Ethical to take permanent position with plans to leave?

AnchoredRN · Mar 31, 2015

If I were you and you have worked with them before, be upfront with them. Maybe you could work for those 3 months until they can find a permanent replacement. So you'd kind of be a placeholder. Otherwise if you took the job and didn't tell them you would be burning bridges with people you already have a good report with AND potentially be setting yourself up for a negative reputation.

hakhama · Mar 31, 2015

Okay thanks. I'm not sure it will work out if I am upfront with them as I think they do not want someone to stay for such a short time.

However, I'm wondering what I might do otherwise. I'm done with BSN on May 15, take the NCLEX around June 10, and my grad school classes start Sept. 29. Another option I'm considering is take a break after being done with school, spend time with friends/family, then move to the city where my grad school will be located early - like Aug 1 - in order to have more time for orientation to a part-time RN job that I could keep during grad school. Does this seem reasonable?? It feels weird to take that much time off... I mean, I would enjoy it but it would almost make me feel guilty too lol.

AnchoredRN · Mar 31, 2015

I think it's very reasonable especially since you're moving away. Take the few weeks to relax, see friends, and prepare for the new job.

RescueNinjaKy · Mar 31, 2015

I don't think it Will be ethical to take the job. You Will be knowingly lying to them. They expect you to stay long term and if you know that's not happening, then you're really being dishonest to them.

Now if you choose to do it, then no one can blame you for having your self interests at heart but they can be upset at you in regards to what they will perceive as immoral.

You can be honest about it and talk to them. If they don't mind then go for it, if they do mind and choose not to hire you since you're leaving in 3 months, then go have fun with friends. Guilt be gone.

amoLucia · Mar 31, 2015

Your option #2 has you banking on the premise that you will find a position quickly and get through an orientation period. I don't know if that is really feasible. I believe almost any facility will require a newbie RN graduate to have some type of orientation period - even LTC (albeit short orientation periods are their usual norm).

You still have NCLEX to pass and the need to obtain licensure in whatever state (and that truly takes time).

llg, PhD, RN · Mar 31, 2015

I'd take a little break, then move in June or July. You'll need more than a few weeks to get oriented to your first RN job. Start hunting for that job now, looking for a start date of late June or July. Move as soon as you have passed your NCLEX to give yourself the maximum amount of time to get oriented before switching to part-time employment. Trying to adjust to the RN role while simultaneously starting grad school can be tougher than you seem to think.

hakhama · Apr 1, 2015

Thanks for the advice everyone. I decided to be completely upfront with them and stated that I would think about keeping the job past 3 months but most likely I would be leaving for grad school. If they still are giving me an offer, I will assume they just really need staff and I will decide from there.