Tactful way to say why I want to leave?

[jess477]

I am a new grad as of May 2010, and in a very tight job market, took the only job offered to me. My thought was, any job to get some experience is better than no job. It is in a sub-acute rehab/LTC where I received 2 weeks of orientation, am responsible for 20+ patients with trachs, g-tubes, etc and am being required to stay for double shifts at least a few times a week. I dread this job and feel like it is sucking the life out of me.. with no time for my husband, family or friends. I am terrified for the safety of my patients since I am not able to give them the care they need, due to the sheer amount of work there is to be done and also due to my exhaustion and frustration. I have voiced my concerns to the management of the facility, but they do not seem concerned. I updated my resume today and am going to start applying to other jobs. However, I know that they will almost certainly ask why I am leaving my job after just 4 months.. I know you should not speak badly about previous employers... so how should I go about fielding this question?? Thanks for any input in advance!!

[linearthinker, DNP, RN]

"It's not a good fit for me."

[Katie5]

You needed something more challenging.( Well with 20patients, you'd have to really sell this one).

That line of nursing now for you.

Prefer a more hands on interaction in patient care.

Your reason could be anything- it doesn't have to be a lie. It's a matter of how you present and sell it.

[rn/writer, RN]

Ditto the above post. You say that the job wasn't a good fit. If they ask for more than that, tactfully say that out of respect for your employer, you don't want to get into specifics. If they still press, you can tell them that you were being asked to work many hours above your FTE and you felt this short-changed both your patients and your family.

You can also say that you do not mind pitching in when staffing is tight, but that you want to be sure you are doing right by those you care for.

A good potential employer will read this correctly and respect what you're saying. A bad one (the kind who will do the same thing to you as the first place), will shy away--and that's to your advantage.

Good luck with the search.

[April, RN, BSN, RN]

I agree with the others. You don't have to speak badly about your employer. You can turn everything into a positive thing for you personally. It wasn't a good fit for you. You want to take care of more acutely ill patients and experience a wider variety of diagnoses. You would like to use more critical thinking skills. You felt that you couldn't give the quality of care you wanted with a work load that high and want more patient interaction.

Definitely emphasize your ability to multi-task and your experience with skills like trachs and feeding tubes! Good luck!

[Minnie2006]

If you are interviewing for a position that you are really interested in just explain that with the tight job market you were limited at the time for options, and that you wanted to stay current with your skills and knowledge. Try not to bash your current employer, that won't win points. Stress how having you work for them would be mutually beneficial. Good luck, it's tough making that choice but you probably are doing the wise thing.

[RNlvn]

I understand what your going through. I recently started a job that I took because it was the first and only offer I received with LVN experience. Any-who the patient load is fine just the other nurses. There's two charge nurse that refuse to get off their fat butt to do something. I get a admit or two every time I work and they get none. They leave at 1908 on the dot never stay or ask whether anyone needs help. Oh dont forget the 2hrs lunch breaks yes I said 2hrs.

[btotheg]

I would only caution you to make sure you have another job before you go anywhere. No matter how bad your current job is, and it sounds horrific, it is experience. If you leave without another job, in this job market, without experience, your may never get back in. I am sure you know there is currently no nursing shortage and I personally don't think the market will improve anytime soon, if ever. best of luck.

[TakeTwoAspirin, MSN, RN, APRN]

Don't make it about the job you are leaving, make it about the job you are applying for. So, when asked why you are leaving say that X about the job you are applying for is extremely attractive to me, rather than I hate Y about my current job.

[enchantmentdis, BSN, RN]

Don't leave this job until you have another one lined up--meaning drug screen, background check are completely done, and you are told how much you will earn and they ask you when you will start work. Refrain from discussing your desire to leave with co-workers or management. Then put in your two week notice. If asked why you are leaving say that you have enjoyed having this experience but desire a different type of nursing as a new nurse. You might also bring in doughnuts or some other small gift to thank them before you leave. Be sure to leave on a positive note so you can get a nice recommendation if you decide to put this experience on your resume.

[himilayaneyes]

Don't quit this job until you officially have another job. LTC is definitely rough. I stay away from it b/c of stories like this. You can always say that you're looking for more of a challenge or that it wasn't a good fit or that the practices of the facility were not compatible with your personal standards, etc. Good luck.