Leaving in less than 6 months doesn't count?

[newrnltc]

Hello AN,

Today I handed in my letter of resignation to my DON after working there since Jan. I am planning to leave for a job at a clinic. She asked me to stay until the end of May so staffing can be arranged. I agreed out of courtesy. She mentioned if I left in less than 6 months it wouldn't count on my resume as experience. Is this true? I know private offices here hardly hire RNs because of the cost so I really wanted to take this opportunity. Plus it is 4 days a week vs 5 with the same salary and no more of the pleasing medicare/spending more time with charting than patients environment. I feel bad that I let my DON down. The job market is bad and when I was hired I had the full intention of staying long term but the work drama and lack of time for myself/family is getting to me. Thanks for your input!

[Enthused RN, BSN, RN]

It's up to you to put it on your resume. Your DON is disappointed and frankly has a right to feel how she wants, but she doesn't really have a right to say what you can or cannot put on your resume. That is your decision. I say in the future when you are applying to other jobs, consider putting it on there if you feel it will make a positive difference (it's still patient care/RN experience). But if they are going to call that place for a reference, then I would leave it off.

[amoLucia]

Experience is experience is experience. It obviously didn't handicap you as you applied for your second position. If and when you choose to look elsewhere, you can always explain that you preferred the time schedule or you liked clinic acuitty vs ltc (I'm guessing that because of your name). Besides personnel departments USUALLY only verify dates of employment only when called.

[Enthused RN, BSN, RN]

amoLucia is right - they usually only verify dates of employment. However, when I worked in a staffing agency and was checking the dates of employment with a prior employer for a potential hire, I could tell she didn't leave on good terms. They answered the questions, but their tone of voice strongly indicated they were not happy with her. They stayed within the bounds of the laws (not badmouthing a former employee, per se) but I understood what was going on. As a result, we didn't hire her. I don't know how often this happens but I wanted to share that with you.

[Nurse456]

Congrats newrnltc and good luck!! You have given me hope in my job search!!

[newrnltc]

Thanks everyone. Yea I'm glad for my experience there even though the working conditions weren't optimal. Even if it *doesn't count* I'd still put it on my resume because it's time spent and experience gained. Part of me is afraid I will miss it *sadisitc?* Because this new job will be more desk side than bedside. Hopefully I won't regret it. There's always hope nurse456!