Leave new RN job before orientation starts

Nurses Career Support

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Hello everyone,

Here's my question. I was offered a position last week for a part time job on a neuro/peds unit. I accepted the position. Today, I was called and offered a position for an ER nurse. It is my dream to be an ER nurse, and it is at my dream hospital. I already work at this hospital also as an EMT. I didn't know that I really had a chance, which is why I took the first job without asking them to give me a few days to decide. I don't start orientation for the neuro/peds job for another two weeks, and I haven't filled out any paperwork yet or even done a drug test. All I have done is verbally accepted the offer. Does it look bad on me to call them back and tell them I have accepted a different job? I forgot to mention that the ER job is full time, closer to where I live, in a hospital I currently work at, and also pays over $2 an hour more than the job I accepted. I have been an EMT for 4 years and know I want to work in the ER as a nurse. Plus, since I already work as an ED tech in the ER that called me, I already know the facility well and all the staff, and work well with them all.

I guess I also just don't know what exactly to say to the first job. I don't want this to hinder my chances of working for them in the future if I ever am interested in it or move closer to that hospital. Do you think they will think badly of it as long as I let them know as soon as possible, before they spend any money hiring me?

Thanks

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Yes, it "looks bad," and you can assume you are burning your bridge with that employer. However, ya gotta do what ya gotta do. It might soften the blow :) for the other hospital that you haven't actually started yet, but, in that situation, I would assume that I will be flagged as "do not rehire" for the future.

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I say it's better to leave before orientation than to start and leave after. It's better to do what you love anyway because you'll be happier and do a better job for your patients

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Just tell them that due to circumstances beyond your control you are unable to accept the position after all.

You don't have to tell them you have taken another job.

And it is beyond your control that the other place is paying more and is closer.

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Thanks everyone. I guess I'm just venting here. I did my nursing school orientation in the ccu at the hospital I was hired at first, and my preceptor used to work on neuro peds. He actually called that floors supervisor and told her to call me to hire me. So I feel bad that I was recommended by my preceptor and that I'd be leaving after he put in a good word. However, I did tell the supervisor in my interview that I wanted to be an er nurse, and that it was my dream. My preceptor and I still keep in touch as well and he also knows how badly I want an ER job. It's so nice to have two offers after 4 months with no bites on jobs, I am just a worrier and I hate putting others in difficult places. I know they probably have a 2nd choice who they could call. I just need to not worry so much about others.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

I agree that you don't have to tell the hire-er your reason, except that you must tell them you aren't able to take the job.

You have to go where your interests and the best options lead.

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Specializes in Critical Care/Coronary Care Unit,.

You have to do what you feel you need to do. You'll be burning bridges with one hospital...but fulfilling your dream at another. Pursue your dream of being an ER nurse. Just call the other hospital and say "Thanks for the offer. However, due to unforeseen circumstances, I am unable to accept the position." I burned bridges with one to purse my goal of being an ICU nurse. I don't regret it at all years later. Good luck!

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And is calling appropriate or is this something I should show up in person to

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Specializes in Psychiatric Nursing.

damn where are you from... sounds like you got a good offer soon as you finished

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I am from northwest Wisconsin. I have had about 15 interviews and applied for probably 40 jobs and these are the only two that have been a yes so far lol.

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Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

If it was human resources that let you know you had the job, I think a call is enough. If it was a manager, a nice note would be a good thing. I don't think you need to go in person. That would take time for the person you'd be talking-to.

Seriously, though...the hospital hasn't spent anything on you for orientation--they haven't lost anything but your awesomeness with you taking another job. I don't see them holding it against you at this point. If you bailed after they had money invested in orientation, THEN they'd hold it against you.

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Specializes in CVICU.

If you havn't filled out any paper work then go ahead and tell them new circumstances make it so you can't accept the position. I'd do it ASAP though, that way they can call their 2nd choice on the list and so on. Now as far as burning bridges, one has to consider that. However every decision in life has consequences, and as such you must evaluate the pros and cons here. Nursing, to the hospital is a business and it should be for you as well. That means a hospital will do what is in it's best interest and you should do what is in your best interest. Believe me if something came up and it was in hospital A's best interest to take their job offer back, they would do it in a heartbeat, and I've seen it done from time to time. So do what is best for you. Taking the ER position might put you on the black list at hospital A, but does it really matter? Only you know the answer to that.

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