HELP! How do I bow out gracefully?

Happy TBA Nurse · Mar 27, 2008

You just need to be honest and straightforward. The sooner you let them know the better. I'm sure they have other applicants they can consider. No harm done.

BBFRN, BSN, PhD · Mar 27, 2008

You could say something tactful like, "Due to some uncontrollable and unforeseeable life circumstances, I regret to inform you that I must decline your offer for employment at this time. I appreciate your understanding, and feel that I would have enjoyed working for your exemplary institution...yadda yadda..." You get the picture.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Mar 27, 2008

I would extend the courtesy of a phone call, thank her for allowing you to interview, but state you have decided to accept a position elsewhere. This is real life. The manager knows this can happen, especially with new grads who are entering the job pool. Be nice and tell her ASAP.

ZootRN · Mar 27, 2008

I am a new grad and I had several interviews lined up. One of them was med/surg and the other was L&D. I got offered the job in med/surg and I accepted it not expecting to get the L&D position as a new grad. L&D is my dream job... well I got the L&D position and accepted it... Now I have to "unaccept" (for lack of a better word) the other job. I feel terrible! I would never have accepted the first one if I would have thought I had a real chance at the L&D thing. What do I say? I need to call this lady ASAP!

I was exactly in the same position when I was looking for my first nursing job. Just thank her for the opportunity and their offer, and inform her that after much thinking about your ultimate goals, you decided to accept another offer at this time. Just be diplomatic and professional, it happens all the time and there is not need to feel guilty as they realize that people who are looking for a job rarely applying just for one position, the same as HR rarely interviewing only one person for that position. In my case, I reapplied to this hospital a year later and got a much better position then their original offer was.

Reno1978, BSN, RN · Mar 27, 2008

Just be honest. These things happen. If the person is realistic, they ought to be happy you found a position where you want to be instead of what you settled for.

Congratulations on your dream job! That's awesome!!!

Natkat, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 28, 2008

Add something to the effect of "this will give another deserving grad an opportunity to work in your fine organization."

Something like that.

revere308 · Mar 28, 2008

Thank you! She was super nice when I called and thanked me for calling her. I dont know why I was so worked up to call her.

RNBelle · Mar 28, 2008

it's good for me to read this post. as i am going to have to bow out of 2 of the 3 job offers i just got. i havent officially accepted any of the positions. i did phone interviews and will visit the places next week to make my final decision.

joannep · Mar 28, 2008

Thank you! She was super nice when I called and thanked me for calling her. I dont know why I was so worked up to call her.

Managers hate to have new staff not turn up at all! So calling her and letting her know your change of plans allows her to offer the position to another applicant.

It's a great outcome. Congratulations for having the courage to call her and good luck with your dream job. :yeah: