evaluations?

Our evaluations take our job description and rate us for each point. Absenteeism is a separate category and we get a +, neutral or - value depending on how many times we're absent. We are allowed to write a statement after the eval as to whether we agree or disagree and why. Don't be afraid of them, just use them to help you get better.

I'd give whatever notice your institution calls for and don't worry about the whys. Family issues can't be helped and you will not be the first employee to have left after a year. It's ok. Good luck to you

If you haven't been talked to about problems in the last year, you probably don't have anything to worry about. There may be some minor things that come up, where improvements are suggested. Don't take them personally, just learn from them.

As for leaving, what Skip said. If you have a good relationship with your manager, you could mention something now, something like, "I just wanted to give you a heads up that I'll be leaving around October." She may ask if there's a problem, to which you could say, "No, I've enjoyed working here but family issues make it necessary for me to leave." Then turn in your official resignation in the time frame your facility's policy dictates.

I always give a months notice as a courtesy. I don't see a problem with mentioning it at this point if you have a chance, especially since you will have fulfilled any contract obligations.

As far as the eval goes, if you have had excessive absences, they will bring that up. Don't be surprised to see something negative. They ALWAYS come up with something as a "needs to improve" portion of the eval. It will probably be minor, such as attend more inservices, take more responsibility, prepare to take charge, etc. They want you to stretch yourself and not be happy just to be there and be a staff nurse. (even if that is what you want to do, and at this point in my career, that is EXACTLY what I want.)

I have always had good evals, but one year in the "needs to improve" section the manager mentioned that sometimes I was "too social". Since I have been a nurse 32 years, I had to laugh, and told her that essentially the same thing was on every report card from kindergarden to senior high, and I didn't see that changing much! We both laughed and went on with our business.

So don't take things too personally, they have to put something down, strengths and weaknesses, and we all have them.

An evaluation should be an opportunity for constructive input, not badgering an employee. There should be NO surprises in an employee evaluation. If an employee is struggling in any way (clinically, attendance, relationships with peers, etc) that should have been addressed LONG before evaluation time. If not, the manager is not doing his/her job!

You may want to ask for a blank form to review prior to your meeting with your supervisor. Use the form to "rate" yourself, and list specific examples of excellence, such as caring independently for a challenging patient, using assessment skills to identify a potential complication early on, communication with staff, patients, and family members, willingness to be flexible in your schedule to help out the unit, etc. (It is a good idea to carry a pocket-sized notebook to make such notations throughout the year so you have specifics to list on your self-evaluation.) Also think of some goals for the upcoming year, even though you don't plan to be there. It is still important to set goals for professional growth.

As for your resignation, read your employee handbook to determine the amount of notice needed to leave on good terms. Write a concise letter at that point stating your plans to resign and thanking your employer for the opportunity to have served the organization. No personal details are needed.

Thanks for the input. When I've been sure that I was having problems at work and brought it to my manager she told me I was being "too hard on myself" so I hope that is still true when it comes to evaluation time. I don't know if I will get any feedback on being too social and talking too much, but that must be a good thing for me because when I was training in a different department they told me I wasn't friendly enough. So now I'm friendly!

Jessica