leaving hospital on awol

allnurses Guide · May 21, 2006

What kind of contract are you talking about? Did they give you a sign-on bonus, in exchange for signing a contract saying that you would work there for two years?

I would personally find quitting without notice to be very unwise in ANY case. OTOH, it sounds like they are putting the health of your patients, as well as both your health AND your license in jeoupardy, by making you take such a large patient load.

Many hospitals are in need of good nurses.

So, I guess ultimately my answer is that yes, a well typed resignation letter may be in order, but I don't know if I would MAIL it; I would probably hand deliver it to my manager's office or to the office of HR. I guess if you did get a huge sign on bonus and sign a contract, then you are probably going to have to pay back a nice chunk of that bonus!

That's why I always say, beware of sign on bonuses! There's a reason why hospitals offer them.

galenight, BSN, RN · May 21, 2006

I have never been bound by a contract but it is not professional to just send a registered letter saying you quit. You should write a letter of resignation give it to your manager and human resources and include a two week notice. If you received a sign on bonus because you signed a contract you may have to pay all or a portion of that back. In any case, you need to remain professional, and fair, by giving notice of your resignation so that the staff you work with won't be unfairly forced to pick up the slack of your sudden departure.

meownsmile, BSN, RN · May 21, 2006

I agree, a well typed letter, 2 weeks notice and then if you have any unused personal of vacation time take it then before you leave.

allnurses Guide · May 21, 2006

I agree, ideally it is better and more professional to give a couple of weeks notice at least.

I mean, even though the situation screams to me "Get out NOW!" , if there is any way you can at least give a couple of weeks notice, that is best. Plus, should future potential employers find out that you quit a job without giving any notice... I don't have to tell you how BAD that looks.

Here's one thing that you can do to at least cover your butt when you are put into a situation at work where you have too many patients. Simply tell your house supervisor that you feel like you have too many patients and you need more help. If you don't in fact get it, well at least you have let someone higher up know that you felt like you needed the help, instead of accepting a dangerous sized load without saying anything.

Katnip, RN · May 21, 2006

Most contracts state you must pay back what you owe them.

Most employers also have policies that state if you leave without giving notice you cannot use them as a reference. They also often have policies that you cannot use any leave you have accrued during that two weeks.

If you need to, put in writing your problems and how you feel it's unsafe, then give copies to your manager, DON, HR, and risk management.

suzanne4, RN · May 21, 2006

You are not going AWOL, you are breaking a contract. If this is one that was signed, you will be resposnsible for what ever the contract states that you owe.

Just did a search of previous posts, and you came over to the US on a two year contract. In order to get out of your contract, you will need to honor the buy-out clause of it. The agency did meet their part of the contract that you signed. If the other nurses are getting the same number of patients on your unit, then there is not much that can be done, unless all of you protest that you are short-staffed. I suggest that you contact the agency that brought you over here as soon as possible, and let them know what your issues are. Perhaps they can move you to another facility, so that you do not jeapordize your contract.

king of codes · May 21, 2006

I didn't search your prior posts but have this to add; we have canadian friends here on work visa, in order for them to continue working in the states they must be sponsored by a hospital. In addition, due to different state licensure requirements, they were only allowed to work in a certain state.

this may not apply to your situation, but I would evaluate the possibility thoroughly that it may, and job abandonment would give you very few options for a hire status, be careful

rhenmag9 · May 21, 2006

is it a verbal contract or written contract? u may give at least a week notice so that the hospital can find a replacement..if ur not happy then why suffer?

but be sure u'll give them a notice before u leave.

..awol is not good, it will bring bad impression to ur records..inform them...tc!!

suzanne4, RN · May 21, 2006

I didn't search your prior posts but have this to add; we have canadian friends here on work visa, in order for them to continue working in the states they must be sponsored by a hospital. In addition, due to different state licensure requirements, they were only allowed to work in a certain state.
this may not apply to your situation, but I would evaluate the possibility thoroughly that it may, and job abandonment would give you very few options for a hire status, be careful

Canadians come down on NAFTA TN visas, and they are employer specific.

Only RNs from Canada and Mexico can use the TN Visa.

The op is here on a green card.

suzanne4, RN · May 21, 2006

is it a verbal contract or written contract? u may give at least a week notice so that the hospital can find a replacement..if ur not happy then why suffer?
but be sure u'll give them a notice before u leave...awol is not good, it will bring bad impression to ur records..inform them...tc!!

This is a two year written contract between the agency and the nurse. She was sponsored to come to the US to work, and provided with a green card.

king of codes · May 21, 2006

Canadians come down on NAFTA TN visas, and they are employer specific.
Only RNs from Canada and Mexico can use the TN Visa.
The op is here on a green card.

thank you for clarifying, a bit confusing to me. Can you elaborate as how a "green card", which I thought my friends were working twords, I could be wrong, affects the OP? It seems that there must be a contract to ensure that because finances have alloted her "stay", that she therefore cannot renig? it seems as if the US hospital is financing the employment... a very sticky situation, one not left for a quick desicion AWOL. Just trying to provide sound advice.

thanks for the "expertise"

rob