Answering the "where are you going" ??

Nurses Professionalism

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I'm leaving my current job soon. And soon people are going to start asking where I'm going. There are some people I just don't want to give this information to, mostly because of gossip. Then there are others I don't mind knowing. However I know I have to tell everyone the same thing and the "none of your business" answer is hard for me and makes me feel like a jerk. These people are going to want details.

Any advice? Or am I just going to have to suck it up and be a jerk?

Thx

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Specializes in L&D, OBED, NICU, Lactation.

I really think you're overthinking this. "I'm moving on to a new challenge." Ignore future questions. Lather, rinse, repeat.

Good luck in your new opportunity!

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It's not possible to prevent gossip, they'll make it up in the absence of actual material if they are dedicated enough.

Chin up, and ask yourself why you feel you need to take this so seriously. Within yourself, I mean. Why does the 'thought' of what some of your coworkers MIGHT do impact what you DO do? This is apart from the actual intrusiveness/gossip happening on your unit. I'm talking about stuff going on in your own head.

I say this only because I tend to do the same thing :) . When I left my last position, the nosey-ness was overwhelming. I felt genuine discomfort at the 'thought' of who is saying what. My right knee blew out, and I could just 'hear' them say 'well, if she'd lose some weight . . .' and the like. Whether they did or not :D I had to catch myself doing it again :) So I'm not all that good at it either.

I too would feel like an a*s or a jerk, but you have to remind yourself there are more options than vomiting up everything to anyone and 'being a jerk'.

Also, your past coworkers are a valuable commodity, for future professional references, word of mouth on new jobs.

I try to just let go of thinking I can 'control' what people say if I do ____ or not do/say _____. Really, what a waste of time and energy. Like I can stop them if they really want to gossip? I hate the idea just like you, but it's outta my hands.

Nurses are hardest on themselves, and it's a career long job to ease up on yourself, be more reasonable, see what you can control and what ya can't :)

Congrats on your new position!

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I've been in this position, leaving a job full of angry, vindictive people and I certainly did not want them to know where I'd be going next! I lied. Problem solved.

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Specializes in Geriatrics, Dialysis.

Whatever you reasons are for being OK with telling some people where you are going while not telling others...just don't do it. Be consistent and either tell everyone who asks what you future plans are or tell nobody because believe me if you tell more than one person everyone will know anyway. There's obviously some reason you would prefer people not knowing your plans, and that's ok. Just be vague, the generic "i'm taking on a new challenge" or "I'm exploring new opportunities" is a good enough answer.

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Thx guys. I think I am way over thinking it.

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