Contents of a resignation letter-help!

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Jun 11, 2006

I wouldn't includes the reasons for leaving in my resignation letter. I would keep that short and sweet. If i went on and on about the reasons i'm leaving a facility, it would appear that i'm bitter about it, and quite possibly earn me a negative 'reference' in the future.

However, i would schedule an exit interview to express my concerns that i didn't put in the letter.

And that's a long time to put up with that crap.

MA Nurse · Jun 11, 2006

I wouldn't includes the reasons for leaving in my resignation letter. I would keep that short and sweet. If i went on and on about the reasons i'm leaving a facility, it would appear that i'm bitter about it, and quite possibly earn me a negative 'reference' in the future.
However, i would schedule an exit interview to express my concerns that i didn't put in the letter.
And that's a long time to put up with that crap.

Thanks for the suggestion. Would you quit for the reasons I gave?

I am curious how many people struggle with this seniority issue like I do.

You would think our unit would have balanced shifts, but we don't. I love what I do, I'm just fed up with management.

Oh, and I doubt my manager would even want an exit interview, I think other nurses have had to request them, even after 30 years!

Katnip, RN · Jun 11, 2006

Definitely don't give the reason you're leaving in the resignation letter. It should only be a few sentences long giving your regrets and the effective date.

If you want you can state how much you appreciate the opportunity to work there, that kind of thing so you don't burn your bridges.

MA Nurse · Jun 11, 2006

Definitely don't give the reason you're leaving in the resignation letter. It should only be a few sentences long giving your regrets and the effective date.
If you want you can state how much you appreciate the opportunity to work there, that kind of thing so you don't burn your bridges.

Good point. Since I have a new job already, it makes me feel alittle more secure, but I guess I shouldn't say why I'm leaving unless we have an exit interview?

lovemyjob · Jun 11, 2006

I thought exit interviews were just part of HR and not done through NM. Hmm, sounds like they know why people leave and dont care..

I am glad to hear you are getting out of the situation.

I am not so sure I wouldnt just walk away with their view of me in good standing and whisper under my breath "thank god I am out of that hellhole."

MA Nurse · Jun 11, 2006

I thought exit interviews were just part of HR and not done through NM. Hmm, sounds like they know why people leave and dont care..
I am glad to hear you are getting out of the situation.
I am not so sure I wouldnt just walk away with their view of me in good standing and whisper under my breath "thank god I am out of that hellhole."

I know of nurses who have requested an exit interview with the manager. I'm just not sure how to go about this, since it will be my first long term job I'm quitting.

So, you, too think my reasons sound justified? Guess I'm also looking for thoughts on my reasons being justified for quitting.

VickyRN, MSN, DNP, RN · Jun 11, 2006

Some great advice:

http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/letters/l/aa030998.htm

Sample resignation letter:

http://www.worktree.com/tb/MB_resign.cfm

llg, PhD, RN · Jun 11, 2006

It's definitely a bad idea to air your grievences in a resignation letter. They become part of your permanent personnel file and can hurt you in the future. However, if you want to "go on record" and/or express your reasons, you could do it tactfully. After stating something simple and straightforward about resigning and stating your last day of employment, you could say something like,

"While I value my colleagues here at _____ and have appreciated many of the experiences I have had here, I currently need a work schedule that is more suitable for my personal needs."

If you can work such a sentence into your letter, it tells the reader why you are leaving without being ugly about it or prompting hard feelings. It allows allows you to go back there in the future if either your needs change or their scheduling policies change. Such a sentence doesn't close any doors for the future.

Good luck to you.

llg

MA Nurse · Jun 11, 2006

Some great advice:
http://jobsearchtech.about.com/od/letters/l/aa030998.htm
Sample resignation letter:
http://www.worktree.com/tb/MB_resign.cfm

Thanks for the help.

lovemyjob · Jun 11, 2006

I know of nurses who have requested an exit interview with the manager. I'm just not sure how to go about this, since it will be my first long term job I'm quitting.
So, you, too think my reasons sound justified? Guess I'm also looking for thoughts on my reasons being justified for quitting.

Oh, yeah, I def think you are justified ! You need to put your family and yourself first. You all deserve better. I remember reading your post a couple weeks ago about how unfair your situation was. The above poster had a great suggestion about finding a very nice, tactful way of roundabout saying what you want. Make sure you leave your feelings at the door and dont get upset with them or say anything you will regret later!

Best of luck!!!

Katnip, RN · Jun 11, 2006

Good point. Since I have a new job already, it makes me feel alittle more secure, but I guess I shouldn't say why I'm leaving unless we have an exit interview?

Correct. Marie is right. That's the purpose of the exit interview.

Even though you have a new job, don't make an enemy of the old one. You never know who you'll run into later as your next manager, or if you decide to go back to the same facility.