Verbal job offer but no formal letter...

Sun0408, ASN, RN · Jan 12, 2014

I've never received an offer letter from my current employer or previous employer. Both are large well known hospitals.

Ellis02136 · Jan 13, 2014

Wow I'm surprised this would be ok not to get an offer letter. How can you be sure that the job is guaranteed? What if I give notice at my current place and something happens at the LTC? I'd be out if a job too embarrassed to go back to my old job which had nothing to do with the medical field.

joanna73, BSN, RN · Jan 13, 2014

Letters of offer, something in writing is standard. Verbal offers can be retracted. I would also question why the employer told you no to a letter of offer, as it shouldn't be an issue.

Basically, the job offer isn't firm unless it's in writing. I would keep looking.

loriangel14, RN · Jan 13, 2014

I wouldn't make a move without a letter.

Ellis02136 · Jan 13, 2014

I will call and ask for either a letter or email before I tell my current employer I'm leaving. I don't think it's asking much but it was like I was asking because I did not believe I got the job. The assured me I got the position but I just don't do stuff like that.

marshmallownurse, ASN, RN · Jan 13, 2014

Also, if you haven't already, try asking HR instead of the hiring/nursing manager who is usually not too involved in the technicalities of hiring after the interview/selection anyway. HR should be the one to give you the offer. I remember working for a Rehab who did not provide me a written offer. It worked out okay, but the offer was given to me over the phone and the conversation started with, "My name is W. from HR of ABC Rehab. I wanted to officially offer you the position of...blah, blah, blah. The position is for day shift, with base pay being blah-blah-blah." Negotiation starts, etcetera. Also, this is when you negotiate your start date, at which point you can say, "My prefered start date is in two weeks on 01/02/03." If this conversation hasn't happened yet then, technically, there is no offer. At least that's from my experience. Good luck!

Ellis02136 · Jan 13, 2014

Yes I have a start date and pay. She's already given me my hours but all that is not on a letter to me. Maybe Rehabs do things like that? She said I'll fill all paperwork day of orientation. I'm not even sure they have a full staff HR dept. I think they hired an outside recruiter that's only there once a week. I'm not sure I'll get this letter it seems. She was very reassuring to me to tell my employer I'm leaving. I would hope she would not screw me over but you never know.

LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN · Jan 13, 2014

Maybe the offer will be at orientation; I think of only ONE job I signed at orientation; my other positions were very formal; including the job I just accepted; I signed, scanned, and emailed the signed copy at two positions I had.

You could always call and find out from HR...or email, so if they state that you will sign at orientation, you have a paper trail.

Sun0408, ASN, RN · Jan 13, 2014

My experience has been what marshmallow described above. I have never received a letter but specific communication from HR.

grammy57 · Mar 22, 2015

I am in the same position. Orientation date given, hours given, pay rate stated, but no papers. I learned the hard way, that if it's not written down it didn't exist. How do I protect myself? This is a major hospital, but I don't want to give notice without a paper trail. Suggestions?