How to resign from a job you accepted (but haven't started). This new grad needs help!

[Kitkat222, BSN, RN]

Hey everyone, so I recently graduated from nursing school in May. I took part in a nursing internship at a hospital near me, which gave me a float tech/CNA position while I was finishing my senior year of nursing school. Once I graduated, they offered me a RN float tele position and I accepted the job. But I still hadn't taken my NCLEX and orientation wouldn't start until the end of August (again they offered me the job in May). I also applied to other hospitals (ER specifically) to see if I could get the unit I wanted to work in, post graduation. I thought if I was offered an ER position, I'd resign from my float tele offer. Months passed, and I figured I wasn't going to get an offer... but last week one of the hospitals offered me an ER position and I've decided I want to take this position! Now, I'm stuck trying to figure out how to let my float tele department know that I won't be attending orientation next week...

I didn't mean to abandon the hospital that gave me a nursing internship and a tele float RN position, but I also don't want to pass up a position I originally wanted. Float tele wasn't something I wanted to start off with, but I also wanted to be safe and have a job out of nursing school incase other places wouldn't offer me a position.

I'm wondering has anyone been in this position before? How did you go about telling your employer that you actually won't be working for them anymore? Any advice as how to approach this situation? I don't wanna leave a sour taste in my department's mouth and I want to be as professional as possible, but as a new grad they didn't teach me this in nursing school! Any help would be appreciated.

[guest52816]

As soon as possible, you should telephone the hiring manager and as professionally as possible, simply tell the truth. The ER position you really wanted, and while you appreciate the opportunity that was offered to you, you feel you simply can't pass up the chance to do what you really want to do.

Most people will appreciate your honesty and, as they say: No harm, no foul.

One of my nursing school classmates was in your situation. She was offered her dream job, yet felt such guilt about turning down a job she had accepted. The NM didn't fault her for her decision. Again, I think people respect honesty.

Best of luck to you in the ER! I wish you success.

[Kitkat222, BSN, RN]

Thanks so much for your advice. I did exactly what you said and called the next day. I'm not going to lie, I was terrified and scared my manager would be upset/disappointed, but to my surprise he was very understanding! I was honest, and he knew that ER was something I wanted to start off with (but wasn't a position he could offer me at that hospital). Thank you again! *sigh of relief*