if i sign an official offer (no contract), am I obligated?

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I have an offer from one unit at a hospital, then had interview at another hospital which I liked more. The second hospital already sent link requiring references and I had really good interview with them and the unit manager.

But I haven't gotten the official letter from this second hospital that I interviewed, which I like more. I will ask them if they can expediate the hiring process because I absolutely like to work for them but i am in need to answer for the offer I got from first hospital.

So my question is if I sign the papers for the offer for the first hospital which already offered me, am I obligated to that? It's not a contract, and document says this is not a contract and hospital can decide not to pursue me anytime still. What yal think? Thanks!

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Sign the papers and send them back in to hold yourself a job just in case the second hospital doesn't work out. You are in no way obligated to work at the first hospital.

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Sign the papers and send them back in to hold yourself a job just in case the second hospital doesn't work out. You are in no way obligated to work at the first hospital.

However, if you do this and then take the job at the second hospital, be aware that you will likely be flagged as "do not rehire" at the first hospital. Consider whether you really want to burn bridges at this facility/organization.

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i see... I plan on calling the second hospital hr lady and ask her about expediating the hiring process; one because i think it's unfair to treat first hospital like that, and two, i don't like burning bridges, and three, I would like to get offer from second hosp before I sign the papers. Will see what happens. Thank you two!

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Be careful with that plan. Your approach to the HR lady at Hospital Two may very well cost you further consideration there. You certainly don't want to cause that!

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ah... well left her message that I had some questions about hiring process and to call me back. I am pretty tore up in this decision right now. I would like to fax the signed offer to Hospital One because I don't want them waiting, but I would also like to get a quick answer from Hospital Two, and I really want to pursue Hospital Two; I don't want to send Hospital One a signed offer letter, then tell them few days later that I am pursuing another career. Ah... what am I to do...

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Specializes in Nursing Professional Development.

As you have figured out, there is not "perfect" option. Sometimes, you just have to make a decision and hope things will work out -- while preparing yourself for the possibility that they don't.

I would do what you seem to be doing -- stalling #1 for as long as you can while trying to speed up the process at #2. When you get to the point where you feel you have to either reject #1 or sign the letter... then make your choice and live with the consequences.

In the future, try to schedule your interviews in order of preference. That strategy doesn't always work, but it increases your chances of hearing back (getting an offer) from your top choice first.

Good luck to you.

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thank you for all your replies. things worked out well and was offered before i mentioned about hospital one. all thanks to you folks i appreciate it!

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I have an offer from one unit at a hospital, then had interview at another hospital which I liked more. The second hospital already sent link requiring references and I had really good interview with them and the unit manager.

But I haven't gotten the official letter from this second hospital that I interviewed, which I like more. I will ask them if they can expediate the hiring process because I absolutely like to work for them but i am in need to answer for the offer I got from first hospital.

So my question is if I sign the papers for the offer for the first hospital which already offered me, am I obligated to that? It's not a contract, and document says this is not a contract and hospital can decide not to pursue me anytime still. What yal think? Thanks!

There's no contractual obligation so do what's best for you.

Recognize, though, that you're building enmity by stringing them along and then dumping them after the process has progressed. I've done it but it can blow up in your face if the other job doesn't work out.

I thought I read where you said you didn't want to a hospital nurse anymore. (I could be way off, though, because I only skimmed through a few of the posts).

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yes, you're right. at the moment, i am reflecting whether i made the right career choice, but it could well be due to the unit where i work... everybody burned out young or old, low morale, low teamwork... i think the individual nurse's mentality is important, but also how the hospital treats its nurses are very important too. i am glad i found somewhere else that has way better reputation, and hopefully i start caring again...

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Walk into the hospital. Ask for the hiring manager. Tell them the manager your delima. If this manager wants you, the manager will walk over to HR and tell them to hire you.

If the manager is the manager you want to work for he/she will tell you go ahead take the other job, or I am going to hire you.

You can tell the second job that some thing came up and you need more time to make your decision, while you orient yourself with the manager you want to work for.

You still have both opportunities....See?

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Specializes in geriatrics.

Be professional and make a decision soon. You won't want to ruin future opportunities and nursing is a small world.

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