Feel Guilty about Resigning - needs some perspective

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, NICU.

Hi all, I was offered an RN position today in L&D, something I have always wanted to do. I have been waiting for this sort of opportunity for quite a while! I am SO very happy to be going to work there, I should be estatic. I am to start my new job in mid September......

I am submitting my resignation tomorrow and I am dreading it. I work in urgent care and we are constantly short staffed. Also I really like the people I work with. Of course I have changed jobs in the past, but I think this is the first time I have left a job that I still liked. Any advice?

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Specializes in Education, Administration, Magnet.

You are doing the right thing. If L&D was always your dream, then go for it and enjoy it. I bet your co workers will understand.

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Specializes in Peds Cardiology,Peds Neuro,Pedi ER,PICU, IV Jedi.

It sounds as if you enjoy your current job very much, which is a plus. It also sounds as if you've always dreamed of working L/D, also a plus.

To me it sounds like you feel guilty for leaving an employer who doesn't respect you enough to keep adequate staff in the office - a troubling sign. And who's to say this won't get worse in the future. Is this the kind of employer you want to stay with??

I completely understand your reluctance to leave your current place of work, after all, for most of us it's all about the people we work with and the difference we make. But are you going to regret your decision later??

Don't feel guilty about doing what you think is the right thing FOR YOU!!! The only person you have to answer to is YOU.

I know change can be stressful, but isn't it worth a try?? Perhaps you can go part time at your current job (or even PRN until you see if L&D works out)?

I'm sure you'll make the best decision for yourself.

Good luck.

vamedic4

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Congratulations on your new job!! If L&D is what you've been waiting for, you certainly deserve to be happy about it. Don't feel guilty at all. Just because you change jobs doesn't mean you still can't keep in touch with your current co-workers. I'd venture to say that they will be happy for you knowing L&D is really what you've always wanted to do. Go for it!! Good Luck!!

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Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

I don't understand the reasons why many nurses feel so guilty when having to resign from their jobs. Why are we so loyal to our employers who don't extend the same degree of loyalty in return? I am never loyal to employers and corporations.

Don't feel guilty about leaving your urgent care job because your employer is, apparently, doing nothing proactive to solve the workplace's staffing issues. Take the dream L&D job and don't look back. Congratulations!

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Specializes in primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN, NICU.

Thank you...you are right. Why are we so loyal? For me, it's more a worry that the ones I leave behind will be even more burdened. When I think about it rationally tho', a year ago management knew we would be short 3 nurses in the summer. (They all were having babies in a six week time period!) Management never even tried to hire more nurses, and they had 9 months notice!. They just gave us all more work. AND another thing, it's NOT a matter of funding - we just celebrated record profits for this fiscal year! I know every place has it's problems, but that certainly won't stop me from taking the L&D position - the reason I became a nurse in the first place! Thanks for your words of encouragement.

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Specializes in Education, Acute, Med/Surg, Tele, etc.

I left a job that I had had working in an ALF after 4 years and OH YES I felt the guilt... I mean, the places admin wasn't the best at all, the facility rules were so strict they were comical and less than professional..but I learned my way around those probelms, really knew my residents, and LOVED the staff! It was a like a huge disfunctional family..LOL!

Well...the place wasn't doing well money wize, and had to cut the RN's down to part time. Seeing as I was a charge, floor and assistant administrator...they cut me down to 2 days a week max...and well...what could I do! Can't live on that!

SO I had to leave, and got a job with a wonderful agency who wanted to open up on our western most side of the Portland/Hillsboro area. I took it, and was making much more money, doing tasks I missed and enjoyed, meeting all new people, and loving it! In fact, it lead me to my current job that I am adoring!!!!

However, the guilt I felt was so strong I think I still feel a tiny bit once in a while still. BUT...the coolest thing...now I am in hospital and treat those very same residents when they need a friendly known face the most!!! So the switch turned out to be more positive, profitable, educational, fulfilling, and just plain wonderful beyond words on all aspects!

Don't feel guilty, but you can feel sad for leaving people you care about! That is human! Take time to visit or sometimes I write a letter on what is up to send to a few caregivers I know at my old place (and they get it to others!). Turn that sad energy into 'hmmm how can I make my friends from the other job happy? A letter? Send some candy? Deliver some really good coffee! That really helps to stop focusing on the negatives and having fun planing on the positives and feeling great!

Great job on getting LD!!!!!!!! Congratulations and Have a Blast of a time!!!!!!!!

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

No guilt necessary!

Leave on good terms so that you can do occasional shifts there if you wish, or can return in the future, if desired.

Then move on and do your best for your new employer. Good luck!

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