Changing hospitals--need help with resignation

[whatnext]

I graduated last May as an RN, and started working at my current job in July '06. My goal was to get into an ICU, but I started in a step-down cardiac unit. I recently applied for a position in the TICU at a level I trauma and teaching hospital and got the job. So now I have to figure out how to resign properly.

Is it ok to send a letter via email these days, as long as it's not negative about the facility? Or do I have to hand someone a hard copy? I don't really know the actual manager of critical care, I just know some of the assistant managers. If I have to hand it to the manager of critical care it will be the first time I actually talked to her (I saw her in orientation, never actually had a converstation with her), not a great way to meet her.

One person told me I could just email her, but I don't know if that's acceptable. Any advice?

[llg, PhD, RN]

Do NOT do it by e-mail. That's really tacky. Write a hard copy -- short, sweet, no details necessary, etc. Just say that you are resigning and give them your last date of availability for work. Thank them for the opportunities that they provided you and wish them well. Hand deliver the letter to the office of your supervisor. If she is not there, you can leave it with the secretary or in her mailbox. Then follow-up with an e-mail or phone call and be sure she got the letter.

[caliotter3]

Formal letter by mail to Human Resources Dept. and copy to immediate supervisor. Never resign by email. If email is used for anything dealing with personnel matters, should always follow up with a hard copy letter. Send the letter certified with return receipt.