rant.. "4 weeks notice"

[misyan]

So long rant..I currently work in a level II ICU as a PT, however there were no FT opportunity on the unit so I was fortunate to find a ft position in a level III ICU in another city. As soon as I got the official paperwork, I talked to my manager and gave my two weeks notice as the new unit wants me on orientation in two weeks. I still very much so like my unit and worked well with the team, therefore I told her I would like to stay on as a causal staff. I have been trying to find someone to cover my shifts with no luck so far, so I emailed my manager and she told me to I need to give 4 weeks notice and "let the hospital know you will start in next month instead". I have never heard of this and anyone with a brain know that there is no way to tamper with a new job like that.

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

I have never heard of this and anyone with a brain know that there is no way to tamper with a new job like that.

Actually, this is how it has been at any facility I've worked at. Nurses give a 4 week notice. Your new job where you are going will understand that. At my facility, if you DON'T work out your four week notice, you aren't eligible for rehire within the hospital system, not just the hospital. Are you sure you want to burn that bridge?

[Pangea Reunited, ASN, RN]

Four weeks sounds like too long, to me ...especially if you're only part-time staff. But if it's in writing and you agreed to it when you accepted the job, it would be best to tough it out. Maybe the new job will work with you and allow you to start a bit later?

[misyan]

when I gave her the two weeks notice in writing, she was well aware that I am resigning in two weeks. Only when the staffing issues hit, then boom, I need a 4 weeks notice. And I can't push my start date as the hospital orientation week is a set date. Ideally I don't like to burn any bridges, but I can't make pretty with a part time job while a full time job wait for me to start. And technically I would only need 3 shifts to be covered before July since I am working only PT.

[springchick1, ADN, RN]

when I gave her the two weeks notice in writing, she was well aware that I am resigning in two weeks. Only when the staffing issues hit, then boom, I need a 4 weeks notice. And I can't push my start date as the hospital orientation week is a set date. Ideally I don't like to burn any bridges, but I can't make pretty with a part time job while a full time job wait for me to start.

Just because she accepted your two week doesn't mean that's all you have to work out. I would check The policy.

Have you tried talking to your new facility? Most places have orientation more than once. There may be an orientation next month you could go to. Then you could work out your full notice and still be making money but make it to orientation. It doesn't hurt to ask.

[xoemmylouox, ASN, RN]

I think 4 weeks for a "non-essential" position is ridiculous. I wouldn't risk a full time job for a part time job, but that's me.

Perhaps see if they will allow you to go PRN instead of leaving? This may be a compromise, or try your best to find coverage for those shifts. Maybe your new employer will allow you the time off on those 3 days? Best of luck with this mess.

[IrishIzCPNP, MSN, RN, APRN, NP]

Check the policy....it all comes down to what the facility policy is.

[Been there,done that, ASN, RN]

I can see how you need to get away from the manipulative manager. Have you contacted HR? How long did the previous nurses leaving in droves have to give?

Crazy she would risk losing you as a prn, in order to jack you around for 2 more weeks.

I wouldn't jeopardize the full time position, but that's me.

Good luck, let us know how it turns out.

[Mulan]

Yes, check with HR and find out what the actual policy is.

As a staff nurse (RN), I have never been required to give more than a two week notice.

[Horseshoe, BSN, RN]

Yes, check with HR and find out what the actual policy is.

As a staff nurse (RN), I have never been required to give more than a two week notice.

Ditto to all of the above.

[Oceanpacific]

Your current employer has failed to retain you on their staff . How long have you worked there? If you have been there less than 2 years, I can see how they might feel as if they invested in your training only to have you leave. Otherwise, they are fools to lose you.

While it is true that many parts of the country have a nursing surplus, there is never a surplus of time-tested, reliable employees. In general, 4 weeks notice is desirable, especially for full time staff. You are part time. Perhaps they should consider making you full time and giving you a retention bonus. It is only logical that you would leave to take full time employment. Don't jeopardize your new position by monkeying around with an agreed upon start date. You may have to accept that you won't get a chance to pick up occasional shifts at your current employer. That would be short sighted of them. Be pleasant, but firm on your end date and let them know you are interested in maintaining an ongoing professional relationship in the future.

Don't try to find someone to cover 3 shifts for an employer that is this petty.

Congratulations on your new position.

[wolf9653]

If it were me, I'd play nice. Tell her you will ask them, but to understand you have full time bills and can't jeopardise the position. Then call the new place, and let them know that while you are dying to start, the other place did treat you nice, and they are in a jam, and ask if this is at all doable? if not, that you'll be there bright , early, and bushy tailed in 2 weeks. I would hope that they would appreciate that you are this kind of person, and they would value these behaviors if it was them.