Is it ethical to quit a job after accepting it?

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Hi everybody,

I've been a new graduate RN, BSN since March, 2015. A week ago I was offered a telemetry unit position for a new grad program at a wonderful hospital, only thing holding me back is the long commute, approx 26 miles ~45 minutes driving. This might not sound like too much, but I'm from NYC and not used to driving, never had to, since public transportation is so convenient, but I figured I'd buy my first car for this job since commute by public transportation would take me a little over 2hrs. Immediately after two days of getting a job offer, I signed all paperwork, but will start orientation next week.

just today, I spoke to a nurse manager at the hospital where I've been volunteering at, to notify her that I'd have to quit my volunteering position due to job commitment. She then expressed the fact that she liked me and asked me to send her my resume since they have a lot of positions open, however she knows it's kind of late now. But at least I'm happy to have her contact information for the future If I decide to transfer. This is my dream hospital mostly because it is very convenient for me to get to and my great experience as a volunteer.

Well I sent her my resume just to see what she says. Hypothetically , I know this is not guaranteed, but if she does end up contacting me before I even start orientation at the other hospital, would it be ethical for me to resign from the other hospital (HR did mention to me that they would only fill positions in the new grad program only if they find people with the qualifications they are looking for otherwise they'd prefer to not fill the positions- so technically I'm not really taking away another person's spot). Well this is just hypothetical, I really like this hospital, only thing is the driving part which I'm not very comfortable with yet, but I'm guessing with practice, my jitters about driving will go away. So what would you do if you were in my position? Is it even ethical to resign after accepting job offer, but before starting orientation?

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Well, there are no "ethical" considerations. Unless you're bound by some kind of contract, legally and ethically no one can stop you from rescinding your acceptance of the first job offer. If you're going to quit the job, it's better for the employer if you quit right away (saves them time and money they would be investing in you). It's not a v. nice thing to do to the employer, but, again, quitting now is better for them than starting the job, getting partway or all the way through orientation, and then quitting. If you do decide that you don't want the job, the sooner you resign, the better. This won't be the first time the other employer has had this happen, I guarantee you. I wouldn't plan on getting welcomed back to the other hospital at some point in the future, but you may not care about that and it may not even work out that way if you did try to return in the future.

Best wishes for your journey!

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Specializes in ED, Cardiac-step down, tele, med surg.

I would take the job that would allow me to be the best nurse I can be and that would help me grow professionally and financially. Most employers are "at will".

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'Ze bird in 'ze hand is worth two birdee in 'ze bush, they say. I would wait until you do get an offer.

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thank you all for your advises. Yes, I am thinking that if I do get a job offer at the hospital where I've been volunteering at, I'd only consider it only if the offer is made before I start orientation, otherwise once I start orientation I will surely commit to my employer as promised and not look back since I understand how expensive it is for them to train new grads. But at this point, I doubt an offer will be made, but just wanted to hear your opinions in case I do get that offer since the NM asked for my resume even after knowing I already had a job offer. Thank you very much.

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Specializes in Hospice Nursing.

I faced a similar situation when I was a new grad (a million years ago - actually 28 years ago). I had been waiting for a call from my first choice hospital, and it had taken so long, I took my second choice position. While in my first week of orientation, I received a call from first choice hospital! Struggled with that decision, but ultimately interviewed and took the position. Folks at the second choice hospital were extremely gracious and understanding and i spent almost 17 years at my first choice facility. No regrets!

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Specializes in Critical Care, Education.

This is a common occurrence for job seekers - the 'most preferred' job offer comes through after accepting another one. It's OK to exit the new job & go for the better one. Honestly, it happens all the time, but the earlier the better. Just be honest with everyone. Chances are, your new employer will not hold you to a 2-week notice if you're still in orientation. They may even want your termination to happen immediately - so you don't go blabbing to all the other new hires about how you are soooo lucky to get a much better job - LOL. Seriously, unless you have signed a contract or accepted some sort of financial incentive, it's all good.

I don't blame you for hating the commute. Heck, I'm a Houstonian where commuting is a inescapable fact of life, but that doesn't make it any better.

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Just take the job you want. They will survive.

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

It's not unethical to quit a job that you just accepted. However, that doesn't mean there won't be repercusions if you suddenly quit/renege on a job. They are well within their rights to tag you a Do Not Rehire, and they are legally able to share the reason why for that if someone calls them to verify work history.

This is not to say you shouldn't do it, but it is something to keep in mind.

Best of luck whatever you decide.

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Hi smiley28,

Did you get an offer from NYM? I am also a new grad, and I am really interested in getting a job at NYM.

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