Resigning after new grad orientation

Stephia87RN · Aug 27, 2015

I was in the same situation. I interviewed for my dream job out of school, but was passed over. A few weeks later I accepted an RN position at another hospital in town. Fast forward to two months later, when I was just about done with orientation, another position opened up and I was offered my dream job which I accepted immediately.

The best thing to do is handle it as professionally as you can. As soon as you have a green light from the new job's HR, put in your notice. Try to give a months notice if you can, but they may not want to keep you orienting as a nurse since you plan on leaving. So wait to give a start date to your new job until you talk with your old one.

I know I felt bad for leaving a floor that put so much time and training into me, but it comes down to whatever is going to make you the happiest. You don't want to regret taking the opportunity just because you want to be nice. In my case, the old hospital boss was very upset and didn't even let me finish my shift that day. But at least I was professional and tried to give my one month notice.

Good luck at the new job! I'm a month into my new one and I couldn't be happier with my decision.

vintagemother, BSN, CNA, LVN, RN · Aug 27, 2015

Try to get the job offer in writing before you resign.

Seriously. Don't accept until you get that.

I've seen facilities (verbally) hire someone and then take the offer back when an internal candidate verbally stated interest.

klone, MSN, RN · Aug 27, 2015

Even if it is in writing - a written job offer is not a legally binding agreement, particularly in a right to work state. A job offer can be rescinded at any time.

VenusRN001 · Aug 28, 2015

Thank you so much to all for sharing about your past experiences and opinions about it. I did not even think about getting the offer in writing. I'll wait for that from HR then I'll start thinking of what I'll tell my current boss.

bagladyrn, RN · Aug 29, 2015

From what I saw in your original post the dream job is in a different city than your current location. If this is so then the most politic way of resigning from your current position will be to tell them that you need to relocate. You do not need to tell them why, simply that you need to move to another area and must tender your resignation for that reason.

Be sure to keep your mouth shut to work friends, no matter how tempting it is to share your good news.

NurseFifty · Aug 30, 2015

If the job offer has a start date and you accepted it, then that is legally binding.] Of course, they can fire you afterwards. Then that becomes wrongful termination, assuming there is still a need for the position to be filled.

klone, MSN, RN · Aug 30, 2015

Contrary to what most people think, a signed offer letter, except in very rare instances, is not a legally binding implied contract. Candidates often think that because they have signed and accepted an offer letter, they have some sort of legal right to the job. So you know, most states are employment-at-will states, which means that the employer or the candidate can terminate the employment relationship at any time, for just about any reason â€“ except that the employee cannot be terminated for an illegal reason like race or age discrimination.

Tony Beshara - Tips - Accepting an Offer

Almost all states are considered "employment at will" states which means that employers and employees can terminate the relationship at any time, or for any reason (with the exception of discrimination as set forth by the EEOC).

CaffeinePOQ4HPRN, BSN, MSN, LPN, RN · Aug 31, 2015

I have been offered an awesome opportunity to work as a nurse in a city where I have dreamed of living. I applied for a position 3 months ago and did not get it so, I ended up accepting a position in the unit where I was a nurse's aid for 2 years. But, now I have been reconsidered for a position and I was offered the job at the hospital where I originally wanted to work. I accepted enthusiastically. But now I don't know what to say to my current boss. I don't want to jump the gun, so I'm waiting to say anything until HR has all their requirements completed and I have the new state's RN license. What should I do? I am very excited for this new opportunity but nervous about resigning so early after the hospital has invested in me.

Don't you worry you brilliant nursing brain about what the hospital has invested in you, because you have invested a lot in yourself, your training and education. Your happiness is a priority... also, don't think for a second that the hospital wouldn't lay-off or replace you in a heartbeat to suit their ever-changing agendas. The hospital is not your friend and it is not your mother. It does not care about your happiness or well-being. So, go chase this amazing opportunity! Just leave the hospital on good terms, don't burn any bridges, and give the required amount of notice. Remember you might need them for a reference in the future ... also, if the probationary period at the new job doesn't work out you may need to go back to your current place of employment. Always think into the future in terms of survival strategy or you'll get lost in the fold.

VenusRN001 · Sep 1, 2015

Thanks CaffeinePOQ4HR!

That is such a good way of saying it! You are totally right! I will give my resignation notice 3 weeks to one month before my last day. I need to look out for myself and right now this is a great opportunity that I cannot pass up. I hope they are able to understand that...and that I do not need to go back to them. I hope I do well at my new job and that I utilize all that I have learned in these past few weeks of orientation from the old job.

lavenderskies, BSN · Sep 4, 2015

I personally would have a problem with resigning at the end of an orientation period of two months if things were going well. I would rather give back a year or two and then re-apply at the "dream job". That way I would have no bridges burned, I'd have my year of RN experience, a solid employment track record (you'd have 3 years there with your CNA time added in). And be an even better candidate for the dream job.

VenusRN001 · Sep 6, 2015

I have already accepted the dream job though. And I've learned that in nursing when opportunities come you have to take them at that time because you don't know if that opportunity will even be an option tomorrow.