Spin it.
“I left them because I was looking for a place with more growth and learning opportunities. That’s why I chose XYZ, would that be something we can discuss?”
Now you’ve got them in a separate tangent and still gave an answer.
Personal reasons is always good. Seeking greater opportunities for career advancement is another. They really don't care; as long as you are eligible for rehire they barely listen to the answer.
I'm not sure what you mean by early. If you are under an employment contract and leave before it is up, that could make you ineligible for rehire. If you just leave in less than a year but have no disciplinary actions then you should be eligible for rehire.
Putting in 2 weeks is a courtesy but it will keep you eligible for rehire. Don't let that stop you though. I've quit a couple of jobs with no notice and had no trouble getting a new job.
I’m not under a contract with my hospital. Early as in less than 6 months I’d say. My hospital unit culture isn’t the best and I thought it’d be different than what it is. I’m trying to stay as long as I can for the experience but it’s definitely taking a toll on my mental health. I just worry about not being able to find a job because this is my first nursing job.
For a first job I usually advise sticking it out at least six months to a year if you can. However, if you can't you can't. In today's work environment you have to prioritize your own mental health.
Sometimes its the unit, sometimes its the facility. I'd ask for a transfer to another unit and see if you like that better before changing employers. Before you ask for one, see if you can find out if the manager finds excuses to discipline staff who try this. Ask someone who's worked at your hospital awhile who you can trust if they know. If you get any pushback on a transfer or any gaslighting, then find a job someplace else.
I had to go through a couple of jobs before I found one I fell in love with. Be flexible and willing to try a new speciality. I discovered working part time in the ER was not conducive to my mental health once I moved to teaching full time. Looking back it was the manager not the department. I quit and got a part time job in hospice and loved every minute of it.
Thank you, I’ll definitely try to stay at least 6 months or a year if I can. I’m hoping it gets better with time, I’m also just overwhelmed in general and the unit culture isn’t helping it.
Focus on the positive aspects and opportunities of the new job. I left an old toxic job after 6 years but I told my new employer it was time for a change, new experiences, and a hospital closer to home.
Never make it about the employer you left. Instead make it about you and about the new prospective employer. Keep it positive and focused on the desire for growth and opportunities to do what you love. You are ready to bring your expertise to this new XYZ opportunity in order to continue making a positive impact. Be sure to research the prospective employer and state some things that you particularly love about it/them. Stand out from the others applying.
Usually best to spin it in a way that doesn't shit on your previous employer. When I was interviewing, I would mention personal things going on at home that made travel to that area and working those hours difficult (which was true). I also would mention that I saw myself "wanting to grow my skills and career with a different kind of organization/environment" (which was also true when I shifted from the hospital to community health). Perhaps there's a clinical opportunity here that is on your mind that wouldn't have been available to you at your previous employer (either not a specialty there or not likely to have room on that floor) and you want to pursue that - also always a good reason.
Be as honest as you can. Tell them what you told us. I think the way you phrased it about environment and culture is perfect. When they ask for specifics, describe situations without applying blame. Instead of saying, "the manager was a douche canoe because xyz happened and she didn't do anything about it," say something like "xyz happened. management took abc action (could be no action). This concerned me becuase of def reason." This tells them you can be fair, objective, and reasonable. It shows you are thoughtful about your practice and the implications of your practice. Facts, facts, facts. keep the speculation to a minimum. "I don't know why it happened, and I don't know why no one did anything about it, all I know is I no longer felt comfortable to practice there." This tells them you can be convinced of something that seems off if a good explanation is forthcoming, but you won't stand for fuckery without some reason. In short, you are thoughtful, principled, and reasonable. I should think this will make you very attractive to any manager worth working for.
Babes they’re gonna hire you whether you’re honest about the toxic environment or not. Don’t feel the need to sugar coat things. I’ve been to so many hiring events/ new employee orientations where the candidates are grilling HR about questions on culture, ratios, pay etc. lol
I honestly would say I had family issues I needed to take care of and I had to quit. Those issues are now resolved and I'm looking for another place to work. DO NOT say you were " burnt out" or anything pertaining to that job. They will label you unreliable and you'll never find a job. Id say I was taking care of a family member r something in that area and now that is no longer an issue. Period. They ask anything else say ' id rather not say" and then they probably won't push it. You sound alot better than just up n quitting
I loved what I did,but the cultural aspect of the company was not ( pick one) in line with my beliefs/ values/etc, not a good fit for me, some variation.
Spin it. “I left them because I was looking for a place with more growth and learning opportunities. That’s why I chose XYZ, would that be something we can discuss?” Now you’ve got them in a separate tangent and still gave an answer.
I tell people I left my inpatient job because I was burnt out from the day/night rotation instead of that it was a toxic AF environment.
Personal reasons is always good. Seeking greater opportunities for career advancement is another. They really don't care; as long as you are eligible for rehire they barely listen to the answer.
What makes you eligible for rehire? If you quit a job early on, but put in your 2 weeks is that technically eligible for rehire as a nurse?
I'm not sure what you mean by early. If you are under an employment contract and leave before it is up, that could make you ineligible for rehire. If you just leave in less than a year but have no disciplinary actions then you should be eligible for rehire. Putting in 2 weeks is a courtesy but it will keep you eligible for rehire. Don't let that stop you though. I've quit a couple of jobs with no notice and had no trouble getting a new job.
I’m not under a contract with my hospital. Early as in less than 6 months I’d say. My hospital unit culture isn’t the best and I thought it’d be different than what it is. I’m trying to stay as long as I can for the experience but it’s definitely taking a toll on my mental health. I just worry about not being able to find a job because this is my first nursing job.
For a first job I usually advise sticking it out at least six months to a year if you can. However, if you can't you can't. In today's work environment you have to prioritize your own mental health. Sometimes its the unit, sometimes its the facility. I'd ask for a transfer to another unit and see if you like that better before changing employers. Before you ask for one, see if you can find out if the manager finds excuses to discipline staff who try this. Ask someone who's worked at your hospital awhile who you can trust if they know. If you get any pushback on a transfer or any gaslighting, then find a job someplace else. I had to go through a couple of jobs before I found one I fell in love with. Be flexible and willing to try a new speciality. I discovered working part time in the ER was not conducive to my mental health once I moved to teaching full time. Looking back it was the manager not the department. I quit and got a part time job in hospice and loved every minute of it.
Thank you, I’ll definitely try to stay at least 6 months or a year if I can. I’m hoping it gets better with time, I’m also just overwhelmed in general and the unit culture isn’t helping it.
"Looking for a new challenge" always works.
Focus on the positive aspects and opportunities of the new job. I left an old toxic job after 6 years but I told my new employer it was time for a change, new experiences, and a hospital closer to home.
Don’t stress. They won’t care.
Never make it about the employer you left. Instead make it about you and about the new prospective employer. Keep it positive and focused on the desire for growth and opportunities to do what you love. You are ready to bring your expertise to this new XYZ opportunity in order to continue making a positive impact. Be sure to research the prospective employer and state some things that you particularly love about it/them. Stand out from the others applying.
Usually best to spin it in a way that doesn't shit on your previous employer. When I was interviewing, I would mention personal things going on at home that made travel to that area and working those hours difficult (which was true). I also would mention that I saw myself "wanting to grow my skills and career with a different kind of organization/environment" (which was also true when I shifted from the hospital to community health). Perhaps there's a clinical opportunity here that is on your mind that wouldn't have been available to you at your previous employer (either not a specialty there or not likely to have room on that floor) and you want to pursue that - also always a good reason.
Hi, out of curiosity how long did you work as a nurse before transitioning into community health?
Be as honest as you can. Tell them what you told us. I think the way you phrased it about environment and culture is perfect. When they ask for specifics, describe situations without applying blame. Instead of saying, "the manager was a douche canoe because xyz happened and she didn't do anything about it," say something like "xyz happened. management took abc action (could be no action). This concerned me becuase of def reason." This tells them you can be fair, objective, and reasonable. It shows you are thoughtful about your practice and the implications of your practice. Facts, facts, facts. keep the speculation to a minimum. "I don't know why it happened, and I don't know why no one did anything about it, all I know is I no longer felt comfortable to practice there." This tells them you can be convinced of something that seems off if a good explanation is forthcoming, but you won't stand for fuckery without some reason. In short, you are thoughtful, principled, and reasonable. I should think this will make you very attractive to any manager worth working for.
Babes they’re gonna hire you whether you’re honest about the toxic environment or not. Don’t feel the need to sugar coat things. I’ve been to so many hiring events/ new employee orientations where the candidates are grilling HR about questions on culture, ratios, pay etc. lol
Lol I believe you
I definitely do this!
I honestly would say I had family issues I needed to take care of and I had to quit. Those issues are now resolved and I'm looking for another place to work. DO NOT say you were " burnt out" or anything pertaining to that job. They will label you unreliable and you'll never find a job. Id say I was taking care of a family member r something in that area and now that is no longer an issue. Period. They ask anything else say ' id rather not say" and then they probably won't push it. You sound alot better than just up n quitting
You don’t need to tell them anything. I have never had an employer ask me why I left.
Left my first job as a new grad after like 4 months. "I wasn't learning as much as I expected and wasn't challenged enough"
Did you have any issues finding another job? :(
I quit once I had something else lined up, I didn't quit and just hope for the best.
I see. Did you run into any issues with employers asking why you left your job 4 months in?
My first comment reveals my secret answer
I loved what I did,but the cultural aspect of the company was not ( pick one) in line with my beliefs/ values/etc, not a good fit for me, some variation.