Need help resigning!

NursesRmofun, ASN, RN · Jul 18, 2015

As others have implied....unless you are sure you won't want to work in that hospital again, it's really iffy to resign now after what you promised. I'd think about it a while. Good luck!

icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN · Jul 18, 2015

Congratulations, you have been presented with a great opportunity. Accept the position and then give three weeks notice.

Do not feel guilty, our families are more important than a job in a hospital.

Ruby Vee, BSN · Jul 18, 2015

I need help. I had been a CNA for two years while in nursing school. I graduated last Year and proved myself to my manager who never hires new grads. I convinced her that I wanted to stay and start my nursing career and she wouldnt be disappointed. (A few of her previous hires left within a year of hire.). I have been used to working in the hospital and working the crazy night shifts before but I am not liking it now. I work 12 hour nights, 0.8 FTE every other weekend and I have recently been presented with a clinic RN job that pays a little more and is Mon-Thurs, no weekends, no holidays, won't be put on call and better benefits and PTO accrual. What appeals to me is having a normal life again. I am married with three kids and I must say, I thought I would be happier but I am so tired all the time and am so stressed that the clinic job seems like such a better life choice. Low stress, normal hours, have my weekends and holidays free. I can't imagine. However, I feelso guilty and have no idea what I would even tell my boss and co workers. I just got off orientation last month. I promised them I wouldn't leave like the others. I am trying to come up with a great story that doesn't make me seem like such a horrible person but honestly, it isn't what I want for my life and I can't handle the stress.
Any suggestions?

The first year of nursing is miserable, no matter where you work. You have so much to learn, so many new responsibilities. Now that you've talked your manager into hiring you and promised that you wouldn't quit like so many other new grads, you owe it to her not to quit like so many other new grads. You gave her your word. Stay at least a year following the end of your orientation; two years would be better.

If you do leave, prepare to be blacklisted not only on your current unit, but within the hospital and probably within the system if there's more than one hospital. Sometimes you'll be blacklisted in an entire geographical area.

Truly, the grass is not always greener. You'll be shooting yourself in the foot by quitting just one month off orientation.

JaxJax5423 · Jul 18, 2015

I hate to be the one posting this, because I have been there and I Understand....BUT now looking back......I realize how much hospitals put on the line to train a new grad. It is sooooo costly and we (I say we because I kind of did it too) always end of searching and leaving for another job. It makes us look so bad. But I guess at the end of the day....it's what is best for you and your family. I can promise you though that roughing out a year will put you miles ahead (skills, rapport, professionalism, connections) than leaving for a clinic. I feel your stress, but I just want you to be encouraged that sticking it out and with time.....a hospital job can get better!

TriciaJ, RN · Jul 18, 2015

Tell your manager that you had no way to foresee the toll it would take on your family. Tell her you feel horrible about going back on your word, and you feel horrible about changes you have seen in your family dynamics. You are having to choose between 2 kinds of horrible and you have to put your family first.

I don't feel too sorry for the hospital. A little bit of decent staffing and manageable workloads would go a long way to retaining staff. I do think it's a good idea to offer to work per diem for the hospital. Could save a bridge from being burned. Good luck.

NursesRmofun, ASN, RN · Jul 18, 2015

I already answered...but reiterate,having read others that I agree with, it might be better to try to tough it out a while longer...maybe a year. Things do look different after a year as well. I think it took me over 2 yrs. at my first hospital to get comfortable. The reasons I stayed were:

1) I loved being a nurse- truly

2) I had lots of energy

3) A past instructor/professor told me early on--- Don't burn bridges too early.

4) Adding- I also have great support from experienced co-workers.

But I do understand that your family is also a consideration. Just think on it.

FlyingScot, RN · Jul 18, 2015

One thing to consider is that M-F day shift will also interfere with your family. You need to consider that you will be unable to flex your hours to accommodate doctors visits, school functions and summer activities. Trust me, it can be very difficult. You end up using vacation days for pediatrician appointments and room mother duties. It does start adding up.