Bowing out gracefully

[mstearns09]

I love most of the residents at my job; I enjoy most of my co-workers but I'm getting more and more of a vibe that it's time for me to move on. My husband has been pushing for me to consider other employment for quite some time. I work in LTC and it isn't the work that's bothering me so much as it's a lot of little things both at work and at home.

I applied at our local hospital a couple weeks ago when a position opened up, not really thinking that I'd get an offer. I know the DON well but didn't think she would consider hiring me. I did an interview and last week, she gave me a conditional job offer. I accepted it and turned in my two weeks notice yesterday.

My current boss talked to me today and practically begged me to stay. I'm one of the few reliable and dependable people who work there but I can't say that I get recognized for it very often. In fact, lately, it has felt like I've been a lightning rod for criticism. I don't want to be the facility pet, but some appreciation would be nice. I offered to stay on PRN with the opportunity to come back full-time.

The thing is, I couldn't bring myself to tell my current boss that I accepted a new job. I basically told her that it isn't anything at work (I'm trying to keep myself in a positive light with them despite the fact that there are things that are going on that bother me) but that it's more about family needs (which is also true). I need to tell her that I've accepted another job but I'm afraid that when she finds out where, it's all going to blow up. I live in a very rural county where everyone knows everyone else and his or her personal business whether it's accurate or not. I've been an absolute basketcase about this for the last two weeks. I feel guilt for leaving but at the same time, I feel a desperate need to get out of there.

[WannaBNursey, ADN, ASN, RN]

At the end of the day you need to do what's best for you and your family. The nursing home wouldn't keep you around if you weren't a fit for them, now they just aren't the best fit for you.

You do seem pretty connected to this facility though. I honestly would try out the hospital job and stay at the LTC PRN until you know the hospital is the best fit for you, then tell your current DON that you received a job offer that fits in better with your family life.

Congrats on the new job! This is a pleasant problem to have!

[Hope63]

Change is always a little scary, but I think you will really enjoy the new position. The hospital setting is exciting and challenging, which sounds like something you are ready for. Stay on PRN and you can have the best of both worlds.

I lived in a small town for many years and understand the situation. Sometimes it's better not to give all the details, all you're required to do is give 2 weeks notice. How your Manager reacts when she finds out you left for another job will determine if you want to return to full time employment at the facility later on. Good luck

[mstearns09]

Thanks! I bit the bullet and told my current DON that I accepted the new job. I think she's pretty disappointed but understands. They are willing to keep me PRN and I'm sure if this doesn't work out, they will take me back in a heartbeat. There are lots of good things about the facility but those just aren't enough to keep me there right now. The commute, although not long at 30 miles round trip, is really wearing me down mentally and financially. We do additional necessary travel each month that equates to close to 400 miles and once you add the 150 to 180 miles I drive to work in a week's time, that adds up to serious dollars that we just don't have right now. We also failed our state survey, miserably, and had our re-survey revoked. They are now waiting for another re-survey and I really think that something drastic is going to happen before the annual survey comes back around.

[Hope63]

I think I would wait to pick up any PRN shifts until they pass the survey. Things in life happen for a reason, and it sounds like things have worked out for the best for you professionally and personally. Good luck on the new job and let me know how it goes.