Best way to resign

Ruas61, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2012

Just say the day you are done, No need to do a monologe.

KelRN215, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2012

You don't need to give them a reason. If you are an employee-at-will, you can terminate your employment at any time, for any reason or for no reason at all.

I resigned my position on Monday morning and I did not tell my boss anywhere near the truth as to why I was leaving. I just said, "it's time for me to move on, another opportunity came up for me and I accepted a position elsewhere" and then handed her my resignation letter.

That Guy, BSN, RN, EMT-B · Mar 17, 2012

No reason. Just saywhen you are quitting and thank them for the oppurtunity. Simple.

nurseprnRN, BSN, RN · Mar 17, 2012

what you say is this (in writing):

"dear (hr director),

i am resigning my position at abc hospital effective (two weeks from today's date). my last day at work will be (date).

sincerely,

momrn0913"

if they ask you, tell them the commute was killing you and you were offered a position at a facility closer to home. if you really hate them and don't care what kind of impression you're leaving on your way out, tell them it's for personal reasons and then be quiet. you never know when you're going to run into someone again, though, so do your best to be cordial.

Long Term Care Columnist / Guide · Mar 17, 2012

I agree with GrnTea. Never, ever burn your bridges.....you never know if (or when) you might need those people again.

I love my cat! · Mar 17, 2012

Absolutely no reason to provide them with information regarding why you are leaving. Be polite, thank them for the opportunity to work there and then just move on.

Patti_RN · Mar 17, 2012

You should give your employer a verbal explaination as well as a written one. You can go into more detail, verbally. The most important thing to remember is you may want or need this person's cooperation, input, or advice someday.

First, write a professional letter of resignation. It should start by thanking the organization for the opportunity; it should be generous and genuine in tone. You should use a phrase like, "I regret that I must terminate my employment..." And, it should finish with another short paragraph of appreciation. Then, reread, edit, have someone (NOT A CO-WORKER--someone outside your employment--a respected friend, parent, etc.) read the letter and give their opinions and edits. Sleep on it and read it and edit it again. When it's perfect....

...make an appointment with your supervisor and tell her that you'd like a few minutes of her time. Letter in hand, go to her office and express regret that you have to quit, but explain ONE major reason you're quitting. Ask if there is anything she would like you to do to transition your exit. Since you just started, you probably won't be asked to precept your replacement. Tell her that you're giving two-weeks notice and will do anything during that time to make your exit easier on the staff. Don't apologize, but be professional, polite and respectful. Don't say anything negative about the floor, your co-workers, or the hospital. Tell her how much you enjoyed working there and how wonderful others were to you (if that is sincere--but say SOMETHING positive about the work, the co-workers, the supervisors, and the organization--brief, but positive).

It isn't going to be like breaking up with a boyfriend who is in love with you. This manager probably has had many others resign. It's part of her job. She's not going to cry, plead with you to stay, or crumple into a sobbing mass--it's not going to be painful for either of you, so don't worry about 'not being good at this'.

You never know when your paths may cross again, or if you might need a letter of recommendation, or even if after some years, you're sitting in the big corner office and need to hire someone and her resume crosses your desk.

Meriwhen, ASN, BSN, MSN, RN · Mar 17, 2012

Resign and give notice according to HR policy (2 weeks, 3 weeks, whatever). Don't give a reason but if they ask--and they very well may--IMO, use the commute time/cost as the reason. That way you leave on better terms than if you say to them "I can't stand the job, it's not for me!"

Best of luck with the new job!

MomRN0913 · Mar 17, 2012

Thanks for all the suggestions. There is no hr..... It's kind of strange. Just my boss and me. I know the guy before me quit real fast and he was the first one in the position. He will ask me why, I'm sure. I don't like to burn bridges at all. It'll be awkward for the time I'm there with notice and it was quite some time until they filled the position with me. It's not like I'm one nurse leaving the floor, that's why I am nervous. Oh well. I'll offer to tie up all loose ends and have everything organized.I'll probably use the commute. Thanks everyone, I'm excited for my new opportunity. I have a good feeling about this one and had a bad feeling with my last 2, and I was right!