How should I decline a job offer ?

TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN · May 7, 2011

If you really don't want the job, don't show up and negotiate with them. Just jerking them around if you don't really want to be bothered will PO them more than just sending them an email (or call them early on Monday) stating that your schedule did not work out how you anticipated it would and that you will be unable to accept their kind offer. End of story.

Katie5 · May 7, 2011

.In addition I can not stop thinking about how condescending the Doc was towards LPNs. I'm trying to see how to go about declining this offer. Should I show up anyway and see if they are willing to work with my schedule or should I call first thing Monday morning to decline the offer?
The other great news is that I'm interviewing for a substance abuse position at a large teaching hospital on Tuesday. I also have a friend that works at another major hospital and she referred me to her employer who may be interested in interviewing me for a Student nurse extern ship program, that will also guarantee a RN job post graduation/boards.

1. Clearly the bolded part is going to be an issue.

2. The offer was made to you in person- extend the same courtesy to them and decline the offer in person.

3. Exhaust all options- go to the clinic and see if they would work with you on your schedule.

5. Pray for spiritual guidance for best decision.

6. Make the choice and stay with it.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · May 7, 2011

Hmmm....I would show up Monday morning and meet with the NM immediately. Explain your situation, and include the fact that you are actively "increasing your skills", as the MD so distastefully and condescendingly commented:

Doctor: " Well you are a LPN with LTC experience and the problem with LPNs is that you all don't have any skills and don't look for any ways to increase your skills"

So, how 'bout we see if the Doc can walk the talk and give you a shot at the job with the necessary schedule change in order for you to deliver on the "increased skills"?

If they are unable or unwilling to do so, keep looking honey! I am really hopeful that you will be a candidate for the Nurse Extern program. These specialized programs are SO valuable, and you will learn a great deal.

I am proud of you for working AND going to school. Give yourself a hug from me and pat yourself on the back-this ain't easy stuff!

NurseLoveJoy88, ASN, RN · May 7, 2011

Thanks !! I will give courtesy and show up. If they are unwilling to work with my schedule then I can't accept the offer. I have one more fall semester to go... I'm really praying for the student extern position. That would be great.

dthfytr, ADN, LPN, RN, EMT-B, EMT-I · May 7, 2011

When I decline a job offer, I keep in mind that I may really badly need a job from them in the future. I keep it humble and profoundly thankful. You never know how and when circumstances may change, you've just proven that. It doesn't hurt to suck up when declining a job offer (do itt by phone and in writing) and if it happens that you need a job from them in the future you've left a good impression. IMHO. Congratulations and good luck.

netglow, ASN, RN · May 7, 2011

Yeah this is tricky. It's the weekend and I take it you were to start on Monday? This probably won't go smoothly as they probably thought any sched adj would be minor - your change means you cannot take the job at all. If they have weekend hours I'd try to contact them. If you show up just to say you can't take the job prepare for a little coldness. If I were the OM I'd rather know ASAP so I could adjust and get someone else in if poss on Monday. Not that I think the job would have been great anyway, it's just damage control. I guess they think they are doing you a gracious favor in some way, LOL.

lifelearningrn, BSN, RN · May 7, 2011

I wouldn't go up there at all. I'd call first thing in the morning, explain the situation, say thank you but no thank you, and be done with it. No matter how you handle this, you're likely not going to ever be rehired by this office again. Politely decline and move on with your life.