When to leave school?

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I've decided to leave school nursing - it's just not for me. I don't want to leave them without a nurse right now so I was planning on staying for the rest of the school year. I applied to a peds clinic for PRN with the hopes of going full time in the Summer and they contacted me. The recruiter said that my availability wouldn't work for PRN but if I wanted to I could go work for them full time. She said that I could contact her at the end of the school year or anytime before that and see what's available. It's one of those situations where the clinic job has better hours, better commute, higher pay, etc. I want to take it now but I'm really conflicted about the timing. I'm not under contract with the school but it feels wrong to leave them without a nurse while we are bringing kids back. Should I stick it out for a few more months or should I put myself first? 

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Specializes in school nursing, ortho, trauma.

Can you give a 2-week notice or does your new employer want you immediately?  I wouldn't stick it out until the end if a better offer is coming along, especially when you aren't happy and aren't under a contract.  Put yourself first 

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1 minute ago, Flare said:

Can you give a 2-week notice or does your new employer want you immediately?  I wouldn't stick it out until the end if a better offer is coming along, especially when you aren't happy and aren't under a contract.  Put yourself first 

Hey thanks for the response! I could definitely give a 2 week notice. Maybe even a little longer. I'll probably end up calling the clinic back today. 

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Agree completely.  If they are not committed enough to you to give you a contract then you need to take care of yourself.   

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I'm finding myself in the same position and have started looking for a clinic job with similar hours.  I will probably take a pay cut in my area- but the year round employment will level it out a little.  I no longer need the summers off- my kids are out of the house. : -)

I'm just ready for a change.  I wish you luck! I'm going to give 3-4 weeks notice if I can- otherwise I'll try and finish the year out if I can.  

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I agree with Flare.  Two weeks in sufficient.  I get the guilt but you can't stall your opportunities for satisfaction out of guilt.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

OP - they can always find a sub, if nec.

A very wise nsg friend once told me 'the facility existed before you came along, and they will continue after you're gone'.

Always made sense to me for decisions.

 

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I agree!  No contract = two weeks' notice (once you have a written offer from the clinic).

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Specializes in school nurse.

Playing Devil's Advocate here, but in a lot of professional situations the norm is a bit longer than two weeks' notice...

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