Changing jobs in nursing is a big decision — but often the right one. Maybe you feel burnt out, see no room to grow, or sense that your values and daily reality no longer match. This guide helps you honestly check whether a move makes sense, what to look for in a new employer and how to leave your current job fairly and professionally.
Key takeaways
- A move is usually worth it not because of one bad day, but because of a pattern — ongoing overload, no development or a clash of values.
- With new employers, look beyond salary: onboarding, team, shift model and real development opportunities often matter more in the long run.
- Compare offers fairly — factor in allowances, commute, shift plan and working climate, not just gross pay.
- Notice periods and terms depend on your contract and the collective agreement (Kollektivvertrag) — check them before you resign.
Signs it might be time to change
Not every tough week is a reason to leave. A move becomes sensible when certain problems persist over months and you no longer see a real prospect of improvement. These signs often point to a change:
- Persistent exhaustion: you feel constantly burnt out and no longer recover, even after days off or holidays.
- No development: further training, new tasks or a specialist career path are nowhere in sight.
- Clash of values: staffing ratios, the way residents or patients are treated, or the leadership culture no longer match your convictions.
- Pay and appreciation: salary, allowances or recognition are permanently out of proportion to your responsibility.
Pattern, not snapshot
Do not make the decision on a particularly hard day. Watch for a few weeks whether it is a pattern — this protects you from a move you later regret.
What to look for in a new employer
A higher salary alone rarely makes a job better. Whether you feel at home in a new place often comes down to things that are not in the job ad. Ask specifically in the interview:
- Onboarding: is there structured induction with a dedicated contact person — or are you thrown in at the deep end?
- Team and leadership: what is the mood in the team, and how approachable and appreciative is management?
- Shift model: how are shifts planned, how reliable are they, and how are requests and absences handled?
- Development: are training, specialisation or promotion actively supported — ideally in writing?
- Transparency: are salary, allowances and expectations communicated openly and clearly?
Compare calmly
A specialised platform like CareInn lets you compare healthcare employers at your own pace and explore your options before you commit.
Comparing an offer fairly with your current job
Once an offer is on the table, it is tempting to look only at the headline salary. A fair comparison weighs the whole package on both sides — the new job and your current one. Consider:
- Total compensation: base salary plus allowances (night, weekend, public holiday), special payments and benefits in kind.
- Working and commuting time: hours, shift model and how long your daily commute is.
- Working climate and load: staffing ratios, team size and how realistic day-to-day work is.
- Prospects: development opportunities, job security and how well the role fits your long-term goals.
Facts and gut feeling
Write both options side by side. If the numbers and your gut point the same way, the decision is usually sound. If they diverge sharply, it is worth sleeping on it.
Resigning professionally: notice, handover, reference
How you leave is remembered — especially in the close-knit nursing world. A clean exit keeps doors open and protects your reputation. Most important is to observe the correct notice period.
Notice depends on your contract
Notice periods and dates follow from your employment contract and the applicable collective agreement (Kollektivvertrag) and can differ. Check your contract carefully and, if in doubt, seek advice (e.g. from the works council, union or Chamber of Labour) before you resign.
Resign in writing and seek a personal conversation with your manager before the team hears it through the grapevine. Plan an orderly handover: document ongoing tasks and share knowledge so your team can keep working smoothly. In Austria you are also generally entitled to a work reference (Dienstzeugnis) — ask for it actively, as it is valuable for your next application.
Changing jobs in four steps
- 1
Prepare quietly
Reflect on your reasons, update your CV and documents, and get clear on what you really need from your next employer.
- 2
Search and apply discreetly
Use your network or a specialised platform and apply while your current employment is still in place.
- 3
Review offers and decide
Compare the whole package fairly against your current job and make a decision you can stand behind.
- 4
Resign professionally
Observe your notice period, ensure a clean handover and leave on good terms — the field is smaller than you think.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the notice period in nursing?
There is no blanket answer: your notice period follows from your employment contract and the applicable collective agreement (Kollektivvertrag) and can vary by employer and years of service. Check your contract and, if in doubt, seek advice from the works council, union or Chamber of Labour.
Should I resign before I have a new job?
As a rule it is safer to resign only once you have a signed offer. That avoids a gap without income and lets you negotiate from a stronger position. An exception may be when the strain seriously threatens your health.
How do I tell my manager I am leaving?
Ideally in person and matter-of-factly in a calm conversation, before rumours start. Stay respectful, submit your resignation in writing and offer an orderly handover — this leaves a professional impression.
Am I entitled to a work reference?
In Austria you are generally entitled to a work reference (Dienstzeugnis) when the employment ends. Ask for it actively — a meaningful reference is valuable for your next application. Employment law governs its content and form.
