Why I am leaving my last job

been there,done it · Dec 16, 2014

"lazy coworkers

mean director (new in the last 3 years)

turn over of 130 staff members in 1.5 years

way to far to drive

rediculous/redundant amount of charting and paperwork

bullying

bad nurse/patient ratio"

These are universal problems within our profession. You have enough experience to seek out and find your "change". Decide what you want.. and go for it.

Good luck, let us know how it's going.

allnurses Guide · Dec 17, 2014

I have decided I need to get away from the hospital system I currently work for and find a new one. Decision a long time in the making.
What are a few good reasons I can give for looking for a new job
Here's my real ones.
lazy coworkers
mean director (new in the last 3 years)
turn over of 130 staff members in 1.5 years
way to far to drive
rediculous/redundant amount of charting and paperwork
bullying
bad nurse/patient ratio
I need to work with more sophisticated staff/patients/doctors so I think urban rather than rural?
I would like to work in a more culturally diverse system (can I say that)
I've been a nurse for a long time and the system I have worked in for the last 3.5 years is killing all my desire and excitement to be a nurse anymore. I need a change
Those of you who have been on here with me for a long time know I love and care about nursing, but somethings gotta change.
Thanks guys

We do know that gonzo. Sometimes our gut tells us it's time for a change. In my experience if you have that feeling persistently and ignore it you can open yourself up for more problems. Nursing is always sold as a profession that offers a huge variety of practice areas. Nothing wrong with that!

Wishing you all the best for a happy and productive new job.

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Dec 17, 2014

Thanks to all for the input. I'll go with "much closer to my house" and "I've been wanting to get a position here since I moved to this location." And maybe a "I want to work for a larger, metropolitan hospital for greater education and opportunity."

I just started working on my RN to MSN. I would like to do nursing educator or nurse practitioner soon. I gotta get away from the bedside. (I wont tell them that)

Here.I.Stand, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2014

If you're wanting to move to an urban facility, say you're looking to relocate in general. I agree with PPs--don't say anything negative about your current hospital.

bendyprissy · Dec 17, 2014

I think it's the ostrich-head-in-the-sand syndrome. They either just don't WANT to address the problem or else they just CAN'T do it.

Or they just don't care because there are numerous applicants to fill the spots of people who don't want theirs.

psych4utoo · Dec 17, 2014

You know when it is time to leave a job, when you hate going there. Even if it is a drop in pay it is not worth the stress of staying...because it will not get any better. When people leave jobs it is almost always because of the way the facility is managed.

gonzo1, ASN, RN · Dec 17, 2014

Thanks for all the help everyone. I should not bring up the fact that I am a cancer survivor right, even as an answer to what great challenges have you met.......

PacoUSA, BSN, RN · Dec 17, 2014

Your reasons for leaving your hospital system are pretty much the same ones I had for leaving my last one. My coworkers were actually quite nice for the most part, and I still miss them. However, I did have the WORST nurse manager EVER (didn't even have the gall to acknowledge my resignation letter) and I am glad I left that behind. I am a travel nurse now and my first assignment is at the #1 hospital in the region. The physicians alone are exemplary, much more professional and knowledgeable than those in my last hospital. I was warned before I left my old hospital that the MDs at my new hospital would be elitist and arrogant because of the high ranking hospital system they belong to ... but it's actually the complete opposite! They blow my former hospital medical staff out of the water. In addition, the MDs at my former hospital never used to acknowledge nurses in the room when they visited patients, but where I am now MDs greet the nurse and embrace their opinion.

Indeed, just when I thought I was loving nursing less, I chose to move away from one system into another and discovered that it's not nursing but the environment which makes or break your interest in the career.

Lucky724 · Dec 17, 2014

What I find in the area where I work is high turn over - at least for some flavors of nursing - are due to the bait and switch that some employers in the area are becoming known for. Example: No, there is no call involved for the position, then once hired the nurse is finding out call is a requirement or being hired for days but finding out orientation will be 3 months of nights...with so many nurses looking for jobs, for the attitude of do more with less of the employers, nursing has become even more stressful than before. Honestly don't know if I would go into nursing again knowing what I do now.

argos · Dec 18, 2014

I am looking as well. I have been with the same system for 8 years and I love it but there have been a lot of changes to save money. I know that if I go somewhere else the challenges will be the same but in my interviews I will voice my concerns to see if they are being addressed in a different manner.

allnurses Guide · Dec 18, 2014

Thanks for all the help everyone. I should not bring up the fact that I am a cancer survivor right, even as an answer to what great challenges have you met.......

My "like" meant that I like that you are a cancer survivor! Rock on :-) I think surviving great challenges shines through in all you do whether they know why or not.

amzyRN · Dec 18, 2014

Always put your situation in a positive light and never bad mouth anyone. Use works like "it wasn't a good fit" "different communication styles" possible budget concerns for inadequate staffing. Never bad mouth your manager. I've had positive responses when I've given neutral reasons as to why one left a job.