I feel like a jerk!

Nurses General Nursing

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I am a new graduate RN and I also have a LVN license. After job hunting for 4 months, I accepted a job working at a brand new weight loss clinic as a LVN. The owner chose me because I was "responsible, reliable, and dependable". BUT, its only 27 hours a week and is only paying me $14.50 and no benefits. I was desperate for a job, so I accepted it. The hitch is that I am the only nurse in their clinic, and without a nurse, they cannot open/operate.

My husband lost his job this weekend, so I went out job searching for something better today and was offered a position in LTC... 40+ hours, paying $24.50+ overtime.

Obviously, I am going to take the new position.... my family is depending on my income! But now I have to tell the clinic that I am quitting after just two weeks!! Since they cannot open without a nurse, I am going to give them 2 weeks notice so they can find a replacement.

I just feel like such a jerk, and I dont know what to say in my resignation letter. ..... Help!

Dont feel bad, if they had to fire you because they were not making any money they would not feel bad for it. You have to look after your family FIRST. That's your first job right? :)

Specializes in Peds Cardiology,Peds Neuro,Pedi ER,PICU, IV Jedi.

First of all, stop kicking yourself. It seems clear to me that they are taking advantage of your desperation at the clinic. You are doing the right thing. Just give 'em two weeks notice and I hope your new position in LTC works out for you!!

On the bright side, a new job opening has opened up from the job you are leaving. It is bound to make some nurse happy.

i wouldn't feel like a jerk at all.

listen trubie, they (wt loss clinic) saw you coming and took full advantage.

IF you choose to give a reason, you may consider telling them you were offered a fulltime job as an RN...

and that takes precedence over your part-time, lpn status.

very understandable, imo.

best of everything to you and yours.

leslie

Specializes in LTC, Memory loss, PDN.

I would offer a 2 weeks notice at a rate of $ 24.50/hr. If they depend on someone elses license to conduct their business, they need to realize that sometimes it will cost more than a half a stick of gum. At any rate, your responsibility lies with yourself and your family. You're not a jerk, you're taking care of your family. Also, I've never heard of any $14.50/hr worker being in charge of ensuring operations of any company.

Thanks everybody!!

I gave my boss notice today and she was ******!! She told me to leave for the day (we didnt have any more appointments) and to come in late tomorrow. I will come in tomorrow, but if she sends me home early again, I am going to rescind my notice and tell her I am not working next week. No sense in going into a crap paying job for only 2 hours, right?! That way I can start my new job a week earlier :)

Oh, and she gave us the employee handbook yesterday and it stated ALL over it that employment was completely "at will" and nobody was required to give notice.

I think the thing she was most upset about was the money she "lost" training me. I only got 1 day of training at the alternate location (in another city), so she had to pay my mileage and hotel room, but thats it. Big whoop! Its a good thing Im a fast learner and was able to pick it all up in one day. This woman needs to learn that as a new business owner, keeping your employees happy is paramount! Being cheap and cutting corners will only hurt you in the end.

Specializes in Peds, PACU, ICU, ER, OB, MED-Surg,.

She has a right to be upset. You have a right to change positions and support your family. Ethically you gave her a two week notice. If she waves that 2 weeks it is up to her and you've fulfilled your obligation.

I am sure this clinic had to know the going rate for someone with your experience and if they didn't that is there problem anyone that has went to school and invested your time and money it was all a matter of time but what you could do is offer your services as an independent consultant nurse until he can find a replace

Specializes in ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89.

I'm real sorry you have to change jobs over money. They know what the going rate for Nurses is, and they chose to go below. You are to be admired for sticking it out. Is the new job an actuality, and can you start sooner? That's what I would do. A note that says my last day working for you is Sept. _____. Sincerely, _______RN

They wouldn't feel bad to let you go if they need to so why would you feel bad letting them go? Family is first, just keep reminding yourself that.

Your family comes first - in this economy this should not surprise anybody, I think honesty with your current employer is your best strategy. Do it in a profesionnal way with a nough notice and you should be fine, you'll never know what the future will hold and it is a small world aafter all,lol. Best of luck.

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