Resigning from first NP job...

Specialties Advanced Nursing Q/A

Specializes in FNP/Cardiology.

I was hired to work as a General Cardiology NP in the hospital where I worked as a RN. I started March 30th and then was furloughed 3 weeks into my orientation. After 3 weeks I was asked if I would return to the hospital to work as a RN in my former department (a procedural position) to get electives up and running again. 8 NPs and PAs were furloughed at that same time and I was the last hired. Because I was unsure as to how long the furlough would last I started looking around and applying for other jobs. And, I was just offered an AMAZING position that is 13K above my current NP salary.

How many weeks notice do I have to give to resign? Is this information I can find from HR? I can't find it in my contract. Any tips, suggestions or comments?

11 Answers

Specializes in ACNP-BC, Adult Critical Care, Cardiology.

Without a contract stating how many weeks notice you give prior to resignation, I would play it in a way that you don't compromise the relationship with this employer by leaving in good terms. You will almost always need some form of recommendation from this employer in the future.

To me, a good way to start is to sit down with the manager and state your situation. Given that you are furloughed (and some others), they may not need more than 2 weeks of notice.

Pre-COVID, it typically takes a long time to fill an empty provider position and what you don't want happening is cause ill-will with the providers you are leaving behind to take over your patients or workload. That is certainly not the case here.

Specializes in Vascular Neurology and Neurocritical Care.

Just give 2 weeks and go! COVID-19 is a unique situation and you can hardly be blamed. As a brand new NP, stepping back into the RN role does no favors for your development in this new career and you are right to move on. After all you've invested all the time and money to be an NP, you might as well use it.

Specializes in Critical Care.

Just play your cards right and balance it. Would be unfortunate to leave one job offering you RN pay for another job that may find they don’t need / can’t afford you in a month when income is down and then you’re just .. unemployed.

2 weeks, with gratitude for all they have done for you but a desire to use your advanced education. Honestly, it's a gift for them. they will freeze that position and not have to hire for a few years.

Everyone here keeps saying two weeks but I would check with your contract just in case. My current job requires me to give 30 days' notice and as Juan de la Cruz stated, you probably want to leave your situation on good terms.

39 minutes ago, db2xs said:

My understanding was that the OP was hired and working as an NP, not as an RN: "I was hired to work as a General Cardiology NP in the hospital where I worked as a RN. I started March 30th and then was furloughed 3 weeks into my orientation. After 3 weeks I was asked if I would return to the hospital to work as a RN in my former department."

Their contract should state the terms.

Hired as NP- furloughed as NP, currently still furloughed in NP role and requested/accepted working in RN role, still paid NP salary.

OP is being paid an NP salary yet working as an RN currently due to furlough. Also notable, OP was last hired NP prior to furlough so will most likely be last off RN duty to resume NP role.

I would ask HR to be certain on resignation terms to prevent burning bridges.

I agree with everyone else. 

Check the terms of your contract. Speak with management and don't burn any bridges. I've asked my previous employers multiple times for references. 

My job required 3 months notices for resignation (that was signed pre-covid) but its still a valid contract. You don't want to be held liable for breaching your contract. 

Congrats on getting a new job by the way! ?

Specializes in FNP/Cardiology.

When I was asked to return to my RN position my NP salay remained in place. I have been treated very well in that respect. I want to make sure that I resign in a respectful manner. Thanks!

5 hours ago, db2xs said:

Everyone here keeps saying two weeks but I would check with your contract just in case. My current job requires me to give 30 days' notice and as Juan de la Cruz stated, you probably want to leave your situation on good terms.

Right...but they are not working in their contracted role, they are working as a nurse. A nurse would only be expected to give 2 weeks at most places

Specializes in retired LTC.

At some places, the notification time required would equal vacation time. Don't know is that's still a thing at places anymore.

13 hours ago, Rnis said:

Right...but they are not working in their contracted role, they are working as a nurse. A nurse would only be expected to give 2 weeks at most places

My understanding was that the OP was hired and working as an NP, not as an RN: "I was hired to work as a General Cardiology NP in the hospital where I worked as a RN. I started March 30th and then was furloughed 3 weeks into my orientation. After 3 weeks I was asked if I would return to the hospital to work as a RN in my former department."

Their contract should state the terms.

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