Two week notice vs. Leave of Absence

I recently did this. I did not want to sever ties where I have been staff for 5 years. My manager gave me a LOA. MOre importantly I checked with the house supervisor and was assured that there was a position for me at least somewhere in the hospital when I came back.
That made me feel safe.
Am now back at old job after 7 month leave.
Will go again next winter. With the nursing shortage being what it is in my area I feel pretty safe.
Going away and coming back worked really good. I learned a lot while I was gone and came back with a whole new perspective

Gonzo1 You are lucky they granted your LOA. I asked for one a couple years ago and was given the run around for months and still didn't know at the time of my departure. I got a letter a couple weeks later saying how sorry they were that I was terminated. I was able to work one more summer but "was not eligable for rehire" after the second winter in the south. Yes the nursing shortage ensures that there are jobs, but not always where you want them. I was in a small town with only one hospital. Own a house that is now sitting empty in the summers too. Hopefully it will be sold soon. Never got an answer as to why I was termed "Not eligable for rehire" only heard rumors that there was jealosy that I didn't have to put up with the Winters. Maybe refusing the flu shot contributed too.

Rod

Potential start dates are usually given to you before you submit to a hospital. If you don't think you can make it to the specific location, you shouldn't submit yourself for the job. Most of the time the start dates are flexable, but once you say you can be there by a specific time you should be there.

Rod

I truly believe that politics play a huge role in our industry (one of the reasons I'm starting travel). I have worked in several different areas of the country, most recently in the south. I was told, after I gave my 2wks that I had to give a month's notice if I wanted to be considered for rehire. Funny think is, the manager in Cath Lab where I work PRN had already asked be to stay PRN.
Unfortunately, there is no shortage of nurses in my area, there are at least 4 RN programs here. However, there is a shortage of experienced nurses, those with over 2 years experience. The hospital I am leaving has the idea that any warm body will do. They hire new grads for the units and then give them a less then perfect orientation.
It's a bad situation waiting to turn even worse. Very often there is no experienced nurses working in the unit or they put the experienced nurses in the stepdown unit.
Realistically, if I don't do the month's notice, trying to get any reference will be like pulling teeth. Anyway, I am glad to be leaving this place and starting my first travel assignment. No more politics for me. Just know that there are alot of us in the same or similiar situations.