HELP- How bad is it to leave job after < 1 year?

nj1grlcrus · Mar 30, 2007

Can you take a leave of absence? just a thought, ask around and read your employee manual, or whatever it is that nurses get as an employee manual, good luck

meownsmile, BSN, RN · Mar 30, 2007

If they understand you have personal issues right now but would like to return at a later date i wouldnt think it would make you not rehirable. They probly wouldnt be able to give you enough time for leave since personal issues causing someone to need to leave work would usually take more than the legal Family leave they may be able to give you. But you never know.

As hard up as a lot of place are to fill gaps in their nursing staff, as long as you go by their policies and dont burn bridges, and you have been in good standing i dont know why they wouldnt welcome you back when your ready.

caliotter3 · Mar 30, 2007

I would definitely request a leave of absence of indeterminate length if you want to come back. Whenever things resolve, you can take it from there. You may or may not want to return to the same place based on your circumstances. If you think that they can't give you a blank check on how long your job will be still there for you, then come up with a reasonable time frame and request that. It is easier to resign or return after a leave of absence than it it is to straight out resign. If you resign, while you are gone, something might change that might make you less than welcome. But if you have an approved leave of absence in your folder, you will have more to work with. Long response but I hope you understand the reasoning in my answer. Good luck. I hope everything turns out ok.

TazziRN, RN · Mar 30, 2007

Talk to your supervisor, tell him/her as much as you're able about your circumstances, and ask if there's anything you can do without resigning.

scrubby bubby · Mar 30, 2007

Thank you- these are great responses. I appreciate the advice, I am having so much trouble deciding what to do. I'm worried about letting everyone down by leaving so soon, they have all invested so much time in training me and its a really good place to work.

I hope to switch areas when I start working again and am interested in ER nursing so this complicates things. When I start working again, I hope to apply to a different department than now. I'm afraid HR or the NMs will see that I only worked for 7 months in ICU and think why would they want to invest the time training me again somewhere else? I have am finishing my BSN right now and have 1 year left after the summer and no way can I work and finish at the same time with the family health issues I have in my life right now. I just have to finish this program and I will be back on my feet. I have invested so much time and money in it that I hate to give up now.

bethin · Mar 30, 2007

You could take a LOA, but my understanding is that you have had to work 1000 hours in order to qualify. Also, if memory serves me right, you are limited to 90 days off. After that if you don't come back they can fill your position. If you don't qualify, talk to your supervisor. I was off for 2 months and did not qualify for LOA. They were nice about it, but they did tell me that legally that they did not have to hold my job. And they told me this the morning of my surgery.

If they won't work with you and you don't qualify for FMLA or your problem isn't listed as an excuse for FMLA, then put your 2 weeks in. I've had to do this before and when I went in for the interview I explained to them the circumstances without delving too deeply.

I wish you the best of luck!

oneLoneNurse · Mar 30, 2007

Switch to pool if you want. You may only have to work one day a month. I think you are within your rights to ask for 3 months off if you want. It also depends on how much you want to share.

I did just that to join a new employer. It did not plan out so I am back. I am really happy, though I did not get my old permanent job with wonderful benefits. I am back on the same shift with the same people working as a casual with FT hours for the next two months.

I can really, really relate to your situation. Have just started an MLIS program and must work fewer rather than more hours to complete it.

scrubby bubby · Mar 30, 2007

I definitely don't think I qualify for leave of absence due to the lenght of time I plan to spend not working.

I think I will have to resign, in which case- hopefully if I do so on "good terms" then I will be rehirable.

Any suggestions on ways to leave on good terms? I will give the 2 week notice and of course tell the NM that I am sorry to be leaving and resign in a friendly way. Other ideas?

I sure hope that I am rehirable after all is said and done. I really want to return to this hospital.

Thanks for the responses.

TazziRN, RN · Mar 30, 2007

As long as your NM knows why you're leaving and you give plenty of notice, I don't see why you would not be rehireable when you're ready.

Whatever is going on with you, best of luck to you!

buddhak0n · Mar 30, 2007

Need opinions on this- how bad is it to leave a job after less than a year working? If you leave on good terms with 2 week notice, does it make you un-rehirable at that institution? I may have to leave my job for unrelated personal issues right now after working less than a year, but I want to work for this same place again once I am ready to work again. Please help with advice- thanks!

I would ask for a Short term or if necessary a LONGER term Leave of Absence.... Be upfront about what your issues may or may not be.. If it's something you'd rather not discuss then say so.. H.R. at most places will be accomodating so long as you are upfront and honest with THEM.

Roy Fokker, BSN, RN · Mar 31, 2007

Personally,

I see this as two decisions - not one. Worry about crossing the "will I get hired" bridge when you come to it. Fix what's bothering you first - worry about rejoining the work force next.

If your personal issues are important and need to be cleared now - there really isn't much choice.

I don't know much about your situation - but I doubt you "planned" for this to happen. As such, it seems like a lot of it was out of your foreseeable control - and management will understand that.

Naturally - they will have their caveats. They maybe willing to grant you LOA - but might stipulate certain conditions (need to return in 3 months or some such).

That is when you will have to decide if your personal issues are a priority or the job.

cheers,

EDIT : I'd like to add onto what buddhakon wrote above - giving management information allows both parties to generate choices. In any case, once management responds; you'll at least have an idea of where they stand on the issue.

This should be a negotiation for mutual benefit. I'm not saying bare your soul, but don't be overtly vague. Do remember to highlight your desire to return because you do like working here but emphasize that your personal issues need help and time to resolve.