Leaving L&D during orientation

bagladyrn, RN · Mar 9, 2012

Yes, you do need to do this in person. It is the responsible adult way to behave. This unit/manager has taken a chance on you and invested time in training you. They deserve to hear your reason for leaving directly from you.

It would be appropriate to offer 2 weeks notice, though since you are still orienting they likely will let you resign immediately as it is of no benefit to them to continue training you.

obprof · Mar 9, 2012

I have been orientating for seven weeks in L&D now. I have come to realize that it is not what I want to do and would like to go back to ICU and let those that really want to do L&D, have a chance. I am still in my orientation! Do I still have to do a two weeks notice? Do I have to do everything in person? Go to HR? Manager? I just want to get out without them asking me soo many questions. Thx!

I would talk with your Nurse Manager and tell her how you feel. Offer to give her the two weeks notice, but she may take you off of the schedule immediately if you are scheduled with a preceptor and aren't really counted as staff. See if you have to fill out paperwork in HR or if the Nurse Manager will do that. Are you able to transfer back to ICU? I hope you are able to! I'm a long time L&D/postpartum nurse who taught OB. Then last year I tried L&D again and no longer wanted to work in it and quit after one month of orientation. I then took a perinatal float pool position where I am learning NICU and will work postpartum too and am really happy I did! Good luck to you!

babyktchr, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2012

Talk to your manager ASAP. This is part of what orientation is all about...trying on something to see if it fits. Sometimes it just doesn't. Your manager SHOULD understand and appreciate you coming forward. Orientation is hard on the budget for a unit, so it is far worse to try to tough it out only to quit after you are done. It really depends on the unit/facility policy where they stand on notice. I cannot imagine they would make you stay thru a two week notice and continue to pay you for training that you have no intention on using. Just tell them like it is. I know I would appreciate knowing how you feel. They may even have the sense that you aren't feeling as comfortable as possible.

Its not the end of the world, it has happened before and it certainly will happen again. NO worries. Good luck to you...I hope you find your home!!!

CrazyMommy, BSN, RN · Mar 9, 2012

Thank You guys! Went ahead and talked to her, and she appreciated it a lot. She will let me know though if there is any paper to be filled out.

Yes, I still have my position in ICU. PRN, and will probably sign up for shift starting next week sometime.