Withholding my educational plans with my new employer

[Nacki, MSN, NP]

I am starting a new job in April. I specifically moved here to pursue my education to become a CRNA. I have told them of my intent of working on my CCRN and BSN. Do you think it is wise to withhold the fact that I would like to apply for CRNA school next December for Fall 2010 start? If all goes as planned I will have only been there for about a little over 2 yrs if accepted for Fall 2010.

[llg, PhD, RN]

Is there some reason you would want or need to tell them? Would telling them benefit you in some way?

If not, I wouldn't tell them until you are definitely accepted into the program and committed to a start date. If asked directly, you could say it was a possibility, but be vague -- as if you were unsure. Don't lie, as that will give you a bad reputation that could follow you for a long time. However, unless there is some definite benefit in telling them, I would keep that information to myself as it might cause you some problems if they thought you were not committed to staying very long.

And who knows ... your plans might change.

[skipaway]

No need to share that info just yet. Keep it to yourself. Don't share with collegues either unless you trust them to keep it to themselves.

[Nacki, MSN, NP]

I understand what you are saying, but I will need a reference from my manager sometime next fall. Do you think they possibly will look down on me then and not give me a good reference because I hadn't been there that long?

[llg, PhD, RN]

At that point, you will have to tell them. In the meantime, focus on making a good impression. You have nothing to gain by telling her now.

[llg, PhD, RN]

You'll have to say something to ge the recomendation, but until then, I don't see anything to gain by telling her now. For now, just focus on being a great nurse and great employee.

When/if you have to tell her, say that you hope to be able to continue to work ocassionally while you are a student -- even if you doubt that you can.