The high-demand for nurses has resulted in plenty of opportunities if you're ready to pack up your stethoscope and favorite pen for a new nursing job. Maybe you've been looking for a while, or perhaps the perfect opportunity opened and you just can't wait to start. Don't be so hasty in your exit that you leave a bad impression. You might forget what you said, or did, as you skipped out the door, but most likely, everyone else didn't.
Manners Still Matter
You might be feeling unappreciated, or perhaps you didn't receive the encouraging farewell you hoped for, that doesn't mean you should drop your professionalism with your name tag. If you end your employment gracefully, it will serve you better than the brief satisfaction of letting them know what you really think.
Exit with grace- You have many things you'd like to say, but an exit interview isn't the time to unburden all your frustrations. However, it can be if you can structure your comments in a professional manner. Believe it, or not, many managers do want to know how to improve the organization or identify relevant issues during the exit interview. However, presenting a list of vague, or unfounded, complaints only makes you look spiteful.
They will notice- Unless it's unavoidable due to illness or extenuating circumstances, if you don't provide the required notice, they'll notice. Notice doesn't mean calling off during your final countdown. Even if the job is one you're dissatisfied with, calling off generally impacts your coworkers, or your patients when they're left understaffed.
It's a small world after all- Thanks to the Internet, it's easier than ever to connect. Your new manager might be the friend, professional acquaintance, or former classmate of the manager you just abandoned. You won't start your new job off on the right foot if they hear how unprofessionally you exited your last one.
You come with a special set of skills- That doesn't mean you have to leave your replacement in a lurch by not offering to help make your departure a smooth transition by instructing them on key duties. Aren't you hoping for the same courtesy at your new job?
Your reputation might proceed you- You can have stellar skills, but if you leave a bad impression during your exit, that's what most people will remember. It also makes it uncomfortable to explain why you left without notice if you're interviewing for a new job. They're wondering if you'll do the same to them.
Don't go viral with your venting- If you talk poorly about your organization, manager or coworkers on social media, it often gets back to them and it never makes you look good.
The Grass Isn't Always Greener
There are bad managers, bad jobs, or ones that might be a poor fit for you at your current stage of life. Things may change in your life that make that old job the perfect fit now, or that manager or coworker that drove you crazy may no longer work there.
When you start a new job, everything is new and everyone is usually on their best behavior. Your new coworkers and boss want to impress you, and you want to impress them. When that wears off and the daily challenges and personalities are revealed, you might realize that your old job might not have been that bad, or perhaps you might start looking for another job.
Consider the Three R's
I'm not talking about reading, writing, and arithmetic. Even if you're happy with your new job, there are times when you might need to call upon your old manager for a letter of recommendation, a reference, or a referral. Perhaps you're going back to school or applying for a scholarship. Even if they don't have the memory of an elephant, most companies track resignations. This might remind them of how you bolted without a second thought, so they might wonder why they should give you one now.
When You're the Boss
This isn't the time to drag out all the reasons why you might be happy to see this employee move on. Even if you've vowed to never rehire this nurse, you're still representing your company and want to wrap up the exit interview on a positive note.
Build, Don't Burn, Your Bridges
You may have many jobs over your nursing career. You're not only building your skills at each one, you're creating your professional network. Nurture those relationships, so you can continue to grow personally and professionally.
