My job as a night shift ICU nurse is challenging to say the least. Morale is low, high stress, no breaks, difficult shifts, at least three patients many shifts, a lot of floating, and some passive-aggressive coworkers stirring the pot sometimes. I have decided to resign as I find it is negatively affecting me. I feel that if I am honest with my supervisor I will be blackballed and put on the no-rehire list which is a common tactic of the corporation I work for. What would be a good reason to tell my supervisor why I am leaving to protect my reputation and job history? I feel she will push for more details if I just say it's because morale is low which is what others have told her to avoid problems.
Dear Decided to Resign,
Just as it's smart of you to leave this environment for your own well being, try not to stress or use any more energy around leaving.
There is a scripture that says "Don't throw your pearls to swine" meaning your insights will likely be wasted. You have identified low morale, high workload, floating and dysfunctional behavior- but they already know this, and so far, are not doing enough about it.
While it's not likely you'd be marked as a "do not re-hire" unless they are extremely petty, there is some risk and little, if any, benefit to being honest. Very rarely do employers actually use exit interviews to make improvements.
You could instead say you've chosen to broaden your working experience, or that you are leaving to spend more time with family. By making it about you, and not about the organization, your manager is less likely to push for details.
Line up another job before you quit, and give the required notice. By doing so, you remain the professional that you are, and leave with dignity.
Good luck to you! I hope you are valued in your next job and you land in a better spot.
Dear Nurse Beth,
My job as a night shift ICU nurse is challenging to say the least. Morale is low, high stress, no breaks, difficult shifts, at least three patients many shifts, a lot of floating, and some passive-aggressive coworkers stirring the pot sometimes. I have decided to resign as I find it is negatively affecting me. I feel that if I am honest with my supervisor I will be blackballed and put on the no-rehire list which is a common tactic of the corporation I work for. What would be a good reason to tell my supervisor why I am leaving to protect my reputation and job history? I feel she will push for more details if I just say it's because morale is low which is what others have told her to avoid problems.
Dear Decided to Resign,
Just as it's smart of you to leave this environment for your own well being, try not to stress or use any more energy around leaving.
There is a scripture that says "Don't throw your pearls to swine" meaning your insights will likely be wasted. You have identified low morale, high workload, floating and dysfunctional behavior- but they already know this, and so far, are not doing enough about it.
While it's not likely you'd be marked as a "do not re-hire" unless they are extremely petty, there is some risk and little, if any, benefit to being honest. Very rarely do employers actually use exit interviews to make improvements.
You could instead say you've chosen to broaden your working experience, or that you are leaving to spend more time with family. By making it about you, and not about the organization, your manager is less likely to push for details.
Line up another job before you quit, and give the required notice. By doing so, you remain the professional that you are, and leave with dignity.
Good luck to you! I hope you are valued in your next job and you land in a better spot.
Best wishes,
Nurse Beth
Author, "Your Last Nursing Class: How to Land Your First Nursing Job"...and your next!
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