Ever burned a bridge?

Orca, ADN, ASN, RN · Dec 23, 2009

Only once. I worked in a facility on day shift and my wife was working nights in the same place. The night charge nurse was harassing her (not sexually, just dogging her for the whole shift). There was no point in going to the DON, because by all accounts they were drinking buddies. Both of us resigned with no notice. I figured that I would either wind up bouncing him off a wall somewhere and losing my license, or I could find another job. I chose the latter.

I was grateful to the employer for giving me a job when I needed one, but I didn't feel bad enough to risk my license by staying.

Jules A, MSN · Dec 23, 2009

Imvho burning bridges especially in this tiny pond is not doing the right thing. It never ceases to amaze me at how intertwined our profession is. You will invariably run into someone you knew from past jobs. I'd suggest remaining professional, giving adequate notice, honoring your committment and moving on before you are put in the position of having to burn a bridge.

Schmoo1022 · Dec 23, 2009

Imvho burning bridges especially in this tiny pond is not doing the right thing. It never ceases to amaze me at how intertwined our profession is. You will invariably run into someone you knew from past jobs. I'd suggest remaining professional, giving adequate notice, honoring your committment and moving on before you are put in the position of having to burn a bridge.

Yes, I have and like the above poster wrote, it's a bad idea. It has come back to bite me. Even though you may have good references, people talk.

Virgo_RN, BSN, RN · Dec 23, 2009

No. I have not and will not.

chelynn · Dec 23, 2009

I burned the bridge at my last job and with NO regrets. I started working there because it was the only job a could get in the area at the time. The job was at an assisted living facility with NO nursing skills needed. I hated the job, I hated the management and also most of the other staff. I found a job in the ER here. The process was long and I was still working at the ALF. The last straw was when I put in a request a month early to take 3 days off while my 9 year old son was visiting for 5 days (he lives in another state with his father and I hadn't seen him in 4 months. They approved by request but 5 days before my time off was to begin my manager left me a sticky note and because they fired somone couldn't cover my shift and "per policy" I had to cover the shifts I wanted off. I guess it was all I could take.

I left a note asking to speak will my manager and see the policy. I met with her the next day. To make a long story somewhat shorter, she had no policy to show me, I asked if we could do anything to work this out, told her that I've given alot to the compnay; days off, OT, extra shifts, and I was just asking for three days that were approved earlier. Well nothing I said mattered to her. I took out my two weeks notice explained that I had another job and was going to give her my notice but if she couldn't work with me over my time off request than I was quitting immediatly.

Her reply was, "If you quit like this you are not eligible for rehire!" I tried so hard not to laugh. I know what I did was a little on the childish side but walking out that door that day I had the biggest smile on my face and phyically felt 50 lbs lighter!

ArwenEvenstar · Dec 23, 2009

My entire life I have had a very strict "never burn a bridge" personal policy. I am a very professional type person that values her reputation and wants open doors. However...I just recently, for the first time ever, majorly burned a bridge! I did not just burn it but atomic bombed it!!!! haha. But seriously! My employer of 2 years was just idiotic. The total lack of support and incompetence made me fear I could lose my license or end up in some other compromising situation. When I spoke up several times about the problems, I was treated like I was a "problem child". The last conversation I had with the manager was the straw that broke the camels back. I actually put the call on speaker phone several times so my husband could hear the shenanigans. (My husband is a nurse too so he understands...) It was actually a bit amusing as my hubby was shocked at what he was hearing, and was mouthing to me to immediately resign! I did, was very vocal about it, and basically told them to "take this job and shove it I ain't working here no more!!". It was unpleasant and stressful, but I know I did the right thing. This employer is scary incompetent and would not listen to reason or valid concerns. (Among many other things, medicaid fraud appeared to be going on.) Quietly leaving would have been less stressful, but I felt the incompetence had to be addressed. It has been about 4 months now, and I still feel like I did the right thing.

Be careful burning bridges though, especially if you need work or your family is dependent on your income. I am fortunate that my income is not critical for my family... which made me more willing to burn the bridge.

Schmoo1022 · Dec 23, 2009

I think every person has their limit. I think if it is something that is causing you so much stress or could put your license in jeopardy,I understand.

bill4745, RN · Dec 23, 2009

I avoid it. You never know when you might end up back at the place or someone at your next job (or prospective job) knows someone there. Especially in the current job market.

JB2007, ASN, RN · Dec 23, 2009

I have not burned bridges so much as made a poor choice in who I have worked for in the past. Always turn in a two week notice.

StNeotser, ASN, RN · Dec 23, 2009

Yes, but I knew I could afford to. It was a second job at a for profit nursing home years ago. The staffing was very unsafe and I just couldn't bring myself to go on - I was feeling physically sick at the thought of going to work on the day shift. I was tossing and turning all night in bed, finally going to sleep at 3:30 am when I needed to wake up at 5am.

I did go in but at the end of another unsafe shift I just told them I wasn't coming in again. I had another full time job and so never put this job on any resume. It wasn't in my own town and I will probably bump into someone who worked there one day but haven't as yet.

DogWmn · Dec 23, 2009

I've always given 2 week notice, however, at a very nasty nursing home they told me to just leave and they'd get an agency nurse - fine - I gave notice!