2 week notice necessary?

[v412]

Hello all!

I just recently started this job in December, and at first I did like this job, but as weeks went on I noticed there were a lot of things that weren't right, I saw it being more about money that then actual patient health, anyways, I was wanting to quit and have a friend who can get me in with her pretty quickly, so I was not wanting to give the standard 2 weeks notice, I wanted to call today and give a week notice...would that be too short? I work for home health so I never see my bosses unless I need to get supplies from the office, which is like maybe once a week at the most. So we do use our phones to communicate, calls and text. So I am going to need to call her to give my notice, would that be unprofessional of me? HELP! I really want start this other job ASAP! PLEASE HELP!!!

[CT Pixie, BSN, RN]

I always try to avoid burning bridges...you never know when you might need that bridge to cross at some time in the future.

I always give minimum 2 weeks notice. Some places will put you on the 'not eligible for rehire' list if you don't give proper notice. You may never want to go back to that place, but future employers will be told you aren't eligible for rehire and that isn't the best thing.

As for calling...I would be sure to follow it up with an actual letter of resignation. The person taking your call could always say you never gave notice..then you'd be a 'no call-no show' and that isnt' good either.

If I were you, I'd stick it out for the two weeks, call your super but also give that actual letter. That's just how I'd handle it.

[caliotter3]

Previous reply lost.

Do you live in an employment at will state? If so, notice is not necessary (other than, calling off future shifts/visits before you are due to be at work). However, do you want to poison the well by not being courteous? This job will be listed on future applications and your resume, so it is quite possible this employer will have future input with prospective employers. Since you state the new job is a shoo-in, you should have the time to give proper notice. One week may be enough, two weeks may not be. You will have to decide.

[roser13, ASN, RN]

Two weeks' notice, at a minimum.

Also, call your boss, but also send a letter.

[Jules A, MSN]

And wouldn't your new job want to know they are hiring someone who honors their obligations? Give proper notice to your current employer whether you like the job or not.

[mmc51264, BSN, MSN, RN]

Most RN positions require 30 days. I was told 2 weeks at first, but then I was corrected and had to make up the hours to get a "eligible for rehire" status and to be able to cash out my PTO bank. Thank goodness they were all flexible in letting me fulfill my obligation. I did not leave because I was unhappy, I left for a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

[resqbug]

Years and years ago when I worked a non-nursing job at a hospital, I needed to resign quickly. I explained my reasoning to the supervisor and she was very understanding, but still said that because of my proper lack of notice, I would be placed as ineligible for rehire. The same thing happened to a friend of mine at another hospital who only gave a week notice.

I would contact them to see what their requirements are at the facility. The last thing you want to do is get placed as ineligible for rehire because you never know what the future brings.

[v412]

You are all right! I am going to talk to them Monday and let them know and give my two week notice. I hate doing things like this, I just hope I don't get treated any different, Ive had that happen before. And although to some just saying I'm not happy with this job is not a good enough excuse, but there are other things in play that I don't feel like signing my name to with my license, and I don't feel like anyone should wake up and dread going to work either.

[Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN]

You have no legal obligation to provide any notice before quitting. That being said, providing a notice is the professional thing to do. Some at AN take the attitude of, "well, they certainly aren't going to give YOU any notice before they fire you!" That's probably true. But the reality is that this is an employer's market and they hold the cards. It's not as though there's a nursing shortage anymore, so getting another job isn't as easy as it used to be. Therefore, it would be in your best interests not to burn bridges with any employer and to leave on the best terms possible.

Do double-check with your HR department about how much notice you need to give before resigning. Some facilities will require their employees to give 3 or even 4 weeks notice, and failing to do so may result in being tagged Do Not Rehire. In addition, they can tell future employers calling for a reference that you gave short/no notice...and yes, they CAN legally do that.

If there is no set required notice period, it's customary to give at least 2 weeks.

Best of luck!

[kbrn2002, ADN, RN]

Yes, give a minimum of two weeks notice. But if you think any new job you take will not be money driven I think you will be in for a rude awakening. Health care is a big for profit business, hard to find a place that cares more about patient health than the bottom line. If you're lucky you'll get into a place that at least has a decent balance between them.

[Tenebrae, BSN, RN]

Don't burn your bridges and give the correct notice.

[SHGR, MSN, RN, CNS]

Yes, give a minimum of two weeks notice. But if you think any new job you take will not be money driven I think you will be in for a rude awakening. Health care is a big for profit business, hard to find a place that cares more about patient health than the bottom line. If you're lucky you'll get into a place that at least has a decent balance between them.

This is a wise statement. Note that nurses are paid for what we do, as well.

In my experience home health is largely about following the rules laid out by CMS. If the rules are not followed, the place closes down, and then the patients don't get care nor do the staff have jobs. The money is not "free flowing."

Also, you mention your friend can get you in. Is your friend the CEO, or does she work in HR? Or is she just telling you she will put a word in to her boss?