New Grad Leaving at 1 Year

[Nurse Beth, MSN]

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Dear Nurse Beth,

I am currently working in an icu setting as a new grad. I've been working for 6 months and my 1 year mark is up in August. I am planning on moving to a new state in September. I feel guilty quitting so early but I don't really have a choice. I really love my job and want to leave on a good note all though I am leaving earlier than I initially anticipated.

It would be ideal to have a job lined up before moving, so I'm wondering when would be a good time to apply for the new state's license/start applying for jobs? When should I tell my current manager about my plans?

Thanks so much for your time. I sincerely appreciate the assistance!

Dear Moving at One Year,

The best time to tell your manager is when you give your 2 weeks notice. Any time you give notice there's a chance the employer can respond with "Thank you and you can leave today".

Another reason for keeping it to yourself is that employers and even nurses on the floor will most likely to be sad to lose you, and some will even feel betrayed at having put time into your development only to have you leave at the point where you are starting to practice independently. These feelings are understandable, especially in facilities where there is high turnover.

This is not to guilt you, because in your case you said you have no choice. It's to know what to expect when you announce your plans.

I would start applying for endorsement to another state now. Some states are notoriously slow, some not so much. As far as applying for a job, it depends on the market where you are going. It's better to start sooner rather than later, as HR processes and interviews can take awhile. By sooner, think May-June with a start date of Sept. In many areas, recruiters are glad to have new hires in the pipeline.

Once you have a job offer, ask if they provide any moving assistance- sometimes it's not given until you ask for it.

Best wishes,

Nurse Beth

Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!

[James75]

How does the OP handle references without advertising to managers and coworkers the upcoming move?

[BonnieSc]

In my experience, two weeks may be the required notice, but it's really expected that nurses give four weeks or so. In particular, it's hard on everyone if you've been scheduled for the month and just won't be there. Giving more notice prevents the resentment. When I have left jobs, I've told my manager ahead of time and asked if we can keep it between us (or including any assistant managers who might do the scheduling) until three or four weeks before leaving.