what are the consequences of backing out of an offer?

AgentBeast, BSN, RN · May 31, 2011

Read the contract language before you sign anything.

Jolie, BSN · May 31, 2011

Have you considered asking Hospital A for more time to consider your offer? IMO, that's far more honest and better than taking it, working a few days, then backing out. To do so would likely land you on a "not eligible for re-hire list."

It never pays to burn bridges, especially in this economy.

You can also let Hospital B know that you are under time pressure to make a decision regarding another job, but that you would prefer to work for Hospital B. It may or not make a difference, but it can't hurt.

Good luck.

Sl1011 · Jun 1, 2011

I agree with what you said :)

A friend of mine had an offer from a hospital she didn't really want to work at and had an interview at the hospital she did want to work at. She asked the 1st hospital for more time to start orientation ( I think she might have already agreed to work, but didn't sign anything and pushed back her orientation/HR dates). The interview with the 2nd hospital went really well, but she was pressed for time. So she called them a few days later telling her situation with the 1st hospital, and the 2nd hospital told her.. do NOT work for that other hospital, we want you to work for us :) So maybe that will happen. Good luck!!

Have you considered asking Hospital A for more time to consider your offer? IMO, that's far more honest and better than taking it, working a few days, then backing out. To do so would likely land you on a "not eligible for re-hire list."
It never pays to burn bridges, especially in this economy.
You can also let Hospital B know that you are under time pressure to make a decision regarding another job, but that you would prefer to work for Hospital B. It may or not make a difference, but it can't hurt.
Good luck.

nurse441 · Jun 1, 2011

i actually did give this a lot of thought, and pushed back the offer decision for several days, and now i pushed it back another week. i even let them know i need several weeks to start. i agree with not starting and leaving, so i'm going to stay patient and wait...but .. i'm afraid im running out of time . i did reveal to the hospital i want to please speed it up because of my other offer. too bad the interviews never really lined up the way I wanted them to be. in fact its literally 1 month apart.

TheLastTime · Jun 1, 2011

A dog carrying a bone walked to a pond and saw another bone in the reflection...

hiddencatRN, BSN, RN · Jun 1, 2011

A bird in hand is worth two in the bush. I would take the offer at Hospital A. What exactly are you signing? If it's not a contract binding you for X amount of time, when and if Hospital B offers you the job you can cross that bridge then.

I had a few applications that I felt really good about, had good connections to people working there, and ended up not getting offers there. What if Hospital A decides to move on while you wait for an offer from Hospital B that never materializes?

caliotter3 · Jun 1, 2011

A bird in hand is worth two in the bush. I would take the offer at Hospital A. What exactly are you signing? If it's not a contract binding you for X amount of time, when and if Hospital B offers you the job you can cross that bridge then.
I had a few applications that I felt really good about, had good connections to people working there, and ended up not getting offers there. What if Hospital A decides to move on while you wait for an offer from Hospital B that never materializes?

This is why I coordinate my job hunting efforts. Multiple job offers, (as if that were going to happen!), are not the same as multiple acceptances to nursing schools. There are not enough bridges around that I can afford to be burning any, with my deliberate acts. The employers hold the cards, and they know it.

Marshall1 · Jun 1, 2011

I am in a similar situation...I was offered and accepted a position (not at a hospital) last week. I have decided, after much reflection, that for now, for awhile, I need out of the hospital, the 12 hr shifts and allllll that goes with it. There will be things I miss about the hospital as it's basically the only type of nursing I've known for 20 years but I'm burned out on..nursing in general so..onto a different flavor of nursing..hoping it will reignite my excitement about being a nurse..since making the decision to leave the hospital I have interviewed several places. I was offered and accepted a position that is to start this month. I also interviewed for another position I applied for (which is closer to my home), AFTER the acceptance of the first offer. I am suppose to hear by the end of this week about this 2nd job..basically, if the pay is around the same, I am going to take the one closer to my home..I'd rather drive 20 min. then 40 and with this 2nd job I would work 5 days/week as well however every other week I would get a day off during the week since I would work a Sat. unlike the first position. I know some people will say I should go with the first job because I accepted, however, I am NOT a person whose job will EVER come before what works best for me to spend time with my family. Right or wrong, my family is 1st.

I will be honest with the first job if the other one comes through - if it doesn't then so be it. I may see things differently but I don't think bridges get burned if someone is honest. And if they do, then who would want to work for a place where lying is preferred to the truth? My advice, is go with whichever job you really want, that works best for you PERSONALLY first, professionally second and be honest with whichever one you turn down.

Good luck ~

nurse441 · Jun 1, 2011

I am in a similar situation...I was offered and accepted a position (not at a hospital) last week. I have decided, after much reflection, that for now, for awhile, I need out of the hospital, the 12 hr shifts and allllll that goes with it. There will be things I miss about the hospital as it's basically the only type of nursing I've known for 20 years but I'm burned out on..nursing in general so..onto a different flavor of nursing..hoping it will reignite my excitement about being a nurse..since making the decision to leave the hospital I have interviewed several places. I was offered and accepted a position that is to start this month. I also interviewed for another position I applied for (which is closer to my home), AFTER the acceptance of the first offer. I am suppose to hear by the end of this week about this 2nd job..basically, if the pay is around the same, I am going to take the one closer to my home..I'd rather drive 20 min. then 40 and with this 2nd job I would work 5 days/week as well however every other week I would get a day off during the week since I would work a Sat. unlike the first position. I know some people will say I should go with the first job because I accepted, however, I am NOT a person whose job will EVER come before what works best for me to spend time with my family. Right or wrong, my family is 1st.
I will be honest with the first job if the other one comes through - if it doesn't then so be it. I may see things differently but I don't think bridges get burned if someone is honest. And if they do, then who would want to work for a place where lying is preferred to the truth? My advice, is go with whichever job you really want, that works best for you PERSONALLY first, professionally second and be honest with whichever one you turn down.
Good luck ~

. Hey marshall, thank you for your response. I can totally relate to u. I just feel a bit selfish going along with the plan. But i know i got to ultimately do what is best for me. I know ive been very fortunate with landing the interviews.