Should I give a two weeks' notice?

[neuron]

I just came asking for advice on a situation.  There was a situation where a patient had to go the the ER and the nurse didn't assess the patient. This and most situations of this magnitude are swept under the rug.  Many shady events have happened over this year, with COVID, and deaths that we've had. No one is held accountable for adverse outcomes. Heck, I don't know how many lawsuits came out of this. 

This is a very toxic environment,  employees argue with  each other even threatening others and being derogatory.  I have been at this job for over a year, I was a new nurse so I took the position. Should I give a two weeks notice or should I quit? I can't see myself working or finishing a two weeks under these conditions. I don't know if I should stick it out. I fear retaliation, even though I didn't do anything wrong to the patient and that they will scrutinize me for the remainder of my notice and with as many patients as we have, it is easy to make a mistake even if it is minor. I am in a position where I can quit, but I don't know if it's a good idea.  What are the consequences? 

Any thoughts?

[Jedrnurse, BSN, RN]

33 minutes ago, Covidnursedropout said:

I have never had anything bad happen by not putting in 2 weeks.  As long as you don't plan on ever working there again.

Over the years I've seen posts from people with different experiences after doing this. Also, in the age of mega-healthcare companies (with more mergers to come) it could most definitely come back to bite in a big way.

[Davey Do]

9 hours ago, neuron said:

 I am in a position where I can quit

Merely knowing that we have an option, neuron, will change our perspective on the position.

If we so desire, we may go out in a blaze of glory!

[neuron]

47 minutes ago, JadedCPN said:

How exactly were they being abusive? I only ask because if they were being truly abusive, whether it mentally or physically obviously, then yes I probably would quit without notice. But if they were "just" (I don't mean that lightly) being rude/mean/bullies, then I would still try my hardest to stick it out those 2 weeks to not burn the bridge.

Without going in to too much detail, I guess you can say just nasty/bullying, from nurses, and the administrator. Horrible environment, this was the last straw and I feel like a target.  I have always stuck out a job, but when things get nasty, I feel like a target. I wasn't very polite back, but to me it should be business only, not personal. 

[TriciaJ, RN]

1 hour ago, neuron said:

Those are just examples of what has happened but the main situation was recent where the administrator and another manager were being abusive. I feel the situation is uncalled for. 

Don't get me wrong.  I've always toughed out a 2 week notice.  Sometimes the longest 2 weeks of my life.

My advice is if there is no possible way to go back there.

[NurseBlaq]

If you feel like your license would be jeopardized don't go back. If it's just petty looks and snarky comments, you can get through that. Tone it out and keep it moving. You're only there for a certain amount of time and you don't have to take them home with you. But if it's super petty to the point of licensure at stake, give notice effective immediately, as it's an unsafe environment. Whatever you do, don't stoop to their level and be just as petty as them. Do as attorneys tell their clients KISS- keep it simple stupid. Good luck to you.

[SilverBells, BSN]

If there is no accountability and coworkers are nasty to each other, time to put in a 2 week's notice.  Nursing is hard enough without also dealing with "threatening" and "derogatory" coworkers.  

[2BS Nurse, BSN]

Have you had similar experiences at other CHI facilities?

[Sour Lemon]

I would stick out the two weeks. Along with all the other things people have mentioned, your next job might be just as bad- or worse.

Focus on building a good reputation so that better employers might take an interest in you. Better employers have more options and are not likely to select an applicant who left their first and only nursing job with no notice.

[VivaLasViejas, ASN, RN]

You definitely don’t want to burn bridges. You just never know when or where you may meet those people again. Like others have said, nursing is a small world, and we tend to circulate around healthcare facilities and bump into old friends...and enemies. Put in your two weeks and work every single minute of them as if you actually enjoyed the job and were going to be there forever. (Sometimes an employer will let you go rather than work out the notice, so be prepared.) That way you’ll look professional and reliable, and you can feel good about yourself.

Good luck to you. Looks like you’re getting out of a hellhole. 

[RNperdiem, RN]

You survived there a year, you can handle two more weeks, maybe a bit less if you take a sick day or two.

I assume you have a plan for lining up your next job?

[SmilingBluEyes]

As bad as some jobs were, I ALWAYS gave notice. It is a small world out there and I am continually surprised at seeing people I have not seen in years. Just today, a traveler RN is working with me, one I have not seen in 2 years who  moved across the country!  She was the nurse manager in one place in which I worked.......so yes it is a small world. And people have long memories.

Just put in the two weeks and get OUT. No awkward moments  here with my former boss!

[HiddencatBSN, BSN]

I agree to give notice. Be professional and do not say anything negative. You’re grateful for the opportunity and professional growth the position has provided you but you have accepted another position that meets your career goals and leave it at that. 

You want to be able to use them as a reference and not have to disclose or have it discovered that you are ineligible for rehire especially without other experience to use to show that you quitting without notice wasn’t a “you” problem. Do not bad mouth them in interviews when asked about previous experience.

Nursing is a small world and quitting once without notice isn’t the end of the world when you have other experience to point to to show your stability and professionalism but since this is your first job I would tough it out.