Help! Scared to call HR to take back acceptance of job offer

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Hi! I need help! I've been agonizing for weeks now. I got 2 job offers both in intensive care unit. One per diem and one fulltime. I already accepted the fulltime position, did the medical test and finalized HR papers. The orientation starts on feb 2. I just got a job offer today for the per diem position at a hospital a lot closer to my house. I've been waiting for that per diem position and I thought it will never be offered to me, hence I accepted the fulltime position. Their orientation falls on the same date. The per diem position is very convenient for me and that is what I really want. But how do I go about telling the other hospital about my decision? I really dread doing the phone call. I'm sure HR will be very mad at me!

Specializes in Peri-op/Sub-Acute ANP.

Believe me, if you work in HR you do not take this stuff personally. You just move on to the next candidate, and in this economy they probably have plenty. You are making more of this than they will, just do it!

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

If you need some motivation to get that phone call made ...

Just think of the nurse out there desparately looking for a job who will now get an offer for that full time position you are rejecting. Help her out by calling ASAP and giving her a chance to start work with the regular February orientation group.

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being honest and up front

you may want to reapplying if the other does not work out

this is a thing that happens all the time

good luck

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

Please call so they can seek another person to fill your slot. It is only fair. Just tell them I have decided to accept another position. No details are needed. Heck, call after hours and leave a message on voice mail.

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Specializes in Community Health, Med-Surg, Home Health.

Considering the current economy, I would take the full time position. As mentioned, most times, the per diems are first to be cancelled if the census is low, and the chances of that happening is greater than you think. Ensure your future, take the full time and see how it goes.

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Schedule matters to me too. The per diem position is dayshift and the fulltime position is night shift. I'm also going to review classes for another course in june which will only allow me to work only two 12 hour shifts for that month. The manager who offered me the per diem position said they hardly ever cancel their per diem unless they exceed 40 hours and If I was willing to float, I could even get more than 40 hours. I hope she was telling the truth!

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Out of 25 applications, you got one offer for a full time position and you say you don't want it. The manager who tells you you will be getting plenty of hours may be telling you the truth. But if she is told that your hours or your position must be elimated three months from now, you will be out of a paycheck. Since you have made your decision please make that call and give someone a chance to earn a living.

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I guess I wasnt making myself clear. I did apply for 25 positions but I applied per diem even at the hospital which offered me the fulltime position. That hospital was the one who preferred me to work fulltime and I accepted because there were no other offers at that time. Yes, I have made my decision and yes, I will make the call. I'm going to ask the manager again about their cancellation policy and then call to cancel my application at the other hospital. The manager at the hospital (per diem) did say I could apply for fulltime there as well when I am ready for a fulltime position. I feel guilty enough as it is but I do need to take the position that is best suited for me. I have worked fulltime for 4 years like a dog with very little salary, huge responsibility and never once complained. I didnt leave that job even if there were better offers at that time because of loyalty (they processed my immigration papers). If they do tell me that my position will be eliminated ( which I hope will not happen), then I just have to find another job, maybe even at the hospital offering me the fulltime position which is why I didnt want to burn bridges.

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I guess I wasnt making myself clear. I did apply for 25 positions but I applied per diem even at the hospital which offered me the fulltime position. That hospital was the one who preferred me to work fulltime and I accepted because there were no other offers at that time. Yes, I have made my decision and yes, I will make the call. I'm going to ask the manager again about their cancellation policy and then call to cancel my application at the other hospital. The manager at the hospital (per diem) did say I could apply for fulltime there as well when I am ready for a fulltime position. I feel guilty enough as it is but I do need to take the position that is best suited for me. I have worked fulltime for 4 years like a dog with very little salary, huge responsibility and never once complained. I didnt leave that job even if there were better offers at that time because of loyalty (they processed my immigration papers). If they do tell me that my position will be eliminated ( which I hope will not happen), then I just have to find another job, maybe even at the hospital offering me the fulltime position which is why I didnt want to burn bridges.

im in a very similar situation. i accepted a job 2 weeks ago at a hospital that had a less then stellar reputation because i was afraid i wouldnt get any other offers. However something came through for me yesterday a position that i really wanted at a great hospital. so yes i've already gone through filling out papers, doing employee heath etc. and i have to make that call soonish cuz im supposed to start feb 17 so i have time. everybody tells me this happens all the time. and i'm going with the position that i know is more interesting and will be better for me in the long run. do what you feel is best! good luck!

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Specializes in Management, Emergency, Psych, Med Surg.

Don't call them. Send them a very nice letter stating that you have been offered another position that better meets your needs and thank them for their time.

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Just an update. I called HR at a regular hour 2 dayds ago and the nurse recruiter wasnt there so I left her a message. My husband dropped my letter at their mailbox. Nobody has called me up yet so I guess It wasnt a big deal. Thank Goodness.

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It isn't. But just to be fair, the sooner you let HR know the better. We need these positions filled usually ASAP. And we might have somebody else we considered for this position and they might not be an option anymore if you took too long to let us know. Nobody takes it personal, it's business.

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