Should I Stay Or Should I Go?

Many nurses come to me after being terminated from their position and tell me, “I knew I should have left, but I just didn’t.”  Nurses get into their comfort zones.  They become so loyal to their colleagues and patients that they don’t want to leave.  However, I always say, “You can always find another job, but you can’t get another license.”

If you see signs on the wall or get that pain in your stomach that you need to quit … don’t wait.  Your license is too important.

If you were terminated from your job, every future job application will require that you put down that you were terminated.  I suggest that when you are asked for the reason, simply state that you will discuss it in an interview.

If you fail to inform your new employer by not putting on your application that you had previously been terminated, it is considered to be fraud and material misrepresentation in obtaining a job.

The old adage of it is better to be safe than sorry is never more true than with this requirement.  You cannot conveniently omit that job from your application form.

When we are in our comfort zones, we sometimes become complacent.  And that could lead to breaches in our judgment.

Here are some warning signs to be aware of that it may be time for you to go.

1. You dread going to work.
2. Your job is taking a toll on your health.
3. You’re always venting to friends about not liking your job.
4. You feel that you can’t speak up at your job.
5. The work environment is negative.
6. The unit environment isn’t a good fit for you.
7. You don’t like your boss or superiors.
8. You find yourself having to justify to yourself why you should stay.

Certainly, no one can tell you whether or not to leave your job but I have had so many nurse clients who come for my assistance when the proverbial shoe drops and they get a complaint against their license when they knew they should have left the position.

So, if you see any of those warning signs and feel it is time, make an informed decision on how you would like to handle this situation.

Beware when you find yourself making excuses or justifying why you are staying, “It’s the only place in town,” “No one else is hiring,” “I have seniority here,” etc.  These are the type of statements that justify to some why they are staying when the handwriting plainly is on the wall.

I know it’s scary to leave and begin the job hunt.  However, I have heard that sometimes the grass is greener on the other side and many later say, “Boy, I wish I had left that job sooner.  It is so much better at my new place.”

Are you in a job that you don’t like?  How are you protecting your license?  What are other signs you may have noticed that it is time to go?

I would love to read comments below.