Verbal job offer but no formal letter...

I'm really torn on this because I'm excited to have been offered a job on the spot but when asked for a offer letter I was told no and not to worry I have the job and will start orientation in a couple of weeks. The issue is I have a current job I have to give notice and without something formal I'm scared to do so. The manager promised not to worry and I got the position but you just ever know. It's for a LTC/Rehab facility. Is this the norm at those places? I really was caught off guard. Not sure if I should call and ask for the letter again just afraid they might retract the offer. Please any advice is appreciated.
I've never received an offer letter from my current employer or previous employer. Both are large well known hospitals.
Wow I'm surprised this would be ok not to get an offer letter. How can you be sure that the job is guaranteed? What if I give notice at my current place and something happens at the LTC? I'd be out if a job too embarrassed to go back to my old job which had nothing to do with the medical field.
Letters of offer, something in writing is standard. Verbal offers can be retracted. I would also question why the employer told you no to a letter of offer, as it shouldn't be an issue.Basically, the job offer isn't firm unless it's in writing. I would keep looking.
I wouldn't make a move without a letter.
I will call and ask for either a letter or email before I tell my current employer I'm leaving. I don't think it's asking much but it was like I was asking because I did not believe I got the job. The assured me I got the position but I just don't do stuff like that.
Also, if you haven't already, try asking HR instead of the hiring/nursing manager who is usually not too involved in the technicalities of hiring after the interview/selection anyway. HR should be the one to give you the offer. I remember working for a Rehab who did not provide me a written offer. It worked out okay, but the offer was given to me over the phone and the conversation started with, "My name is W. from HR of ABC Rehab. I wanted to officially offer you the position of...blah, blah, blah. The position is for day shift, with base pay being blah-blah-blah." Negotiation starts, etcetera. Also, this is when you negotiate your start date, at which point you can say, "My prefered start date is in two weeks on 01/02/03." If this conversation hasn't happened yet then, technically, there is no offer. At least that's from my experience. Good luck!
Yes I have a start date and pay. She's already given me my hours but all that is not on a letter to me. Maybe Rehabs do things like that? She said I'll fill all paperwork day of orientation. I'm not even sure they have a full staff HR dept. I think they hired an outside recruiter that's only there once a week. I'm not sure I'll get this letter it seems. She was very reassuring to me to tell my employer I'm leaving. I would hope she would not screw me over but you never know.
Maybe the offer will be at orientation; I think of only ONE job I signed at orientation; my other positions were very formal; including the job I just accepted; I signed, scanned, and emailed the signed copy at two positions I had.You could always call and find out from HR...or email, so if they state that you will sign at orientation, you have a paper trail.
My experience has been what marshmallow described above. I have never received a letter but specific communication from HR.
I am in the same position. Orientation date given, hours given, pay rate stated, but no papers. I learned the hard way, that if it's not written down it didn't exist. How do I protect myself? This is a major hospital, but I don't want to give notice without a paper trail. Suggestions?