After accepting it, how to notify HR that I decided to refuse their job offer

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A few weeks ago, I accepted my first job offer in Behavior health unit in a hospital. The training is supposed to start in the beginning of January.

Last week I had an interview in one of the best hospitals in the country for a new grad internship. Next, they sent me the offer. Although I want to explore a psych nursing, I think that it is smarter to accept a second offer (peds surgical transplant) to learn nursing skills. The decision is so tough on me though...

How am I supposed to notify HR (behavioral health) that I want to terminate the offer? How to do it more professionally? Calling or emailing, saying the truth or not explaining a real reason? I am a chicken now! I had background check, medicals, etc done, but thankfully they still might have a time to hire somebody until the training starts in January.

Thanks in advance!!!

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Specializes in ICU.

Email them and tell them that you have changed your mind and have decided to pursue an option that better suits your needs. You might end up having trouble getting employed by them in the future but that's the tradeoff.

I think you're making the right decision, by the way.

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Dear HR,

Thank you for the gracious offer of the position at St. X hospital, but because of personal and professional circumstances I have had to reconsider my acceptance.

Thanks again,

You

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EllaBella1, thank you for your thoughtful advice!

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Offlabel, thank you! I will use your template to bravely write the email to HR.

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Specializes in EMS, ED, Trauma, CEN, CPEN, TCRN.

Just remember: bad news doesn't get better with time. You'll feel better once it is done, and that will give them time to extend an offer to someone else. Congrats on your peds job! :)

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Pixie. RN, Thank you for your advice! :)

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