How do I tell my boss...

Specialties School

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Specializes in Nicu, Currently School Nursing.

Hi everyone, 

How do I even begin to tell my boss that I have a really good working relationship with and that I respect very much, that I am looking for a job in another district?  I'm looking into this move to have a commute closer to home.  

I would appreciate any advice.  

May your kindness always come back to you, ten-fold.  

Happy Nurse's Week!  

-JustRNingAlong

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Specializes in Dialysis.

Just be upfront. "Hey, Sue, you know I love working here. But with inflation, cost of fuel, and wear and tear on my vehicle, I just wanted to let you know that I'm looking for something a little closer to my home. I just wanted you to know, so that you didn't catch it in the rumor mill, and be told other reasons." Or something along that line

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Specializes in School Nursing.

I wouldn't give notice until you have another job. What happens if you can't find another opening?

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Specializes in Nurse Writer, Nurse Leader, ER, Peds, HH & Hospice.

As a manager, I appreciated knowing way in advance when a team member planned to leave. This gave me time to look for coverage and replacement. 

Let your boss know as soon as possible. 

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Specializes in Dialysis.
NursePals said:

I wouldn't give notice until you have another job. What happens if you can't find another opening?

OP didn't state giving notice. She just wanted to let her manager know she was looking so that there were no hard feelings later

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I would not mention it at all, even to save feelings, unless you know 100% that you won't be fired.  I informed a manager just so that they could begin looking for a replacement as I knew they had a hard time hiring, and I was immediately let go.  I don't understand why as they were already short handed, but it is what it is...

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Specializes in School Nursing.
Hoosier_RN said:

OP didn't state giving notice. She just wanted to let her manager know she was looking so that there were no hard feelings later

Saying you are looking is pretty much saying I am not returning next year. It's a risk. It may not be an official notice, but it's a notification that you're leaving the job at some point. Unless she has a contract, she's an employee at will meaning she can be let go. 

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Specializes in Community health.

Just remember that no matter how well you get along, it is still just a job. You aren't getting divorced!  So she may be sad to see you go, but it's not a betrayal or anything. If you know for sure you're leaving, just be straightforward and tell her. If you're just considering it, I'd wait. 

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Specializes in Tele, ICU, Staff Development.

I suggest waiting until you have more concrete information. A manager cannot proceed with posting or interviewing until there's an actual opening. 

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