Asking for old job/returning to past employer

Nurses General Nursing

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

So I relocated for a job in a different specialty and it did not work out. See this thread for details if interested including last page for final update. https://allnurses.com/general-nursing-discussion/sad-not-doing-601203.html

I left my past job on good terms, gave proper notice and had no complaints/bad marks on my file to my knowledge. I worked there for 2.5 years.

What do you all think are the chances that I could call or email my former manager and ask if they will have position open on the unit/hire me back? What would be the best way to go about it?

I do keep in contact with my former coworkers (love them) and they have said they've been working "short" very often BUT I know that doesn't mean a FT position is open.

I have searched for job up here but that hospital system is large and owns a number of offices/clinics and the other large system is very difficult to get into.

I've applied with nursing homes, rehab, insurance companies, telephone triage and dialysis as well.

As for time frame... I worked at my last job until the end of May. I've been officially unemployed now for almost a month and cannot afford to drain my savings to live up with here with no $$$ coming in.

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

If you were considered a good employee (by your manager), then you will probably be at or near the top of the list for next position that opens up. You will be desirable because you will need little orientation. You will also be desirable because the fact that you are returning will send a message to others that the "grass is not greener" in other places -- and they may think twice about leaving.

However ... as you seem to understand, that doesn't mean there is an available position at the moment. You might have to wait a while.

Also, there may be some hesistance to re-hire you if they have ANY reason to believe you will leave again. For example, if you had previously complained about the schedule and you are now going to have to work that same schedule again -- they may think you will leave again should something with a better schedule becomes available.

Be prepared to emphasize your plans to stay a long time there -- and maybe eat a little humble pie as you return.

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Specializes in Critical Care, Nsg QA.

I would go, in person if possible, and talk to your old boss. The worse they could say is, "no" or that no position is available. If you left on good terms and there is a need, then I would think they would want to hire you. You will never know until you try.

It is harder for someone to say "no" in person - that's one reason you should go in person. In addition, by going to meet in person it means you are very willing to work with them. Good luck!!

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Agree with the posts above. You should go in person for a better chance. Best wishes.

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

Thanks. I hadn't thought of just going in person. I have definitely been humbled just from being terminated and not working these past weeks.

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Here is my attempt at gallows humor: make your eyes get real big and round to go with your forlorn face like the cat in the Shrek movies to get their sympathy! :o If that doesn't win them over, nothing will!

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I say go see your old employer...or email whichever you think they would prefer. I am in a similar situation though not terminated..just took a position that is not for me. I already contacted a previous employer - several actually! - and am meeting with one next week to see what we can work out. There is no harm in asking! Good luck!

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

It's been my experience that people come & go, and sometimes they come back. I don't see any reason you couldn't talk to them about returning.

Go for it!

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

I feel good about it. The worse they can say is no as stated above.

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Specializes in long-term care, private duty, visiting.

I have left a job, only to return a few months later. I just stopped by one day on the weekend, while management was not in. I chatted with some nurses (even the one whom had filled my old position) about openings and such. I was encouraged to call during the week. Well, turns out I did not have to...management found out about my "visit", called me, and offered me back. I went back, stayed a while, and left to try another field. And, I got an "come back, ok?" with the last resignation. Untie strings, but do not sever them. Ask for your job back.

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Specializes in Pulmonology Clinic.

I have done this actually, I left a job I loved for something that paid better but I hated. I was gone three days and called my old manager and asked if I could come in to talk. I had left on great terms and later she told me when I called she was praying that I wanted to come back. Now like it was mentioned earlier I am a poster child for "the grass is not greener on the other side" it worked out for me and I'll never leave again! Good luck!

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Specializes in LTC, med/surg, hospice.

Well a little bird...my former coworker mentioned to the manager that I was interested in coming back and she told me (per the manager) to fill out an app for the position they had open and give her a ring. So I've called and left a message and giving her a chance to return before I try again.

I think it looks good for me so I'm very happy.

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