Not sure how I should respond

[MostlysunnyRN]

I'm a new grad RN in a smallish specialty hospital, but have several years experience as an LPN. I've been at my current job for about 2 months. My second day of "orientation" I was pulled off orientation to take several patients. I had a horrible experience due to the preceptor(s) I was paired with--I held my tongue back so much from what I wanted to say that the stress started making me physically ill at home: N/V, headaches, insomnia, etc.

Things were better when I started on my own a month ago, at least for a while. Lately I've been getting several patients over the "max ratio" I was told about before I was hired (I know, I know lol), but thing is, I'm getting this ridiculous patient load, including late admits, while the charge takes no patients, and spends the shift smoking (3-5 smoke breaks minimum) and chatting it up with other staff. Clearly, even pulling me off orientation was a better option than this charge nurse taking even one patient .

I was offered a pool position in a large hospital on M/S last week, which I accepted. I turned down a regular staff nurse job here last month, because the VA also selected me for a position and I'm going through the onboarding right now for that (I'm in the final stage). The nurse manager was really impressed with me, I'm told, and they actually contacted me for the pool position because of this. I don't need benefits, so pool is not an issue in that regard. Mind you, this hospital is very tough to get into as a new grad.

I emailed all the powers that be where I am now to request to decrease my hours in a few weeks. Now I get private e-mails asking why and if everything is ok. I honestly don't know what or how much I should say. Because I'll still be picking up shifts here a few times a month, for now, I don't want to weave a tangled web for myself--the cliques run deep from what I've observed. What might be your response? Would you even mention that you'd accepted another position elsewhere?

[caliotter3]

"A decreased schedule would better fit my current personal circumstances". Leave it at that. If they insist, "personal". Eventually they will find out about the other job. I would not offer that information unless you add it as your reason for resigning.

[Lev, MSN, RN, NP]

I would not mention it...at first..meaning not til you are well off orientation and probation at the new job. You need a fallback plan in case the new job isn't at all what it's cut out to be and you dont want to be fired or asked to resign from current job. Just say you want to cut back your hours for "personal reasons" which you "don't want to discuss further."

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

What might be your response? Would you even mention that you'd accepted another position elsewhere?

Definitely mention that you accepted a position elsewhere. You current workplace's feelings will not be hurt since I am sure HR is accustomed to employee turnover.

This happens all the time at my current workplace. The nurse who most recently requested a reduction in hours stated that she had gotten a full-time position elsewhere and would no longer be depending on our workplace for income. Her hours were reduced without resistance.

If management at your current job asks why you're cutting back, what do you have to lose by telling the truth? One or two shifts per month at a place that appears to be run like a hellhole?

[MostlysunnyRN]

Thanks for the responses so far--all have given me a lot of valid points to mull over. I'm thinking if I simply say I'm doing it for personal reasons, it might be perceived that my life is interfering with my work. On the other hand, if I mention I've accepted another job, I'm sure I'll be pressed for more detail as to what made me seek out other employment.

@TheCommuter, I want to tell them so bad how many ways this place stinks, it's just that I'm feeling now might not be a good time. I do want to get in, as someone else suggested, and get a feel for the new job first. Heaven forbid I'm in a situation to have to pick up more shifts with my current employer than I anticipate down the line.

[Libby1987]

Another angle to think about, what if they offer a resolution? Then what do you do, refuse their offer to improve things?

My response would be based on the response I'd want in return. If I didn't want them to offer me improvement in exchange for resuming my previous schedule I would avoid giving that opening.

If I wanted to remain in limbo so to speak while I waited to see how the new job pans out, I would tell them something non negotiable, but not hostile. I don't lie so I wouldn't fabricate anything. Maybe I would just say the FT schedule was more than I wanted or could manage at the time with other responsibilites. If you happen to have a teen that needs a little more hands on at the moment, that's always a legitimate temporary reason.

[MostlysunnyRN]

Another angle to think about, what if they offer a resolution? Then what do you do, refuse their offer to improve things?

My response would be based on the response I'd want in return. If I didn't want them to offer me improvement in exchange for resuming my previous schedule I would avoid giving that opening.

If I wanted to remain in limbo so to speak while I waited to see how the new job pans out, I would tell them something non negotiable, but not hostile. I don't lie so I wouldn't fabricate anything. Maybe I would just say the FT schedule was more than I wanted or could manage at the time with other responsibilites. If you happen to have a teen that needs a little more hands on at the moment, that's always a legitimate temporary reason.

You've made a lot of great points. Honestly, I knew going in that this job would likely be more of a stepping stone for me. I don't think any offer of resolution on their end would make a difference at this point. When people show you who they are, believe them the first time right? I don't lie either so that's a part of why I'm carefully thinking about how to respond. Thanks for responding!

[amoLucia]

I'm kind of surprised that they don't know already. Would not your new employer have had to contact them for references, etc?

[MostlysunnyRN]

I'm kind of surprised that they don't know already. Would not your new employer have had to contact them for references, etc?

I'm sure they have--the VA definitely has. I'm unsure as to whether the HR person shared this info beforehand with the nurse managers--that wouldn't be professional IMO, but frankly would not surprise me.

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

If HR is aware that you are seeking other employment chances are pretty good that others know as well. Go ahead and admit that you are accepting another position, but don't say it's because your current job stinks. Something more like "I accepted a position with better pay/benefits" or "more opportunity for growth" or maybe "in a unit I am interested in," basically anything but the truth...that you are leaving because the job stinks!

[Barnstormin' PMHNP]

If telling them your opinion of the place would make a difference, then do it, but in a professional manner. Somehow I have a feeling that telling them won't make one bit of difference, it's just tempting to vent all over them. I know the feeling lol

[MostlysunnyRN]

If telling them your opinion of the place would make a difference then do it, but in a professional manner. Somehow I have a feeling that telling them won't make one bit of difference, it's just tempting to vent all over them. I know the feeling lol[/quote']

It's certainly a situation where telling them my opinion won't make any difference at all, and may actually be used against me. I wish I felt comfortable enough to cut my ties completely and leave, but I'm feeling, I guess because I'm a new RN, that I want to make a "safe" transition, getting my foot well in the door at the new place, if that makes sense.