How honest to be when quitting a job

Nurses General Nursing

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I wanted to hear people's experience when it comes to taking to a manager/supervisor about quitting. I have only been at my current position for about 6 months and have really disliked it since about the 2nd or 3rd month. A new opportunity came up and I was offered a new job, at a better place, that is a unit I would much rather work on and I accepted.

Part of the reason I dislike my current job is our manager is kind of awful, is not fair, takes sides, and gives out different information to employees. She also does not seem to care about our unit at all (we're the smaller of 2 units she oversees). How honest can/should I be with her about my reasons for leaving? I don't expect to ever come back to this unit specifically, but hate to burn bridges.

Also, I'm required to give 3 weeks notice but have the opportunity to give 4 weeks. Has anyone ever been let go from a nursing job as soon as they turned in their notice?? I know it happens in the business world but I've never personally heard of a nurse being let go so quick since it's hard to find/train a new nurse to a unit.

Just DO NOT DO IT.

There is absolutely nothing to gain. Probably the most compelling reason to give this type of feedback would be simply to "have your say" - but the smarter person knows that the smart thing to do is walk away. Misery loves company. Don't be the company.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

I admire your desire to share your concerns in the hope/belief that they will be used to improve conditions in this facility. However, it won't happen. Administration knows the performance of your supervisor and has chosen to accept it. If they were serious about making changes, they would have already done so. Venting on the way out the door won't improve anything for anyone. It will just get you labeled as a whiner, and possibly not eligible for rehire.

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I admire your desire to share your concerns in the hope/belief that they will be used to improve conditions in this facility. However, it won't happen. Administration knows the performance of your supervisor and has chosen to accept it. If they were serious about making changes, they would have already done so. Venting on the way out the door won't improve anything for anyone. It will just get you labeled as a whiner, and possibly not eligible for rehire.

Not true. I worked with an NM from Hades. Administration was aware what was going on, because NM was involved in 75% of grievances. She was eventually walked out the door.

We MUST report these issues. As with any problems.. documentation is the key.

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Specializes in Urgent Care, Oncology.

I've had it go down in both situations.

I left a job after 1.8 years due to crappy management. During exit interview, I reported my grievances; the manager was promoted and now oversees the territory! I also left this job due to scheduling and "needing weekends off to be with my husband who travels", which was my out in the open reason for leaving.

I left my state job after 8 months. I was honest about why I was leaving (hours + pay) but sad to leave my wonderful managers. I have an open invitation to come back any time (which I probably will heading towards retirement) with several recommendations.

If it is a manager gripe and poorly organized unit, I'd probably not be as upfront and honest. Is there something you can use, like some kind of excuse, like travel time, childcare, going back to school, etc?

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I agree with the others. Be careful not to burn bridges. Even though it seems impossible now, you never know when your paths might cross in the future. In general, health care isn't that big of a universe. It seems like everyone knows someone who knows someone who worked with someone else that and that someone is common to your life for complex reasons. The other reason I wouldn't be bluntly honest is that you don't want your current manager to make you ineligible for rehire. Again, it might not seem like it matters, but with the way health care systems are expanding, you never really know how this might affect you later, it's impossible to predict.

Now, if HR does an exit interview you can be honest without being unprofessional. You can cite work culture issues without being super specific and get your message across.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

DON'T DO IT!

In all my gazillion years working, I have seen just about every scenario that PPs have reported.

It will NEVER work out to your advantage.

Be civil with a "thank you very much" as you walk out the door.

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I'd leave out the "very much" part, personally LOL

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Specializes in Med-surg, telemetry, oncology, rehab, LTC, ALF.

Don't be honest about your reasons for leaving. Give the usual, "I appreciate the opportunities that you've afforded me in this position. I will of course be available to train any new employee needed to take my spot. My last day will be x." Give a three or four weeks notice. I have heard of some nurses being let go on the spot - if that happens, then so be it. And don't tell her where you're going! If she asks, then you can give a vague, "Oh, just an opportunity came up in an area I've always been interested in and I decided to take it." Don't get specific. You don't want to burn any bridges, but you also don't want to allow her sabotage your new job.

In all likelihood, she probably already knows that you're unhappy. My last manager was not surprised when I gave her my notice.

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Specializes in peds.

Don't burn your bridges. Nursing is a very small world.

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