Nursing

In the know: Make smooth moves in your career

Stressed Out Nurses Weekly, December 8, 2008

Long gone are the times when nurses entered a specialty area and retired from that same unit. Hospital retention data suggests that nurses are most likely to pick up and change units or specialties once they have obtained between two and five years if experience. New specialty areas, new facilities, and new roles explode onto the radar every day. Sometimes we need to change because we haven’t found a good fit, but often we move on for new and exciting opportunities. Here is a list of simple dos and don’ts to help you maintain the respect of your colleagues and uphold professional behavior throughout your transition

Do:

  • Inform your supervisor in person as well as in writing.
  • Keep your explanations and rationales factual.
  • Talk from your own perspective, using “I” phrases versus “you,” “we,” or “everyone” accusations.

Don’t:

  • Criticize leadership or management personnel to your coworkers who are staying behind.
  • Discuss your dislikes your desires for change with patients or families; voices carry, so be cautious of what you say and where you say it.
  • Do anything rash. Don’t react in anger, sadness, or frustration. Think it through and talk it out with a mentor or leader.

Source: Stressed Out About Your Nursing Career, HCPro, Inc. 2008. Be sure to pick up your copy today!


 

Comments

0 comments on “In the know: Make smooth moves in your career ”

 

Most Popular

Related Articles