Got a verbal job offer, what should I do?

[futurernwill]

Hi all!

First time posting, but I've kept myself awake for about an hour now and I have to ask...

What is your experience with a verbal job offer from HR?

The reason I'm asking is because I went to my first nursing interview last week and was told that I got the job (Yay!!!) and would get a phone call from HR this coming week. I graduate in May and applied for a few new grad positions so far, but this is the only one I've heard back from. The thing is... it's really far away and I've got feelers out at a hospital near to me. All of my family says that I should just take the job at the place I interviewed, and then just keep looking up closer to me and if I get a job offer nearer to where I live, to call the first hospital and say that I can't take the job anymore. The only thing I'm worried about is if this is considered a breech of contract or is it kind of more common? I wouldn't even be able to start working until July, anyway, because I have to take my NCLEX and all that. I just don't want to turn this down, just in case I don't get a job in my area.

What should I do?

[joanna73, BSN, RN]

Make sure you get something in writing. Verbal offers are meaningless, because they can be recanted at any time. I would never trust a verbal offer.

[futurernwill]

Right, I understand. But, if I don't sign anything, that means that I can recant on them, too, if I get a better offer, right?

[nursegirl75]

yep! Hospitals do the same thing when you don't sign anything so you're free do to the same! Believe I've been on the other side.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

If you are an "at will employment" state, then you can decide to refuse the job offer at any time. An acceptance letter is not a contract, and it doesn't lock you in to employment with them. Even if you do sign an acceptance letter, you can still turn down the job later. That works both ways, though, and you aren't guaranteed employment for any length of time after you've signed an acceptance letter either.

As far as experiences with verbal offers: I received a verbal offer for a job in April. I was set to graduate in May. The job was also out of state and due to BON issues I wasn't able to sit for NCLEX until June and didn't start orientation until July. The verbal offer was enough to hold my job until I was able to get my license and sign an acceptance letter. So, usually they are legitimate. It just depends on the integrity of the people you're working for.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

First, congratulations!

Second, don't quit the job search until you have received--and agree to (i.e., sign)--the official offer from HR. Verbal offers are sometimes worth the paper they're printed on, and you can find several threads here at AN from posters who got a verbal offer that never panned out into a job.

Third, if you do get a job in your area, you can turn them down with any problems as long as you haven't signed a contract. All the acceptance letter means is that you've accepted a job offer, and either you or the employer may have a change of heart about the job. If you've signed a contract you could still break it, but there could be fallout from that you may have to deal with (e.g., repaying any bonuses, tagged Do Not Rehire, etc.).

[snuggles49]

My hospital will not interview until we know a new grad has passed her boards. On occassion a newly hired person will turn down the job after they have been offered the position and the paperwork has been iniated... doesn't bode well with the manager who spent time interviewing, referencing and HR who has set up apptointments for paperwork and physical. Most likely this individual will nnot get a call bck in the future. We also do not make verbal contracts to hire..we call but you are considered hired when you met with HR and start the paperwork.

[stephanie2012]

hello, from my experience, there is no good for job-hopping, this would influence your career development.

think twice before the decision .

good luck!