"6 months notice is customary"

[PediLove2147, BSN, RN]

I got a new job last week which I am very excited about. I told my agency yesterday and they were really happy for me. Said I was a definite re-hire if I wanted to return. I gave three and a half weeks notice. I told the family today and they were horrible. I told the father since the mother was at work and my agency needed them to know so they could set up times for the new nurses taking my place and he was so rude. I was upset but it was expected so I was over it pretty quickly. On my way home, the mother called me. I decided to answer, now I wish I would have gone with my gut and hit no.

For the next 20 minutes she told me how unprofessional I am being only giving two weeks notice. That as a professional I should be giving at least 6 months notice. 2-3 months if you must. She couldn't believe my agency was okay with my behavior and even made a crack at my mother's parenting skills. She implied I didn't care about her son and she learned something about me today and it wasn't a good thing. The thing that upset me the most (and it showed) was when she asked if I just abandoned my other patient too. My other patient died yesterday so this was a touchy subject. I tried half way to get off the phone but she kept talking, finally I said I have to go. I will see you Friday. I am so glad I am leaving, I am hoping I can get through the next couple of weeks without exploding.

Since when has two weeks not been enough? She said only secretaries can give two weeks. Us "professionals" need to give more.

[dudette10, MSN, RN]

You know you did nothing wrong. You gave appropriate notice to your employer and to the family.

She was over-reacting because she's upset that a new nurse is coming in to take care of her kid, and she feels she will have to "train" them all over again.

Out of curiosity, is this behavior out-of-character for the parents? Somehow I doubt it.

Good luck with your new job!

[VolunteerCPR]

Yep, that's called a "tantrum". I discipline my kids for having those and hope they don't have them as adults, but... clearly some adults still do =)

[kool-aide, RN]

How ugly. Kill them with kindness and don't stoop to their level. Keep being the professional you KNOW you are.

[Aurora77]

Wow. The only one behaving badly is her. I'm sorry you had to put up with that nonsense. Hope the new job goes well!

[nerdtonurse?, BSN, RN]

Watch yourself when you go back...she seems the spiteful kind, who might try to set you up with something.

[Blackcat99]

Unbelievable!!!! You have been treated very badly by this family. They don't deserve you if they are going to act like that. I hope everthing will go good for you at your new job. Congratulations!!!

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

I've never heard of six months notice for any profession, anywhere. Honestly, who can give six months notice?

A good reason why patients, home care or not, should not have your personal cell phone number, but should communicate through the agency.

[eslvn]

6 months??? Seriously, and tell your new job you wont start for 6 months, thats just not possible. It sounds like this family is nervous about you leaving and they are showing it through anger. Just be professional and do the best you can, you should also let your agency know how they treated you, which is very immature and wrong, its good you have a new job, I hope you will be treated like a human being. People tend to forget that nurses are human too!

[Amanda.RN]

Wow. She is sorely mistaken. Two weeks notice is customary -- the three and a half weeks notice you gave was very gracious. I would take her "tantrum" as a compliment -- obviously she REALLY liked you. Be cautious when you return to her home as she may retaliate. If she's still heated when you return for your final visit, remain calm, collected, and professional.

Good luck in your new job!!

[realnursealso/LPN, LPN]

I've been doing Peds homecare for years. Some parents are like that, it's like transference. They feel you are responsible for their children, not the parents. Years ago I had a mother tell me, too bad for nurses that they have to work weekends and holidays. They knew what went with the job when they chose it. Selfish mom for sure, like we didn't have lives or families of our own. This mom sounds just like her. Like another person mentioned, be very wary of this mother, in fact you should call your agency and give them a heads up about her attitude, just in case.Congrats on the new position. Let us know how the last few days go. And watch your back every minute you have to be in their home until you are done with the case.

[DragonPurr]

Be very careful when you go back. Home care cases are tricky tricky. Once the family is disgruntled, they will find any way to get back at you for your perceived "slight". Oh, and I've never heard of giving 6 months notice in your situation, that's ludicrous.

Good luck to you, I hope all goes well when you return.