Medical leave ending but no job yet. Accept another?

[namaste111, BSN, RN]

First, I hope everyone is safe and well.

My medical leave of absence is ending on 3/25/20. I don't know if I can return to the unit I was at because I had performance issues related to my husband's death. HR told me I have 30 days from 3/25 to find another job or I'm terminated. I was offered another job at another hospital. Should I take it?

[Closed Account 12345]

Cheers to new beginnings! Congratulations on the new job offer! I'd go for it so you start with a fresh record and have a guaranteed source of income and benefits.

[Just me.]

I'm sorry about your spouse and current situation. Do you feel you are ready to go back to work? Mentally and physically? You don't have to answer on this site, but something to consider.

Are you saying the current job is going to let you work for 30 days and then fire you if you don't find another job and leave?

[caliotter3]

Of course you should accept the new job. Just tidy up your departure with a resignation letter to your non-understanding old employer. Sounds as if you were not totally at fault there. Start over in a positive move for you. This door opened at just the right time.

[Jolie, BSN]

Please clarify with your current employer whether you will be responsible for any of the cost of benefits you received during your leave. The Family & Medical Leave Act allows employer (in some circumstances) to bill employees for a portion of the cost of benefits they received during their leave, if they do not return to work in a benefits-eligible position.

This doesn't apply to every situation, and some employers choose to waive it even if it does apply, but I would make sure you know the answer to this question and get it in writing to protect yourself.

Best wishes to you!

[namaste111, BSN, RN]

To 'Just Me', yes I feel I am mentally and physically read to return to work. I wouldn't go back to work unless I knew 100% that I am ready to give safe and competent care to my patients. I wouldn't put my license and livelihood on the line like that. Plus, I have a child to support. I sacrificed 9 years of my life to get a second degree, my BSN. I can, I will, and I must follow my purpose God gave me.

Jolie,

Thanks for bringing up the issue about me having to possibly pay for my benefits, I hope I don't.

Thank you!

[namaste111, BSN, RN]

I have a phone interview next week for another position at the hospital where I work. Hopefully it goes well. Honestly, I don't want to have to start at a new hospital and go through the orientation period, more preceptors, having to change/transfer benefits. But at least I have a backup plan, right?

[namaste111, BSN, RN]

I feel absolutely devastated and abandoned by my current unit. After my husband dies unexpectedly just five months ago, that on top of everything else, I have to worry about getting a new job to support my child and myself.

[JadedCPN, BSN, RN]

2 hours ago, namaste111 said:

I feel absolutely devastated and abandoned by my current unit. After my husband dies unexpectedly just five months ago, that on top of everything else, I have to worry about getting a new job to support my child and myself.

Unfortunately it’s a very hard lesson to learn that most employers ultimately only look out for themselves. I am so sorry for your loss and everything you are going through - you will pull through this.