Why I am leaving my last job

Emergent, RN · Dec 16, 2014

Hi. A bad manager, lots of turnover, bullying, poor ratios and long drive are strong reasons to leave a job. Ridiculous and redundant charting, however, is everywhere, you will not escape that in healthcare today. Lazy workers, also, can be found far and wide.

xoemmylouox, ASN, RN · Dec 16, 2014

Many of the reasons you list you will find many places. Some (hopefully) not so much. Being downright miserable at your job can ruin your time when you are away so it is worth trying. I wish you the best of luck with your next employer. It always amazes me how losing droves of good staff never alerts anyone that there is an issue that needs to be addressed. :banghead:

amoLucia · Dec 16, 2014

... It always amazes me how losing droves of good staff never alerts anyone that there is an issue that needs to be addressed.

I think it's the ostrich-head-in-the-sand syndrome. They either just don't WANT to address the problem or else they just CAN'T do it.

calivianya, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2014

It is true that redundant charting is everywhere, but some places are more ridiculous than others. Good luck finding something new! :)

BSNbeauty, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2014

Hi. A bad manager, lots of turnover, bullying, poor ratios and long drive are strong reasons to leave a job. Ridiculous and redundant charting, however, is everywhere, you will not escape that in healthcare today. Lazy workers, also, can be found far and wide.

Yesh, but some place are way worse than others.

Mulan · Dec 16, 2014

"I want to expand my horizons."

"I want more experience in such and such."

SierraBravo · Dec 16, 2014

OP, to be honest with you, I wouldn't share the reasons you listed with anyone except maybe your significant other/family and friends. Unless I missed the point and you are trying to come up with reasons so that you can rationalize and justify leaving your job to yourself. However, if you're looking for reasons that you can actually tell a new employer as to why you left your old job, the best policy is to be honest but try to give your reasons in a neutral way.

firstinfamily, RN · Dec 16, 2014

Maybe its time to get a higher degree, that might open up more jobs for you!!! When ever I get discouraged and feel that I don't have control of my career I look at what else I can do to make myself more marketable. A certification, a higher degree usually helps when looking for other positions. The same old grind does get old after awhile, but it is up to us to inspire each other. Have you asked around at your current facility about other positions? You at least have longevity there and there might be something open that would meet your needs better. I understand the long drive gets to you, but it might help if you could qualify for a higher position!! Good LUck, we are here as the sounding board whenever you need us!!

Emergent, RN · Dec 16, 2014

If I'm being interviewed, I say positive things about my experience at my previous jobs, and positive reasons why I'm interested in the position and facility I'm applying to.

I wouldn't say I'm being bullied, my manager sucks, the ratios are lousy. Those statements can easily be interpreted to mean that you have trouble getting along, or handling the workload. Don't say your co-workers are lazy either.

Positives can be that the new place is closer, you've heard good things about retention and the quality of the workplace and its staff, and you are looking to grow professionally and stay for the long run.

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Dec 16, 2014

Do not resign until you have another job lined up and do not give your real reasons for leaving either. The present manager does not care and the prospective manager will find it very tacky and off putting if you vent about a previous employer in a job interview. Discretion and self restraint will make a much better impression.

The problems the OP listed exist, to some degree, everywhere in the hospital industry.

Hospitals have changed a lot in the last ten years and not for the better. If the leadership does not support their nurses, you have nothing.

It's not you, it's them.

As far as giving reason for leaving, you can say it is a great learning opportunity, closer to home, it works better with your family life.

Pick one and use it consistently. The less you say the better.

There is a similar thread today about resigning and protecting your professional reputation.

Take some time off in between if you can, to recuperate.

VANurse2010 · Dec 16, 2014

If I'm being interviewed, I say positive things about my experience at my previous jobs, and positive reasons why I'm interested in the position and facility I'm applying to.
I wouldn't say I'm being bullied, my manager sucks, the ratios are lousy. Those statements can easily be interpreted to mean that you have trouble getting along, or handling the workload. Don't say your co-workers are lazy either.
Positives can be that the new place is closer, you've heard good things about retention and the quality of the workplace and its staff, and you are looking to grow professionally and stay for the long run.

I have told prospective employers that the ratios were too much, but I was very specific about what we were expected to do and they agreed with me that it was ridiculous. If they didn't, I wouldn't want to work for them anyway.