New grad RN needs advice on resigning

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Hello everyone,

I am trying to figure out how to resign from my nursing job at a skilled facility but not sure how to go about it as I don't know about the etiquette and processes, so please any help would be greatly appreciated.

I graduated this year, passed boards and applied to many areas, got a few interviews and accepted this position. It is 3 hours away and so I relocated. The offer was $19/hr. with a 3 month orientation. I got off of orientation recently, so I am on my own now. The work load is heavy and stressful with too many patient per nurse ratio, but okay because there's no abuse, evil coworkers, unsafe conditions, etc. I don't hate it, but I don't love it either. It's not something I am passionate about, I am more interested in cardiac telemetry or even just hospital med- surg floor. I just dread going to work a bit. Sorry I feel like I have to hold back a lot to try to appreciate this job because nobody hired me and this facility did in this economic hardship, so I am trying to put out more positive. Preceptors for the most part are amazing and supportive.

I want to leave because of many reasons. One is that I feel like it's not my niche in nursing, even though I am helping people and my preceptors think I am doing a good job. Two is that half of my monthly paycheck goes to rent and I am getting married soon, so I am trying to save money. If I move back home, there is a place for me to stay free of charge. My original plan was to stick with this job for 2-3 years and move back home, but due to personal life changes, we are speeding up marriage. My fiance and I would like for me to move back now instead of waiting for the full one year. The only problem is that it would be very difficult to find another nursing job as a newbie with no experience. Should I start applying before resigning? And if so, for the references section, should I still include the recent new grad position? What if the references are needed and if I put down my manager's phone number, and the interviewer calls, wouldn't he/she find out that I'm planning on leaving? Can you advise me step by step what to do and how to go about it? I feel bad because I am not happy with this job and I want to go back home and find another nursing job.

If I leave at 6 months, should I include that in the resume? I know it will look poorly, so how should I explain it other than honestly telling them why I left the job? Will that count as experience and allow me to apply to exp. positions or should I apply to new grad positions/programs?

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Unless things were absolutely horrible, I would not resign before a year and/or without another job lined up. You're right in that it'd be very difficult to find jobs as a new grad with less than a year's experience...heck, it's hard right now for experienced nurses too. In this job market, IMO you'd be foolish to just quit without some sort of safety net.

Since you're on fairly good terms with everyone there, maybe talk to your DON and explain that you'd like to (or even better, have to) relocate back home for family reasons and need to start looking for work in your hometown. That way she's aware of your plans and might be able to help you with a reference or recommendation, and she won't be blindsided should anyone call verifying your employment or references. And you can keep working until you find something, and be able to give her plenty of notice when you are ready to quit.

Remember that you will have to include this job on the applications for the next one, so you want to leave on the best possible terms.

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My advice would be to stick it out while searching for another position closer to the place you can live at for free. It is easier to find a job when you have one. If you quit then try to look for another you have a weird couple of months on your history that you will have to explain away and it will raise red flags. If you leave it off your resume and potential employers find out about it in a background check you will be in trouble. If you put it on then you are left explaining why you left without finding a new position first and it raises red flags. I left my first nursing job at the 6 month mark but only after I had found another position. And when they ask when you can start make sure you tell them you need to give appropriate 2 week notice to your current position. I would tell new empolyers you are looking for a job due to the move. Play up your current experience.

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I am sorry that this is not what you will want to hear, but I can not in good conscience urge you to leave at this time. I would make a compromise. Start your search in earnest. Should you get something better, then make the switch at that time. If not, then, at the end of your predetermined drop dead date, say, 9 months, one year, 15 months, resign and move home. But if you do that without a new job, realize, and be prepared for, the possibility of not getting another job for a long time. You owe it to yourself to get as much "experience" as possible out of this job. The next one might not be on the horizon for a very, very long time. Best wishes on your upcoming wedding.

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Specializes in Critical Care; Cardiac; Professional Development.

Never quit one job without another offer in place.

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Specializes in LTC, ER, ICU, Psych, Med-surg...etc....

I agree with the other posters-NEVER leave a job without another one lined up. Start your search. Then when you land another job you can say something like: "I appreciate having been given the opportunity to work at your facility, however I must resign my position as (whatever your job title is) effective (give 2 weeks notice)." You do not have to give a reason, but it is courtesy to do so. NEVER burn bridges. You may tell them that you have accepted a position which affords you the opportunity to grow in the nursing profession, or speciality area. You may cross paths again and you do not want to leave a bad taste in anyone's mouth because you my need to work for them, or their company again in the future.

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Specializes in LTC.

I don't know if it is necessary to stay anywhere a year anymore. Alot of the girls I graduated with last year took jobs in skilled faciities and worked there for 3-6 months until they found hospital jobs. The key though is to have another job lined up before you leave. I graduated in May 2010 and I know some of my classmates are on their thrid or fourth nursing position--they seem to trade up every time.

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Specializes in ED/ICU/TELEMETRY/LTC.

To add to what the others have said, you are going to have to explain any period of unemployment, and "I found out I just didn't like it" is not going to get you very far looking for another job.

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Specializes in Med/Surg Tele; LTC; Corrections.

I agree....Don't quit this job not until you got another one, not even an interview but an actual offer, in writing, then I would give my current job a 2 week notice then, right now the economy is horrible and something that would usually take a few weeks could easily turn into months....its not worth it.

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Specializes in geriatrics.

If you don't mind the job that much, and your coworkers are ok, I would stick it out for a year at least. You need a solid block of time on your resume.

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Specializes in Rehab, critical care.

Exactly....never quit a job without another offer in place. You could find yourself in a worse situation. Also, since things are going well, I personally wouldn't leave prior to a year (that does look bad on a resume) especially since your job is safe, coworkers are great, etc. You have plenty of time to find your passion, just my opinion, especially since they gave you 3 months of orientation and invested that much time/money into you. That is the longest orientation I have heard of in LTC. Your fiance would still be there in a year....stay a year, and then at the 10-11 month mark, start applying for jobs in your hometown (since it may take you that long to find something). You have to do what you're comfortable with, though. That's just what I would do.

And, I would not tell anyone at work that you are applying for other jobs or that you want to move back home. You could find yourself without a job since employment is "at will." Keep your mouth shut until you give your notice at this job (again, just what I would do).

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Im a new nurse and got hired at a clinic 30mins away, and within two weeks got called for my dream position at a hospital that is 10mins away for $6 more and way more stable. I left my first job after only 2 weeks, I didnt want to stay for a month knowing I was planning on leaving eventually. So I explained my situation and thanked them for the opportunity, I didnt want to waste their time.

Like everyone else said never leave without having something else lined up. Start applying now and dont feel bad if you find your ideal job and have to leave soon.

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