Giving two week notice...

minnymi · Jun 8, 2012

i think it's perfectly fine. the point of the two week notice basically is so they can find someone to replace you.

why does it matter if you're working or on vacation while they're working on your replacement?

Asystole RN · Jun 8, 2012

Although technically this would satisfy the requirement for a 2 week notice, it is profoundly unprofessional and likely subject to argument. If you wish to leave your current employer under adverse conditions then do as you plan, if you wish to leave under pleasant circumstances and maybe even retain a positive reference then give ample notice upon your return. Remember, 2 week notice is a minimal notice with 1 month being the more courteous length of time.

You satisfy the letter of the law but are ruinous to the spirit.

netglow, ASN, RN · Jun 8, 2012

No it's not OK to do. Actually that kind of thing is pretty bad...

minnymi · Jun 8, 2012

grass is green :bugeyes: just saying :lol2:

Jess_Missouri_RN · Jun 8, 2012

I did plan on staying PRN to help out and they did just hire a new nurse, not to replace me but one will be starting. Also, I don't know many jobs that would let you wait a month before starting work. So, I don't know. I didn't plan on using my vacation as two weeks but it just happened that way. I don't want to be a crappy person because that is not who I am. Another reason I was not wanting to return after vacation is they have me in training for 2 weeks when I return for our new computer system and I thought what a waste when I won't even be there much, if at all to use it. I just really want this home health position but deep down I too think it's a crappy thing to do, which is why I posted about it. I have been so incredibly stressed about this.

sauconyrunner · Jun 8, 2012

One month is more regular for giving notice. I think given all the factors you mention (Computer training and vacation already planned) you should probably just talk to your manager and explain and see what can be worked out. I think if I were a manager, I'd rather have someone come to me and say, "Gee I have a dilemma," rather than just turning the notice in.

If you discuss with the mgr how things came to be, there may be several things that can be done that will be mutually satisfactory to both of you.

minnymi · Jun 8, 2012

you've already been hired for another job.

giving a 2 week notice to your current job is the standard and if that's the policy you have nothing to feel bad about.

the whole point of a notice is to give your boss time to find someone to replace you. if you're on vacation they obviously have your shifts covered while you're on vacation....and they can find a replacement for you during those two weeks as well. it's not like you're leaving them short staffed while you're on vacation AND expecting your manager to recruit and hire someone while running a slim crew.

i really don't see how you'd be inconveniencing anyone by giving your boss two weeks notice before vacation. can someone explain why it matters if she's working the floor or flying to the moon while the boss finds a replacement?

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Jun 8, 2012

While it technically won't be a burden on the staff for those two weeks, it's still not a very professional thing to do...and depending on the facility, it may result in poor references or even land you on the Do Not Rehire list. In addition, most facilities will not let you use any PTO once you drop your notice: they expect you to work the two weeks out.

If at all possible, I would talk to you manager about this first, to see how this could be handled the best way for both of you.

Congratulations on the new job!

Asystole RN · Jun 8, 2012

minnymi,

You are right that in a technical sense that she would be in the clear but simply giving 2 weeks notice at the start of vacation is unprofessional and can be seen as a premeditated slight against the manager. If you never plan to utilize that employer as any type of reference then this would be a reasonable course of action. The fact is that 2 weeks in the minimum amount of time that should be given to terminate relationships and that this kind of move can be, rather will be, seen as sneaky or underhanded.

It is naive to go out of one's way to upset a manager when you terminate your employment, there are 1,001 ways that a former employer can make your career...difficult.

I would echo an earlier statement from a wise poster who stated that contacting the manager first and explaining the situation may be the best course of action.

The nursing profession is a small world and the circles that nursing leaders run in is even smaller.

Something...something....burning bridges?

minnymi · Jun 8, 2012

i see that people are saying it isn't professional and the boss might not like it or might not give her a reference later...etc, etc.

i still don't see the logic behind that. WHY?

HOW does it create a burden on anyone? i'm not seeing that.

i would talk to the manager to be safe since apparently people think it's "unprofessional" to be at the beach instead of on the floor while your manager replaces you. the manager might feel that way also, or she might not.

tyvin, BSN, RN · Jun 8, 2012

RNs, as professionals, should give a 4 week written notice of intent to resign. If you only worked there a couple months then maybe a 2 week notice would be acceptable. Also, resigning like that with a vacation coming up is...well, let's just say it's not professional. I think you don't want to show your face after you've given the resignation letter.

You are attaching too much emotion into the resignation...it's business, just like anything else. You want to be able to face people without having either parties harboring resentment...you know the bridges thing.