It is particularly tough when valued staff members give a notice to leave their position for a new job. Throughout my career, I have witnessed all manner of reactions by frontline nurses and leaders when they learn a team member is making a job change. The news stirs feelings of sadness, grief, uncertainty, and even a sense of hurt or envy if conditions are particularly difficult in the practice environment. The person's departure will likely make shortages worse in settings already experiencing the pain imposed by a high vacancy rate, especially when the demand for healthcare is high.
Most nurses are able to move beyond their own unsettled feelings and make genuine efforts to recognize the departing person's workplace contributions and sincerely wish them the best. Planning a farewell gathering, sending caring farewell messages in time for the person to read them while work email is still active, and sharing home contact information or sending social media invitations to keep in touch all convey kindness, warmth, belonging, and, most importantly, a desire to stay connected. They also signify an open door that encourages valued staff members to come home to that work setting should they discover the grass is not always greener.
For some individuals, however, a team member's decision to leave sparks intense feelings of bitterness, betrayal, and anger that manifests as silence, exclusionary behavior, and even open hostility. Such reactions are not helpful or constructive, nor are they the exclusive domain of the nursing profession. One physician I knew who accepted a new position at a different hospital told me that he felt like "the ghost of Christmas past" given the way he was treated by some of his colleagues. Unfortunately, these responses are all too common during times of transition. It seems that when employees leave, some co-workers and leaders alike interpret these resignations as either a personal or a workplace affront.
Emotions are running especially high in healthcare given the widespread staffing shortages, moral distress, burnout, and overall challenges caused by the pandemic. Nurses who leave their jobs to take travel positions, to experience a different nursing role, or to step away from nursing altogether are most vulnerable to hurtful behavior that can reinforce their decision to leave. To potentially work with these people again in the future, honor the time they served. Keep the door open and show kindness.
Be well,
LINDA LASKOWSKI-JONES, MS, APRN, ACNS-BC, CEN, NEA-BC, FAWM, FAAN
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF, NURSING2022