By Rose O. Sherman, EdD, RN, NEA-BC, FAAN
To economize and prepare for the economic challenges ahead, some health systems have already begun eliminating nursing leadership roles, impacting numerous loyal, hard-working nurse leaders. How do you leave an employer who downsizes you out of a position without conveying anger? I recently talked with a leader who found herself in this situation. She understood the decision was not personal, but she could not help feeling angry. She was given no options for other employment as the employer was looking to reduce FTE. She would receive a fair severance package, but was heartbroken about leaving an organization she had grown up in and loved. She was looking for ways to make her transition graceful and not convey the extreme anger she felt about what had happened to her. This is a dilemma that many leaders may face in their careers. Some guidance from the experts includes the following.
1. Don’t stay too long, even if you have the option, because your position of power will decline immediately.
Stay long enough to tie up loose ends, but recognize that you are no longer viewed as part of the organization. Other members of the leadership team may not include you in decision-making. Some of your colleagues may even avoid you because they are unsure of what to say.
2. Don’t keep rehashing the situation in your mind.
There are many reasons positions are restructured or eliminated, often having little to do with job performance. This is especially true in the current environment.
3. Remain positive with your leadership team.
You are leaving your position, but your team will continue in your absence. They need time to grieve your loss as a leader and will look to you for guidance. Don’t play the victim; stay upbeat. Minimize any negative remarks you make about the organization and leadership. Let your team know that positions today are often not for a lifetime. At some level, all jobs are interim roles.
4. Demonstrate class in all your actions, but seek an assurance that you will be given a positive recommendation.
Setting yourself up for a good recommendation is essential, especially when you have been with an employer for many years. You want to be sure the trail you leave is a positive one. As one leader told me, when others tried to elicit negativity from him, he refused to participate even though it was tempting.
5. Be transparent about what has happened without whining or criticizing the organization.
Tell the truth about what happened to the best of your knowledge. Even if it is your organization’s policy, you may want to avoid an exit interview if you feel very angry about what has happened to you.
6. Give yourself time to think about your next professional move.
Although it may be tempting to jump right back into a job search, it is essential to consider your next career step carefully. In some ways, losing a job can be very liberating because it opens a wide range of possibilities for what you want to do next.
7. Reconnect with your network.
If you have been with one employer for many years, there is a strong chance that your current professional network outside your work environment is weak. This is a time to reconnect with colleagues and join LinkedIn if you are not in that social network. Most great jobs come from colleague referrals, so let everyone know you are looking.
I firmly believe that when one door closes, another one opens. It may take time, but it does happen. Remember that you are ultimately the architect of your transition, so make sure you feel proud about your behavior during this difficult time.
© emergingrnleader.com 2025
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