Have to work 2 more weeks after resignation -- need advice

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I'm trying to do the right thing and give my employer 2 weeks notice, but will have to stay on and work about 6 more shifts for the money, basically, as all my paid time off has run out.

I fear staying for the comments i'll get from co-workers, and the potential persecution by the managers. I suppose things can always happen even in this interim that will jeopardize my license, but I fear they'll do something to me to retaliate.

And here I am really, in truly, trying to be professional and not just up and quit on them. Any ideas or strategies on how to get through these next 2 weeks?

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Specializes in LTC, Psych, Hospice.

You didn't say why you were resigning. I've resigned from jobs in the past and have worked out my 2 weeks (one place 3 weeks because I wanted to make sure my replacement was comfortable) and I've never worried about anyone doing anything to retaliate. I guess it would be different if you were leaving on bad terms. Good luck!

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Specializes in Medsurg/ICU, Mental Health, Home Health.

I think this is the norm. People usually do work during their two weeks.

As for coworkers, don't worry about them. Worst case scenario, it's just six shifts. You'll get through it! Chances are some of your coworkers are happy for you if you're moving on to greener pastures. And no one has to know that you're leaving, anyway!

In my hospital, if you don't work at least the last shift in your two weeks, you are not eligible to cash out your PTO and getting COBRA is very difficult, not to mention being hired back in the future.

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Not leaving on bad terms. Our unit is just extremely short staffed and I worry about those left behind, and how they will feel once they know myself and others are leaving. I've done my time, though, and would just like to move on. Our boss will sometimes announce resginations -- maybe I'll just ask her not to do it for me. Still, people will ask and they will know.

I dont' know -- it's the first time I've ever left a unit, so I'm nervous. I want to leave on good terms.

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Specializes in OR Hearts 10.

Just do your job, if it's really short staffed they will be jealous that you got away, but probably happy for you anyway.

Good luck

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

Working after you have handed in your resignation is the norm. In fact, it is expected. In some places, it is even mandatory and you are not allowed to use vacation time, etc. The whole idea of "giving notice" is to keep the employee working and contributing while the employer has a little time to arrange for a replacement.

I always really enjoyed that time. I could go into work and just do my job without having to worry so much about politics, emotional head games, etc. I could say goodbye to my work friends and share my excitement about my new job with them. In some places, people who are leaving get a little "party" or at least well-wishes from their friends. That all depends on whether or not you made any friends among your co-workers.

It's an opportunity to have closure on your unit -- and that's a valuable thing for you and for your co-workers. Saying goodbye, saying "thank-you" to those who have helped you, receiving the well-wishes of others .... these are important psychological processes that help everyone involved put the experience in proper perspective. Make the most of that opportunity.

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Specializes in M/S, ICU, ICP.

i always tell the person leaving that i will miss them but i totally understand. i am all for people advancing and really in this day and age it is not surprising at all. of course i am sad to see someone i like leave and it is a good excuse for a party to wish them good luck, but no one remains stagnant and in one place forever anymore. i never had hard feelings, sometimes i envied them for making the move. lol. i don't think it will be that bad for you. people move up in organizations or transfer and go elsewhere all the time. good luck.

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Specializes in LTC, New to Tele/ Cardiac!.

I worked for about 3 weeks after my resignation. Word of course got around that I was leaving (the DON told people, which I don't think is professional but that's besides the point!), but I have to say, everyone was very happy for me. It was a LTC/ SNF and very short staffed, but all the staff were really happy for me because I was the one "getting out" of the situation! Also I was a new grad at this job and worked with mostly older nurses so they were proud that I was moving to better waters. I don't think anyone will treat you differently. Just stay professional and if anything happens in your next 6 shifts, just remember, you're out of there soon, so keep a smile on your face and treat all your patients with the utmost respect! I actually found my last few weeks to be the most enjoyable- I wasn't worrying as much!! And when families found out I was leaving, they really were sad! It made me feel great that the care I was giving was being noticed!

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Specializes in ED.

I left before my 2 weeks because the manager was quite rude, and I feared retaliation from management and the possible loss of my license if something were to happen. I know Im on a do not rehire list, but working out the rest of my shift would have been too hard...............

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I've left lots of jobs over the years (in similar situations to what you describe), I've always worked an appropriate amount of notice, and I've never had any kind of problem or negative experience doing so. Is there something else going on that we haven't heard about? If not, I don't see what the concern is.

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Lots of good advice here, nursing staff is fluid, people change jobs all the time. It is an expectation, especially for new nurses to move around before they find their niche. Anyone who may be negative to you is probably stuck in their own rut and not willing to make a change.

I do have a couple of words of advice. No matter what - DO NOT join any discussions about the negatives of the job you are leaving, Any explaination to your peers can just be you are looking forward to a new opportunity and new learning experiences. Most likely you wil lhave an exit interview with a supervisor, so if you have any constructive critism this is the place to offer it - but this is not a gripe session, either; if must be constructive. It is also a good place to mention anyone especially good on your unit. kudos never hurt.

Best of luck in your new position.

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Specializes in Med/Surg/Tele/Onc.

Let me ask you this. If a coworker told you the he/she had gotten a new job and that he/she was leaving in two weeks, how would you react and treat that person? You shouldn't expect anything different from your co-workers to you.

I've left several jobs in my life and I've always left on good terms. People were usually sad to see me go, but happy for my new opportunity. Shoot, a few times I even had a small party thrown for me....cake...yummmm....

Unless your work environment is toxic, don't worry about it.

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