Dilemma... How to leave gracefully

Nurses Career Support

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Specializes in SICU.

I Recently graduated and took the first job I could get, a part time SNF w/ 25-30 pts per nurse no benefits and ok pay.

Horrible horrible horrible! No support, had a 4 day orientation and they told me if i wasn't ready at that point, i could forfeit my job. Busted my behind as a new grad who knew NOTHING . My license at risk every day i was at work.

I kept applying to my dream job.

After 2 months I have just accepted a full time position at an acute care Hospital/step down unit with FULL benefits and great pay, extensive orientation and great support for nurses.

I just want to get the heck out of the SNF but i wish to do it in a graceful way. I cannot discount the fact that they took a chance on me as a new grad. But I'm not ready for 25-30 pts with PICC lines and numerous IV's to run per night, 10-12 diabetics per shift (sugars can drop to as low as 35:eek:)

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The key is not burning bridges because life is one big cycle where you are likely to cross paths for reason or another in the future. I know the feeling of wanting to quit without proper notice but its never a good idea to do this with an employer because we never know what the future holds. So you best option is to submit a two week notice and thank them for the great opportunity and keep it moving.

Congratulations to your new job... Best wishes!!!!

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Specializes in LTC.

I've thought of this approach with my current job... however I believe the best way to go is to write a short note, thanking the DON/whomever for the opportunity, give two weeks of notice, and hop on out of there.

You might also hunt around for some people who will give a good review of you, from this facility.

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I think the fact that it's full time with benefits is reason enough to take on the new job. And I think you should just say that it's something you really need.

Also, you could be honest about not feeling ready to handle that patient load yet.

Just be considerate and give them enough notice and thank them for the opportunity. No need to do anything else.

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I cannot discount the fact that they took a chance on me as a new grad. But I'm not ready for 25-30 pts with PICC lines and numerous IV's to run per night 10-12 diabetics per shift (sugars can drop to as low as 35:eek:)[/quote']

Huh? They needed a warm body with a license. Four days? They were desperate. And now you know why. Two weeks notice and buh-bye!

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Specializes in Peds, School Nurse, clinical instructor.

Turn in a resignation letter, give two weeks notice, thank them for the opportunity then leave and don't look back. Good luck with your dream job :)

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Specializes in ED/ICU/TELEMETRY/LTC.

After much consideration I have decided to take a position at a local hospital Thank you for the experience that I have gained here. My last day of employment will be (two weeks)."

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Simply write a letter of resignation providing a two week notice. Hopefully, when you tender the letter, you will be told that you don't need to work the two weeks notice. Approach supervisors for a written letter of reference, or permission for future reference, now, while you have access. Good luck with your new job.

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Specializes in acute care.

I had a very similar experience, and while I may not be in my "dream job" I am in a facility where I know my license is not at risk each day I clock in. I agree with the other posters, thank them for the opportunity to learn, you found something with full time and benefits, and I would mention that you felt the patient load was a little high for a new grad in your position and you are more comfortable where you are going. That is all they need to know, and that is what you are obligated to give to receive a good recommendation should the time come. It is a small community of nurses and it's good that you stay on the positive side of your old employers. :)

Congrats!

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Specializes in Psych ICU, addictions.

Find out how much notice you are required to give; it's usually two weeks but some facilities require more so check with your HR department to avoid being short. If your facility does not have an official guideline, you can go with two weeks.

Give that notice along with a nice resignation letter thanking them for the opportunity to work there, how much you have learned with them, and that you wish them well on their endeavors. Don't say anything negative or critical (even if you mean well) as nursing is a small world and you may find your words coming back to bite you.

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Specializes in LTC, Med-Surge, Ortho.
I Recently graduated and took the first job I could get, a part time SNF w/ 25-30 pts per nurse no benefits and ok pay.

Horrible horrible horrible! No support, had a 4 day orientation and they told me if i wasn't ready at that point, i could forfeit my job. Busted my behind as a new grad who knew NOTHING . My license at risk every day i was at work.

I kept applying to my dream job.

After 2 months I have just accepted a full time position at an acute care Hospital/step down unit with FULL benefits and great pay, extensive orientation and great support for nurses.

I just want to get the heck out of the SNF but i wish to do it in a graceful way. I cannot discount the fact that they took a chance on me as a new grad. But I'm not ready for 25-30 pts with PICC lines and numerous IV's to run per night, 10-12 diabetics per shift (sugars can drop to as low as 35:eek:)[/

First of all, 4 days of orientation is not enough training especially for a new grad nurse, not to mention no support. How dare they do that to any nurse new to their facility. Congratulations:yeah: and just simply thank them for the opportunity and move on.:nurse: Believe me they will not think twice about you when you are gone because they probably have a low retention rate and a revolving door with nurses coming through and leaving like clock work. The biggest shame is that a lot of these facilities run good nurses away with great potential but don't know how to treat them.

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