Leave new RN job before orientation starts

[newrn887]

Hello everyone,

Here's my question. I was offered a position last week for a part time job on a neuro/peds unit. I accepted the position. Today, I was called and offered a position for an ER nurse. It is my dream to be an ER nurse, and it is at my dream hospital. I already work at this hospital also as an EMT. I didn't know that I really had a chance, which is why I took the first job without asking them to give me a few days to decide. I don't start orientation for the neuro/peds job for another two weeks, and I haven't filled out any paperwork yet or even done a drug test. All I have done is verbally accepted the offer. Does it look bad on me to call them back and tell them I have accepted a different job? I forgot to mention that the ER job is full time, closer to where I live, in a hospital I currently work at, and also pays over $2 an hour more than the job I accepted. I have been an EMT for 4 years and know I want to work in the ER as a nurse. Plus, since I already work as an ED tech in the ER that called me, I already know the facility well and all the staff, and work well with them all.

I guess I also just don't know what exactly to say to the first job. I don't want this to hinder my chances of working for them in the future if I ever am interested in it or move closer to that hospital. Do you think they will think badly of it as long as I let them know as soon as possible, before they spend any money hiring me?

Thanks

[NurseGirl525, ASN, RN]

As someone who has done a lot of hiring, this happens all the time and is not a big deal. Just call them and explained what has happened. I disagree with the people who are saying you will be classified as a do not rehire. They may even offer you more money if you impressed them enough in the interview. You have to do what is best for you. I would do exactly what you are doing in your situation. Just call them and be honest.

[KeepItRealRN, BSN, RN]

I think Heathermaizey is probably right. It probably does happen all the time. The sooner you let them know the sooner they can call the second, third, and forth choices etc. As far as being black listed... nah, will probably just take your file and move it to another cabinet and forget about you.

[EaglesWings21, ASN, RN]

I accepted a job then later turned it down and am now about to begin orientation at the same hospital I turned down before..

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

If you're certain that the ED is the position you want, accept. Don't worry about the other place, but know that they probably won't rehire you in the future.

I wouldn't advocate for burning bridges, but it's best not to waste an employer's time and investment when you know you're not going to stay anyway. They probably have at least 20 or more qualified applicants who will gladly accept the position.

Just make sure the ED job is what you want.

[ParalyticAgent]

I accepted and later declined a position at a one hospital in order to take a position a different facility. About two years later, I applied again at the original facility and was immediately hired. Automatically assuming you're burning bridges may be premature.

You may want to send your preceptor a quick email to let them know what's going on and thank them for their support.

[RescueNinjaKy]

I agree that you need to let your preceptor about your circumstances and perhaps sweeten/make it up to them, because I know I would be upset if i recommend someone and then they back out at, one would say, last minute. It does give them pause on whether they want to recommend you in the future or not.

[MrChicagoRN, RN]

I say it's better to leave before orientation than to start and leave after. It's better to do what you love anyway because you'll be happier and do a better job for your patients

^ This

Give them a call, thank them for the opportunity, and graciously decline. Follow up with an email saying the same thing. But make sure your preceptor knows first, out of courtesy.

You aren't very far in the hiring process, so HR folks will just shrug their shoulders and move on to other candidates. Future repercussions are doubtful.

Good luck