Resigning: Counter Offer Advice?

Jolie, BSN · Dec 23, 2016

Their current interest means nothing unless it translates into a job offer prior to your start date at the new hospital.

If they come thru with an offer that interests you, consider it within the scope of your knowledge of the facility. Have you been satisfied, other than the lack of responsiveness to your previous applications? Is the pay acceptable? Are your benefits adequate? What is the hospital-wide work environment? Is staffing appropriate? Are you comfortable with the professional atmosphere? Are your educational needs met? Do you believe that you will enjoy working on the new unit?

If so, I would consider staying. It seems that they are making a reasonable effort to correct their past neglect of your job interests, and most of the other intangibles that contribute to job satisfaction (or lack there-of) are known to you. If you move to another employer, those factors will all be unknown. You might end up unhappy in the specialty of your choice, because the practical details of the job are not to your liking.

Good luck.

klone, MSN, RN · Dec 23, 2016

Wow, who are you related to?

Sorry, that was snarky. I've just never heard of a hospital going to such lengths for a floor nurse. You must be a rock star nurse!

Sour Lemon · Dec 23, 2016

Hello,
I am going to be transferring to a new hospital to switch specialties. However, when HR
at my current job found out, they stated they did not want to lose me and asked what they could do to persuade me to stay. I applied to two previous positions in the past year and never got so much as a phone call, email, nothing. Due to this, they said they would push my application through to the unit I wanted to work on. Within two hours, I had an interview
scheduled for the following week. I really do like the hospital I work for but the reason I
was looking elsewhere is because I felt my inquiries to new positions were swept under
the rug. I am flattered by them wanting me to stay but should I consider this situation a good thing or is it a red flag? Any advice would be great. Thank you!

It's not a red flag, but it's no guarantee either. If you're actually offered a job in the new specialty (as opposed to just an interview), you could find your transfer postponed because it would "leave your unit short". Hospitals will sometimes drag these things way out. In the meantime, what will happen to the position you've actually secured?

RG-RN2014 · Dec 23, 2016

Haha I promise you I am not related to anyone at the hospital. I'm actually the only RN in my family besides my grandma and she's retired.

RG-RN2014 · Dec 23, 2016

Well, I don't know if this matters but my hospital has a strong union. In the contract, they have to complete the transfer within 30 days of the offer.

Jules A, MSN · Dec 23, 2016

It sounds like you are a valued employee which unfortunately seems rare to get that recognition these days, kudos! My guess is HR is just HR and somehow missed your previous requests so if the offer is good and as others mentioned iron clad in writing prior to your taking the new job I'd definitely consider it. Perhaps a lesson for us all to not just accept crickets chirping from HR although worth mentioning in general I'm not a fan and prefer to circumvent that department entirely whenever possible.

roser13, ASN, RN · Dec 23, 2016

I was once given some advice by a very wise manager in the business world: Never, EVER, fall for a counter-offer from your current employer.

1. If you are so valuable, why didn't they pay attention to your transfer requests to begin with?

2. If you accept this counter-offer, you will forever have a target on your back as in "you OWE us. We did you a favor." You may never be able to live up to their heightened expectations, now that they did you such a "favor."

3. Making this one position work for one employee (you) does not remotely indicate a culture change on that unit. The culture will remain as it was when your previous requests were ignored.

MrChicagoRN, RN · Dec 23, 2016

Years ago, as a staff nurse, I accepted another job with better hours. After I gave my notice, the dept head met with me and promised I'd get the next day position, and I agreed to stay.

It worked out fine, no targets, no retaliation.

Some systems are just blind to retaining good employees, and it wasn't till you were ready to leave that they woke up.

If you get the written job offer and it's what you want, go for it.

Jules A, MSN · Dec 23, 2016

I was once given some advice by a very wise manager in the business world: Never, EVER, fall for a counter-offer from your current employer.
1. If you are so valuable, why didn't they pay attention to your transfer requests to begin with?
2. If you accept this counter-offer, you will forever have a target on your back as in "you OWE us. We did you a favor." You may never be able to live up to their heightened expectations, now that they did you such a "favor."
3. Making this one position work for one employee (you) does not remotely indicate a culture change on that unit. The culture will remain as it was when your previous requests were ignored.

Interesting and thank you for sharing. I always appreciate the pearls. I'm not sold on #1 and #2 but worth considering and I agree 100% about #3. I have seen #3 in play more than once although it sounds like the OP is actually changing units and likes the overall system. I'd love to hear how this works out.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Dec 23, 2016

Yep, your inquiries were lost in the HR file thirteen. Do not be flattered by the fact THEY realized their error. If this is an internal transfer, why does HR have their panties in a bunch?

You need to make this all about YOU.

This is all about management now. Interview, get an offer and stay put if it works out for YOU.

Best wishes.

DeeAngel · Dec 24, 2016

Usually this is done to keep you from accepting the new job offer. Then after that you could expect to be terminated without being eligible for rehire. Thats the way this plays out in a lot of other industries. Unless there is a firm job offer on the table before your end date I would not stay.