If manager asks about new job when I give notice.....do I tell????

BrookeeLou_RN · Mar 28, 2011

My answer is " I have decided to pursue different avenues with my career" Could never be a lie as even if I went to their top competitor.. that would still be a different avenue!

Giveheart · Mar 28, 2011

Someone once told me, "regardless of where you go, all nurse managers know each other"...

opossum · Mar 28, 2011

I just gave notice last week; when my (former) mgr asked where I was going, I told her. It's in a different specialty, so I didn't think it would do any harm.

But based on previous replies here, I'm wondering if I did the wrong thing! :uhoh3:

belgarion · Mar 28, 2011

Another issue I never heard of until I got into nursing. The answer is NO. You don't have to tell them and it is better not to for all the reasons mentioned by others. Of course if you tell a coworker or post it on a social network you might as well make it a part of your resignation letter.

enchantmentdis, BSN, RN · Mar 28, 2011

You say whatever you want to say. She's just being nosey.

AKA_Glamour_Pearl · Mar 28, 2011

that's a strange question. if you're giving your notice and you don't mind telling them that you're leaving for the hospital across the street, then tell them that.

if you're leaving and you don't ever want to see them again, have no plans to contact them ever, think that they are just plain horrible and will attempt to sabbotage your efforts, then tell them something else.

tell them that you want to pursue other goals right now.

that's what i said at one of my previous jobs (not hospital). i gave my 2 week notice. of course everyone wanted to know what i was going to do. i said "i need to fulfill some other goals and i just need a break".

then i just kept tight lipped about what those goals and plans were, because they were personal. :) now this will only work if you say it to everyone. you can't tell your nm one thing and tell your favorite co-workers something else. everyone gets the same story.

that's my line and i stick with it. i've used it twice and it works like a charm. no one ever really knows where i am or what i'm doing until i'm happy and settled in.

good luck!

Sarah G · Mar 28, 2011

I recently gave my notice & my nurse manager asked where was i going? I just figured she's curious & wants to know so I just told her. Plus we had went to school together so i don't believe she had any nefarious plans in mind. Honestly, I don't think anyone's NM is usually bent on making anyone miserable for leaving a position...that'd take to much effort. More likely NM has to evaluate if shifts in staffing are a problem & why.

noahsmama · Mar 28, 2011

My previous NM knows where I went because I used her as a reference for my current position.

I'm really surprised how cagey most other posters are about telling your soon-to-be former employer where you're going. I've always told, in every job, nursing or non-nursing, that I've ever had, and I've never had any problems because of it.

However, I do agree with the advice to only tell if you feel like doing so --- you're certainly under no obligation to do so.

Good luck with your new job!

CCL RN, RN · Mar 28, 2011

My previous NM knows where I went because I used her as a reference for my current position.
I'm really surprised how cagey most other posters are about telling your soon-to-be former employer where you're going. I've always told, in every job, nursing or non-nursing, that I've ever had, and I've never had any problems because of it.
However, I do agree with the advice to only tell if you feel like doing so --- you're certainly under no obligation to do so.
Good luck with your new job!

Noahsmama.... We are reacting that way because of the op's other thread where her nm sabotaged her transfer to another department...

caliotter3 · Mar 28, 2011

Noahsmama.... We are reacting that way because of the op's other thread where her nm sabotaged her transfer to another department...

An example of the phenomenon I described. It does happen.

LTV950rn · Mar 28, 2011

I agree with most of these posters. It really does depend on the situation. When I gave notice just in January, I told them where I was going-mainly because my supervisor provided a reference for me anyway (she was awesome!) and because I had a supportive work environment. (all knew I was doing my LPN-RN and expected me to leave anyway) Obviously, not all places are like this. I feel you are never required to disclose where you are going and answering with "I'd prefer not to give the name until I'm settled/it's set in stone" should suffice. Good luck to you!!!!

kimbalotz · Mar 28, 2011

it is never necessary and rarely helpful to disclose your future plans when resigning a position. not to mention that it is none of your employer's business. if you would rather not disclose your new job, then don't.
you didn't say how you plan to resign, or ask for advice on how to do so, so please feel free to ignore this:
dear nurse manager,
i am writing to inform you that i am resigning my position as staff nurse on med/surg unit, effective at the end of my shift on sunday, april 10, 2011. thank you for the opportunity to serve this patient population for the past 2 years.
sincerely,
kimbalotz, rn

sorry...i didn't mention how i planned to resign. here is the letter i wrote:

please accept this as formal notice of my resignation from the position of operating room r.n. at xxxx my last working day will be april 25th, 2011, one month from today.

after much consideration i have decided to explore other professional opportunities as well as further my education. i am eager to gain more skills and advance in my career to ultimately achieve my long-term goals. working for xxxx has been a very rewarding experience. the staff has been quite instrumental in my education here in the o.r., and i feel privileged to have been part of the team. the professional and personal growth that i have gained during my time with this organization is invaluable, and will be carried with me throughout my career as a registered nurse.

i thank you again for the exceptional opportunity to be on staff, and it is only with deep regret that i tender this decision. i wish the staff of xxxx continued success.

if there is anything you think i should change...feel free to let me know. i also did not feel i should mention where i was going; i just wasn't sure what to say if she asked...how do i avoid answering that??