How much notice to give?

Nurses General Nursing

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I just accepted a new job and am very excited about it! I'm currently working in a very busy SICU, and just accepted a position in a non-invasive cardiology lab, performing diagnostic procedures such as stress echos, atropine and dobutamine stress echos, nuclear studies, and MRI angios. The best part about it is that it's M-F days, no weekends/holidays I'm excited for the change and to learn another role in nursing.

My question is this: How much notice should I give to my current manager? The new position wants me ASAP, but the SICU is very busy and usually short-staffed (also part of the reason for the job change). I do plan on staying there casually, but no scheduled hours. Would May 1st be an acceptable date or should I give more time?

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Specializes in geriatric, hospice, med/surg.

Two weeks' notice should be ample time but I once forfeited a hefty chunk of money accrued as PTO to paid out to me when I left IF I worked the required minimum two weeks' notice...the facility who I interviewed with and that hired me wanted to me to start like, yesterday and I had not even given the two week notice....ended up a not so great departure from the facility where I gave the two weeks' notice, so left after one week, forfeited the other week and the PTO pay out....never really regreted it as money wasn't the issue at the time....my sanity/happiness was!

Two weeks, average unless it's a hospital then four weeks' is usually expected. Unless you don't mind stepping on toes and risking a less than fair recommendation in future from this particular clinic if and when you leave the new job in the future and need them as a reference...we all know that legally, HR isn't supposed to tell anyone anything other than dates worked, if you would be eligible for rehire, and nothing else...but let me tell you and all who read this, if you believe that, you are being misled. I know from experience and from being in management, there are ways around that "law"....it isn't nice, it isn't always fair, but there it is....and it is done. More info. given out in such a way that nothing is ever provable since it is done illegally, unethically.

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Specializes in SICU, PACU, Public health.

i just got hired today in the PACU (from SICU as well) and it was same hospital. New mgr said 2 weeks but longer if old mgr had a problem. I contacted old mgr, she of course isn't sure if 2 weeks is enough. I will let them hash it out and transfer when they tell me to. I feel like a weight of the world has been lifted from my shoulders. i was working nights ;and the hours, coupled with the stress of working ICU, was enough to make me want to quit nursing altogether. No one said nursing would be easy, but my respect for them has quadrupled since becoming one myself.

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The accepted time to give notice is 3 months if you want all your benefits paid out but in an emergency you can give 24 hours notice. But you lose a lot of benefits and the hospitals respect.

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Three months??? Holy cats...that seems like a really long time!

:)

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Specializes in critical access, including ER.

Is this an "in-house" move??? If so, check with your facility's policy book or the house supervisor....or your Human Resource person!!! Many facilities require different lengths of notice depending on whether you are doing a inter-facility transfer vs. leaving to another facility!!! Either way, Congrats to you!!!!;)

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Specializes in critical care; community health; psych.

I would say to at least finish out your current schedule. What kind of relationship do you have with your SICU manager? Why not just have a conversation with her. You know, talk it out. If your cardiology lab wants you, they'll wait if that's what's required.

Congrats. I hear your excitement. It will be a pleasant change.

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Three months???? Not in this country!! Standard is two weeks, some places want a month.

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Specializes in Clinic, formerly ED, ICU, PACU, ortho.

Do you mean three WEEKS?

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The accepted time to give notice is 3 months...but in an emergency you can give 24 hours notice.

lol...ok

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This is not an inter-facility transfer, I'm leaving to another hospital. So I'm thinking two weeks, does that sound fair? I have to talk with my manager in the morning when my shift is over, yikes!

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i think so. someone may try to give you a hard time about it, but in the long run, i personally think it is fair, and think that you would be able to use them as a reference down the road, if needed.

your employee handbook probably specifies any policy that may be in place. check that. meeting that requirement would mean that HR could not give you a bad report regarding notice.

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