Do I need to give my manager notice?

Never tell any employer that you are job hunting. Doing that is just the same as handing in your resignation. Wait until you have accepted another job and then formally give your notice in writing. You would be putting yourself right smack in the crosshairs for target practice. Guess who gets the worst assignments now? That would be you.

I agree... do not let your employer know you are looking. If possible, use other people as references. When I was looking to leave my job last year, I did not give my manager even a hint that I was looking. I asked a few charge nurses who I trusted to be references and someone I'd worked with for many years in a different environment. Once I had a job offer, I approached my manager on a Monday morning, told her it was time to move on, that I had accepted another position and handed her my resignation.

Just hand in your resignation. I'm in a similar situation. I was just offered a parttime day shift and I'm really thinking about leaving my current job because I just can't handle night and the commute....

No. Do not tell your current manager that you are looking for another job. On the application for the new job, it will ask you if they can contact your current job. Choose no. And that's ok because they understand why. They should not contact your current manager. Go to the new interview on the down low and if you get word that you are officially offered the new job and have accepedt the position, THEN give your current boss whatever notice is standard. Your boss will get over it. This is the way it is at all companies. People come. People go. Don't feel guilty as long as you give your required notice. You need a job that works for you and your life. Commuting long distances isn't for everyone.

NEVER tell your employer before you land a new job. They'll fire you as soon as they have a replacement leaving you jobless. It isn't easy to find a job right now. Start looking and go from there. Best of luck!

Thank you everyone!

Do you guys think they would accept a reference from a coworker who is not a charge? There is only one person who's been there a while who I trust not to say anything, and she doesn't do charge.

If you really trust this co-worker not to say anything then you should use her, especially if she's a senior nurse. I was in the same predicament a few months ago. I used a senior nurse that I could trust to give me a reference and it all worked out. She never said anything to anyone and I was hired at the other hospital. But def don't say anything to your boss until you're giving formal notice. Good luck!

I totally agree with most of the comments. Do not tell anybody unless you have signed a new contract.

Yes...didn't want to be repetitive but from experience...I listened to another NM and told my current NM that I wanted to pursue other opportunities..and I knew in my heart that this NM was the type to hold grudges and was not as fair as her peer viewed her...let me tell you.. all of a sudden I was taken off the schedule and told there were no more hours for me. That happened in 2010...it was a PRN position. Dont say a word...the only time this is not possible is when it is within the same hospital..if its their policy that you have to tell the current NM before you interview with another...which is not fair.

I used one of my co-workers/mentor as a reference. I am a new nurse (less than 1 year) and felt that a mentor would be good reference. This mentor works part time at my facility and teaches full time. I was just offered a position, so I would say it worked.