ethical delemma(sp?)

SmilingBluEyes · Dec 13, 2004

I know this is probably an unpopular vote but I would fulfill my promise to the first boss. The reason is - that ethics and integrity can't be bought. As a new grad RN - there are (usually) a wide range of jobs to choose from - so I don't think you'll lose out on a good chance later.

I am glad to see I am not alone. I was beginning to think something was wrong w/me. I guess if I made a promise to someone, I would be loathe to break my word, unless they themselves gave me good reason. The OP calls this an ethical dilemma, I think if concerned with being ethical, then one should keep his/her word, if promised.

CSLee3, ASN, BSN, LVN, EMT-P · Dec 13, 2004

EMS Boss.....your word is your word...Don't burn bridges..you may need that reference very soon. Good luck in your new career, but finish out your old career in style....don't break a promise.

Morguein · Dec 13, 2004

Is there any way you can work both jobs until April?

frantic one · Dec 23, 2004

I vote for going to your current boss and explaining the new offer. Decide ahead of time what you need to make up for the fact that you will be driving further and spending more time on the road, plus the money difference. Probably he won't be willing to pay it and then you're off the hook.
If nothing will make up for it, then go to him and tell him of the new offer and your personal need to accept it, emphasizing the terrible travel burden and the hardship it causes you. And remember, most CEO's probably see the worker bees as pawns on the chessboard of their own all important careers and could care less about their personal lives. But the ethical thing would be to, nevertheless, break the news to him personally, since you made this hasty promise.

This is a great reply in that it covers the ethical aspects of Healthcare BUSINESS and any relationship that you may have with your supervisor (regardless of their corporate position). If you have a commitment to your position due to your education being paid for, then that is a contract. But, if not, as much as you are of value in your job, you will be replaced.

If you are in a clinical position, there will always be more patients that need to be taken care of; if it is a management position, then it truly is business to the organization. Whichever the case, and as much as we need to be needed, any person is replacable, and the job only owes you the paycheck and benefits.

teeituptom, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2004

I am in the midst of an ethical self battle...I told my boss (CEO of the hospital) last year that I would stay until next licensure inspection which will be in Marc/April. I will graduate next Friday (17th) with my ADN/RN. Now my delemma...I have been offered a position 25 minutes closer to home and $3.00 more an hour...(sigh) I know what I SHOULD do:uhoh21: ...but...What would YOU do?:uhoh21:

You do whats best for you and do waht you want to do. simple.

bellcollector · Dec 24, 2004

I am all for ethics and standing by your word but as someone else posted things do change. I think you owe it to yourself and to your current boss to talk it out with him/her. Be honest and up front about why you are even considering the other job offer. Maybe you can work something out so that you can accept the job offer closer to home yet still help them out in preparing for the next revue. Make sure he/she knows you do not want to break your word you just don't want to miss another possibley better opportunity either. If your current boss is ethical he/she will try to work something out with you. It may mean more work for you for a few months but it would be worth it to stay in good with your current boss and get your foot in with the new job all at the same time. I think it speeks well for you that you are struggling with this. Most woud just jump ship and not even try to work out a compromise. JMHO

Ex130Load · Dec 24, 2004

I'm "old school" in that I put a premium on being a "person of my word." Having said that, I know many bosses don't have the same standards and will do as they feel in order to do their job. That approach engenders little institutional support or loyalty from workers.

Most posted solutions seem to be "black and white", honor your word or take the job without glancing back. I think it's refreshing to see someone in a quandary over how to handle the problem.

I especially like Bellcollector's idea of discussing the issue with your CEO/boss. As a CEO, I'm sure he's seen others quickly move on when opportunities presented themselves, maybe leaving him "flapping in the breeze" at a most inopportune time. I'm confident he'd at least appreciate a heads-up of your possible actions--he can make tentative plans earlier. If the CEO is your boss, you may be a bit higher up on the food chain that many hourly nurses. If so, can your reputation stand taking a hit by being labeled as one possessing a self-serving sense of dedication? I don't in any way want to re-start the discussion about how nurses should take what ever comes their way because they are under-appreciated, under-compensated, and often treated like dirt.

I think bedside nurses have an advantage over "position" nurses. When conditions become intolerable at a facility, most nurses in most of the US can, thanks to a job rich employment environment, move on to another site because everyone's looking for nurses. I don't think the same is true for nurses working as a recruiters, educators, assistant DONs etc. I also think people in those positions would be wise to value their reputation and take prudent action to protect or enhance it.

Back to your boss, maybe he can "sweeten the pot" for you, if you're a highly valued employee... Though I don't know your boss, Bellcollector's idea helps create the dynamics for you move on without burning bridges or to possibly stay with improved compensation. Just my 25 cents worth...

For what it's worth, a former boss of mine said ethics is about picking the best of two bad choices. I think it sort of applies to you. Good luck and I wish the best for you.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2004

Are you getting paid now? Would they be willing to start paying you an even amount, if getting paid? Would this boss be willing to bump your pay up at least $3.00/hour for you to stay, if you do get paid now? Can you leave on good terms even though you break your promise? (You may need to work there again in the future.) Will the other employer hold your position?

These are just some questions you have to ask yourself. Weigh the balance of each one. Sleep on it, pray about it, drawal straws...whatever you do to make a decision like this! :chuckle

Good luck in whatever you decide, and congratulations on becoming and RN.

emsboss · Dec 24, 2004

I sat down with my boss and had a LOOOONG heart-to-heart with him. He is GREAT to work for(with). I told him we were ready for the licensure inspection(state inspection to make sure we are "up to standard") and he asked me about my plans. I told reminded him about the promise and he said for me not to worry about it. My position will be posted "in-house" the second week of January and I will be helping with the interview/selection process. When the candidate is chosen, I will help to train him/her. "If a better offer comes up before then, you will be foolish to not take it.":p (his quote, not mine.) THANX for all the advice...I am still praying.

Fun2, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2004

I sat down with my boss and had a LOOOONG heart-to-heart with him. He is GREAT to work for(with). I told him we were ready for the licensure inspection(state inspection to make sure we are "up to standard") and he asked me about my plans. I told reminded him about the promise and he said for me not to worry about it. My position will be posted "in-house" the second week of January and I will be helping with the interview/selection process. When the candidate is chosen, I will help to train him/her. "If a better offer comes up before then, you will be foolish to not take it.":p (his quote, not mine.) THANX for all the advice...I am still praying.

That is great, emsboss!!! Now you can relax, and have the best of both worlds...not outright breaking your promise, and more money!! :balloons:

fiestynurse · Dec 24, 2004

I think that if you went to your boss and told him the truth, he would understand. You could offer to stay a few weeks and train someone else to do your job. You have to do what is best for you - It's that simple.

purplemania, BSN, RN · Dec 24, 2004

look at it this way: if he had to lay off a person in order to keep the business afloat would he lay off that person? YES. So, you are laying him off instead. It is just business. He will understand that you cannot pass up an opportunity any more than he can.