Question:
Dear Donna,
I am a new graduate and just finishing orientation on a specialty unit. I hate my job, and I dread going there everyday. The unit is definitely not what I expected or what I want for a career in nursing. How do I go about leaving? Do I want until my orientation period is over, or do I let the manager know that I no longer want the position? How do I tell them without putting my license and myself in jeopardy?
Annie
Dear Donna replies:
Dear Annie,
It would be helpful for me to know more specifics. However, if you are firmly convinced that this position is not right for you, then you should take steps to transfer to another unit in the hospital if possible rather than quit. However, if that is not possible, then you may not have any choice but to resign now. Sometimes you have to cut your losses early and just move on. There is no point in finishing your orientation if you intend to leave.
Please read my book Your First Year as a Nurse ? Making the Transition From Total Novice to Successful Professional. If possible, read it before resigning. To give you a sense of perspective, I would also prefer that you discuss this situation with one of your instructors or a seasoned nurse before making the leap.
If you do decide to resign, talk to your manager first and then put it in writing. See the article ?How to Resign With Style? at http://www.dcardillo.com/articles/resign-style.html. Because you are still on orientation, you may be asked to leave immediately. You are not putting your license at risk in any way by so doing.
Best wishes,
Donna
Donna Cardillo, RN, MA, well-known career guru, is Nursing Spectrum/NurseWeek?s ?Dear Donna? and author of Your First Year as a Nurse: Making the Transition from Total Novice to Successful Professional. To ask Donna your question, go to www.nurse.com/asktheexperts/deardonna. Find a ?Dear Donna? seminar near you: Call (800) 866-0919 or visit http://events.nursingspectrum.com/Seminar.
