honest up front to your interviewers- let them know before they hire you that there is a chance you may have to leave. I think some employers will look at -6 months and quit- with jaundiced eye, you will find yourself explaining your circumstances. Some may not even interview you- so I'd hint at reason for relocation to go with her right in your cover letter.

[Aaron C.]

I don't think it should be any problem at all. Things come up, that's just life. Besides, it's not like nurses are exactly growing on trees these days! You're in demand buddy, you should have no problems gettin' a good job just about anywhere you go...

Good luck, and keep us posted!

[nursinghumor]

It will be a problem and I would not mention it on interviews.

The first three to six months you are on the job (hospital for instance) will be unit orientation and classes (CPR, BLS, IV, ACLS, Telemetry, etc) largely at your employers expense. If you start telling them that you're only going to stay for six months, they'll won't want to hire you period.

They need you to stay for at least two years to get a good return on their investment in your training/education as a new graduate.

If you suddenly leave after six months, they won't be happy, but it does happpen. Just be sure you've got a few people from that facility you can use as references.

Andrew Lopez, RN
http://www.4nursing.com