AWOL for giving verbal resignation only. What to do?

[ntgale08]

I was employed in an LTC/Rehab last month and I quit after 2 weeks of orientation because I felt that I will not be able to handle efficiently 70 patients/residents (am a fresh grad). I tendered resignation verbally with the DON and she accepted it. We parted in good terms.

Today, I requested HR for certification stating that I am no longer connected with them. HR told me that I have not given them a written resignation and that I should have given two weeks notice. As far as they are concerned, I am AWOL.

Why did I miss doing that, giving a written resignation letter? I should have known better. But now that I am thinking about it, I realized that I did not sign any employment contract, did not have a copy of employment handbook, that my employment was verbal and "at will" state, and that I only signed off an application form, and W-4, nothing more. How did I let this happen? I guess I was so occupied with my new job.... anxious, scared, stressed, overwhelmed, etc.

I do not want to have a bad record so I have to clear this resignation issue with HR. Is it right for me to say that I did not give a written notice of my resignation because I did not sign an employment contract nor received a copy of employee handbook?

..... need your help badly before I meet with HR tomorrow afternoon. Hoping to hear for some good advise soon, please. Thanks in advance.

[Katie5]

Two weeks you say?Did they already have you in their system?But surely you must have signed something if they already had you working the floor. Try and talk to the DON.

Right now, your best bet would be to be as nice as possible and try to get what you want. Don't pull out the guns yet. Try talking it through and see how that works first, don't get their backs up. Do that only and only when you know you have no other choice. This is just my own thought on it, there may be better.

[caliotter3]

Type up a written resignation citing something like, "This is to confirm my verbal resignation on date, given to and accepted by name of person. Request this written confirmation of my verbal resignation be entered into my employment file." Whether you hand deliver a copy or not, (they most likely will tell you they will not accept it), send a copy certfied mail, return receipt requested. It might not be overkill to also send a copy to the manager who accepted your resignation. Learn from this.

[mamamerlee, LPN]

The DON let you walk out without notice? She needs a better orientation! She should have sent you to HR after calling them and telling them that you were mutually terminating your employment effective immediately.

The letter you give to HR should state that you spoke to the DON on xx/xx/xx

and you both agreed that this job was not a good fit, and your termination was immediate.

Best wishes.

[Zookeeper3]

While in orientation, our employees may quit without notice at anytime. Actually our probation is 90 days, anyone can quit with in that time with no notice, no reprocussions. If you were in probationary time, my belief is that it cannot be held against you.... but we do require a written letter.

This may simply be a formality that once the letter is received you are cleared from that facility. Good thinking getting out fast, you already know if there is a next time... put it in writing. Good luck, I hope it is that simple for you;)

[ntgale08]

katie5, i really don't remember signing anything else cause i was anxious to know how much my salary was.... i only learned how much my pay was when i received my pay check (i was indeed in their system). and yes, i'll be as nice as i can be tomorrow... i think i better wear my angelic look, too:saint:. thank you:heartbeat

caliotter3 and mamamerlee, thanks! :heartbeat:heartbeat i have prepared the letter as suggested.

that sounds fair, zookeeper3.... thanks so much for your feedback!:heartbeat

love you, guys!:redbeathe

[caliotter3]

Good luck tomorrow! Don't let this get you down!

[Kyrshamarks, BSN, RN]

You quit. You are no longer connected with them. I would not go into that meeting with hat in hand. They do not control you or what you do. Heck I would not even go to a meeting with them. They know you quit and that is that.

[Straydandelion]

Basically, quitting after two weeks is not going to earn a place in your resume under employment history anyway I would think *shrugs* Just taking in the letter as others suggested seems helpful and may allow you to be employed again at the institution if desired.

[Jules A, MSN]

you quit. you are no longer connected with them. i would not go into that meeting with hat in hand. they do not control you or what you do. heck i would not even go to a meeting with them. they know you quit and that is that.

it is a pita for sure but fwiw we are a very incestuous bunch and someone you act unprofessionally with today is very likely to be the one you are asking for a job tomorrow. i rarely think burning bridges is a decent plan. i'd go to the meeting, submit resignation and apologize for the misunderstanding. what can it hurt?

[elkpark]

it is a pita for sure but fwiw we are a very incestuous bunch and someone you act unprofessionally with today is very likely to be the one you are asking for a job tomorrow. i rarely think burning bridges is a decent plan. i'd go to the meeting, submit resignation and apologize for the misunderstanding. what can it hurt?

ita. deal with the hr department in a pleasant, neutral way; acknowledge that it was your mistake (albeit, a minor one) that you are eager to straighten out and part company on good terms; be careful not to sound defensive or like you're blaming them for the situation.

it's always best to "take the high road." it will benefit you in the long run. best wishes!

[nursemike, ASN, RN]

I agree that taking a little time to smooth things out with HR, and even doing an exit interview, if they want one, would possibly benefit you down the road. But don't sweat the AWOL. MPs will not be coming to your home to drag you off to the stockade. You quit a job in nursing just like you quit a job at McDonald's--preferably with 2 weeks notice, and a short letter of resignation is polite. The only difference, really, is that you can't abandon your assignment in mid-shift. But quitting without notice doesn't effect your license, just your chance of getting rehired. Oh, and most places will decline your notice if you offer it while you're still in orientation. No point, for them, in continuing your orientation.