Resignation Letter

fedupnurse · May 20, 2002

My general rule of thumb is don't burn bridges. If I were moving to another state I'd blast them at my exit interview. I quit a job I took while out on strike because of how they handle a young viable patient. I told them I quit to pursue educational opportunities which wasn't a lie, I was going back to school for my BSN, but I knew I might need a job there down the road and that if I did, hopefully their policies wouldn't be from the 1950's.

Good luck with the new job!!:)

Mary Dover · May 20, 2002

Shandy - I have the resignation letter I did saved on my computer. I was compelled to tell them my feelings, some of the negative things that led to my decision to leave. But, I wrote it over and over, til I felt it was tactful and professional enough that if I ever in some snowballs chance of H*** wanted to seek employment there again, they at least wouldn't slam the door in my face. I'd be happy to email you a copy of it if you like to see it for some ideas or whatever. By the way though, I was told later that my letter had generated some hard feelings among some people, but you know what - I NEVER mentioned any names. Must have been the ones that felt guilty huh. Also, I had been at the job long enough and had a decent enough reputation, that I didn't mind letting them know just how I felt - FINALLY!

Good luck in all your future endeavors!

Mary

catlady, BSN, RN · May 20, 2002

You don't have to go into any detail in a letter of resignation. You don't even have to give a reason. It is not the place to vent your frustrations or get your last digs into a supervisor. You never know when you might need that person. I was not at all happy with my boss when I resigned recently, but all I put on paper were my effective date of resignation and that I had learned a lot in my job. Good thing, seeing as she got a call for a reference last week, and I heard through the grapevine that she spoke highly of me.

You really don't want to put anything into writing that might come back to bite you later. As others said, save it for the exit interview, if you really feel the need. You can be pretty sure they already know why you're leaving, so letting it all hang out is only going to hurt you (potentially), and not affect them at all.

MPHkatie · May 20, 2002

I have written two letters of resignation for nursing jobs. I just wrote that I was resigning and my last day would be X. Just because they hired you, doesn't mean they need some sort of explanation about why, thats your business. I just keep it neutral.

Now, during a phone exit interview (odd becuase I still worked at the same hospital, different unit) I explained in great detail why I would not recommend the unit to any other RN's, I went on to explain that i had personally recruited 5 nurses to work in different areas, and that they all refused to even interview on that unit. He really did listen to me....and he thanked me because he explained that that unit has an enormous turnover and no one would speak to him after they left. I keep waiting for it to come back on me, but it's been over a year, so I guess it won't.

kids · May 20, 2002

While you are not obligated to give a reason for your resignation it can be the 'nice' thing to do. I would give my reason for leaving as taking a position that includes training and education that are consistant with your career goals and scheduling needs.

Makes it sound like you are doing it to further yourself and your future in Nursing...it is nice and neutral and doesn't point the finger that they havent lived up to their end of it...also gives them an opening to find out what your needs and goals are, they may have an opening on another unit that interests you that is also a less than part time slot and you could combine the 2.

hoolahan, ASN, RN · May 20, 2002

I agree, don't burn bridges, in the letter, or the exit interview. It can be a very small world sometimes, you never know when you will run into these people professionally in the future.

sasseynurse · May 20, 2002

K-I-S-S

Keep It Short -Simple

I left a job over 1 1/2 years ago and they recently re-hired me. Things change and people in nursing bump into each other at the most unexpected places. Resign professionally and you will be glad you did.

Just my humble opinion

[email protected]

P_RN, ADN, RN · May 20, 2002

I resign my position on ______unit. My last day of work will be xxx/xx/xxxx.

___________RN

Shandy12 · May 20, 2002

Thanks for the advice. I was leaning toward the short, professional letter myself. I think if I have the opportunity to speak with our unit manager, I will also remain brief and professional.

My reasons for leaving are to improve myself, and I see no need to point out the obvious shortfalls in my current situation, or the lack of fulfillment of promises made on my hiring.

I just wasn't too sure whether I should give "reasons" for leaving. Basically I stated I am leaving to pursue another opportunity that will meet my goals.

Thanks guys!

Lynda

Zee_RN, BSN, RN · May 20, 2002

Keep it short & professional. You never know where that nursing manger or Human Resources person is going to end up when you're out there looking sometime again in the future. Life is a circle and chances are, you'll meet these people again.

If they mail you an exit interview form to fill out, there's your opportunity to go into a little more detail. Even still, I'd be careful not to "blast" them but provide them with "constructive criticism" so they can (possibly) mend their ways.