How to not burn bridges

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Specializes in ICU.

Im a new rn who just started in a GN program in the ICU at a small community hospital. I really love it so far, but I just got a call from a large hospital in another city wNting to interview me. I was once very interested in working for them but I'm really enjoying my new job in the icu. While I'm not entirely interested in switching jobs at the moment, I really don't want to burn bridges with the new hospital. I feel like just ignoring the nurse recruiters voice mail would be rude and frowned upon if I ever wanted to work there in the future. Should I call them back and tell them thank you and to please keep me in consideration for the future? Should I set up the interview any way to see what they are offering? What's the best way to handle this type of thing? Thanks

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

you are not burning bridges with the other hospital because you have not bridge to burn. If you seek a job with them in the future I doubt anyone will even remember they contacted you now. BUT, you will certainly burn bridges with your current employer.

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Specializes in ICU.

I really don't think it's out of the realm of possibility that it could be remembered somewhere in their system that I was contacted and never called back.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Ok, so then just call them back and state you are happy in your current situation but thank you for thinking of you.

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Specializes in Med/Surg, Tele, Dialysis, Hospice.

Definitely call them back, thank them for the offer of an interview, tell them that you would normally be very interested, but that you just started this new position and you feel a commitment to see it through. That makes you seem grateful, it lets them know that you may be interested in working for them in the future, and it also shows them that you take commitments seriously, which looks good if you interview with them in the future and they happen to remember you.

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I actually think you should interview at the new hospital just to see what happens. Who knows what could end up happening! : ) There's nothing to lose. There's no need to tell your current employer either. Explore this new opportunity.

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Specializes in Psych.

I wouldn't bother interviewing. I would call them and follow Westieluv's template for a gracious No thanks. If you are happy where you are as a new nurse, that is fantastic!

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I TOTALLY agree with Generaljinjur,

If you, as a new nurse LIKE your job, by all means, do not leave :)

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.
Definitely call them back, thank them for the offer of an interview, tell them that you would normally be very interested, but that you just started this new position and you feel a commitment to see it through. That makes you seem grateful, it lets them know that you may be interested in working for them in the future, and it also shows them that you take commitments seriously, which looks good if you interview with them in the future and they happen to remember you.

Definitely do this. Congratulations on having a good job that is giving you solid experience in a supportive environment.

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