Resignation

[prettypaws]

I need some advice on resigning from my current job. When I began at this facility I was lead to believe 2 weeks notice is required. I've been offered a wonderful position that is closer to home and meets my family's needs better than where I am now. I have now been told by people with more seniority that policy is 4 weeks- since we do three 12 hour shifts a week this works out to 12 working days. The handbook confirms this. I feel that I HAVE to take this new job for my own well being. I am willing to give the two weeks that I agreed to when I hired on (of course, I didn't think to get this in writing). Has anyone ever dealt with this kind of situation?

[OneChattyNurse]

I know my current employer will not consider you for re-hire if you do not give at least 3 weeks notice. But I have been at other jobs that this was not as strict. I left one job with virtually no notice and was told at my exit interview that I was definately eligible for re-hire. (VA, union)

I have left positions without giving sufficient notice. Sometimes it was for my mental well-being. It really depends on how you feel about ever wanting to work at this place again. You know, "never burn your bridges".

Sometimes, you have to do what you have to do.

I'm sure this did not help you very much, but good luck to you, whatever you decide.

[rjflyn, ASN, RN]

:) If the other job wants you bad enough- there is a nurse shortage so the probably will wait. Have heard places now are waiting a month or 2 for the right canidate.

Rj

[catcolalex]

i would just give them whatever notice you want to, then go work closer to home. if they throw a fit, who cares, what are they going to do? fire you?

[movealong]

Yeah, I worked 12 shifts at a hospital. When I found a better job, I was told I had to work so many shifts, turned out to be 3 weeks worth. I did them, because I wanted to leave in good standing. I never planned to return there t work, but you just never know. If I had not completed all the required shifts, I would not be eligible for rehire in the future.

If the issue is X amount of shifts, can you try to cram more than 3 shifts into a week, and that way you can shorten up the time?

[chris_at_lucas_RN, RN]

Seems to me if you tell them all you can give them is two weeks, then that's all you can give them!

If you ever want to work there again, they can decide whether or not the fact that you did the best you could under the circumstances is sufficient.

Sounds like you probably won't be running back there any time soon , but then again, you also want a good reference.

Congrats on the new job, and for having the guts to make the change for your own good. Way to go.

Chris

[Tweety, BSN, RN]

You don't have to give them any notice at all, we are a free country. Then again, they don't have to give you a reference, give you any of your earned time off in pay, or hire you back should things ever change.

I try not to burn bridges, but four weeks notice is a bit much to ask. Do what you feel you have to do for your own peace of mind and your family. If that means giving "only" two weeks notice, then give two weeks notice. Good luck.

[BayMae10]

by labor law, you only have to give a notice as long as your pay period...so if you get payed bi weekly then 2 weeks if you get payed weekly then you can give a one week.....after you give your notice anyway they, again pay law, cant fire you at all you have already left....so dont worry and do what ya want.....unless you plan on going back to the job and have to kiss a little rear end......

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I'm in the "don't burn any bridges" camp on this one. Do what your handbook says. Good luck...

[Town & Country]

I've never heard of having to give four weeks notice.

If they told you two, that's what I would go by.

It's a bit unfair that employers can fire you at will, but you're supposed to give them two weeks (or more) notice that you are quitting. :angryfire

I wish I worked in a union state.

[FROGGYLEGS, LPN]

Two weeks is pretty standard for almost all employees. The only nurses I've encountered that have been obligated to four are the ones in managerial positions such as a DON or Nurse Manager.

I'd hate to leave any job without giving notice. I worked at a hospital that I liked very well several years ago. The hours and the commute wreaked havoc on my life. One day I said to hell with it and told them I'd finish out the week and thats it. They were none too pleased and I'm pretty sure that make me a no-rehire despite the fact that I did my work well. I didn't think I'd regret it, but I have. I've seen jobs advertised through this company that sound very intriguing and we've since moved much closer, but I'm scared to even ask about them because I didn't give proper notice.

[purplemania, BSN, RN]

did you look up the HR policy? I would leave ASAP, unless the policy states they can hold any benefits (excluding pay for time actually worked). For instance, PTO time.