Verbal Contracts for Employment

[theartnp]

Hello fellow NPs,

I am a relatively new nurse practitioner employed by a large hospital; I am working primarily with a hospital employed cardiac surgery group and really do enjoy my work. When I was originally hired, I was told, verbally, that if I accepted the job I would be expected to stay in my position for two years. I did not sign a contract detailing this, mind you. Also, the person who hired me is no longer the manager for my service and has not followed up with my progress as a new nurse practitioner since my original time of hire.

My question is: my husband may potentially experience a job relocation come the fall and this is something that was unexpected and unanticipated during my time of hire. Would it be unethical for me to quit my job after a year due to relocation, even though I verbally said that I would stay for two if I was hired?

Again, nothing was ever put into writing and I am receiving no monetary benefits through my hospital based on a certain length of employment.

Let me know your thoughts!

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

That's not a verbal contract. If you have to move, you have to move. Relocation due to family is one of the reasons that noone can really be aggravated about.