Contents of a resignation letter-help!

[MA Nurse]

I am seriously thinking about writing my resignation letter soon. I'm not sure if I should include the reasons why I am leaving...or just be matter-of-fact and give my 2 weeks notice.

The reasons I am thinking about mentioning in the letter include: being turned down for a position with fewer hours (which I found elsewhere), being there for 16 years and only having SIX people below me on the PM shift due to no new hiring on this shift...all nurses are held hostage to the night shift...the fact that the unit does not rotate holidays and only goes by seniority, therefore I am stuck working most major holidays for the last 16 years:o and probably for the rest of my life! And I am still getting my so-called master schedule changed without being notified and after being there so long!

I've found a new job that has more flexibility with hours and they rotate holidays. I'm just worried about leaving a place I've been at for 16 years, BUT those years are doing nothing for me!

Ok, so any advice about what to say in my letter would be great!

Thanks

[traumaRUs, MSN, APRN]

I actually just handed in my resignation letter on Friday from a unit wher I've been for the past 10 years." I kept it short and to the point saying that I had learned so much at XYZ hospital and enjoyed my stay there. However, I was leaving to pursue advanced nursing opportunities.

Personally, its not in your best interest to burn bridges no matter how awful the place is.

Good luck with your new position.

[barbyann]

I would keep the resignation letter short and sweet, regret to inform you, blah blah blah......and if you feel the need to express your frustrations to management I would keep it positive at an exit interview. Simply say,"I would consider reemployment here in the future if these things changed" "I have found the work valuable but am looking for a different set of working conditions". Use "I" statements and not "You" statements. I find this style more constructive and you just might elicit change for those that come after you to benefit from.

[burn out]

I wouldn't burn my bridges until the grass is definetly greener on the other side. You don't know for sure if you will like this new job or not and may want to go back to your old job. I left one job after 8 years and because I came back within 3 months I retained my seniority plus got a higher wage. It won't hurt to be kind in leaving.

[SummerGarden, BSN, MSN, RN]

It is none of their business what is going on in your life or why you wish to leave. Besides, if they know they may hold anything you say in resignation against you later. I was informed by Executive-level family members I know to just give the date of my last day. One sentence and nothing more. Good luck.

[TiffyRN, BSN, PhD]

I have seen too many nurses leave for the "perfect" job and be back in 2 weeks. Sounds like your new job is great (and also sounds like your old job is not treating you correctly) but for that reason I would keep your resignation letter to the bare minimum, no mention in writing of any issues. Not that you need to keep a secret about why you are leaving; just wouldn't put it in writing. From a friend's good advice "Never volunteer anything you don't have to". Acutally I seem to remember my parents reading from the book of Proverbs and much of it had to do with how the wise man was few in words, kept his mouth shut. Something about "even the fool looks wise if he holds his tongue". Not that I am suggesting you are a fool at all of course.

[MA Nurse]

I have seen too many nurses leave for the "perfect" job and be back in 2 weeks. Sounds like your new job is great (and also sounds like your old job is not treating you correctly) but for that reason I would keep your resignation letter to the bare minimum, no mention in writing of any issues. Not that you need to keep a secret about why you are leaving; just wouldn't put it in writing. From a friend's good advice "Never volunteer anything you don't have to". Acutally I seem to remember my parents reading from the book of Proverbs and much of it had to do with how the wise man was few in words, kept his mouth shut. Something about "even the fool looks wise if he holds his tongue". Not that I am suggesting you are a fool at all of course.

I agree, Proverbs is a great bok to learn from. I've already mentioned my frustrations to my co-workers, but everyone there knows my issues are reality.

I do like my new job, but I will never go back to the old one. Other nurses did that and they were gossiped about a lot...so I would never crawl back with my tail between my legs...that's why I'm working 2 jobs to figure it all out before I resign.

Thanks to all for the advice!

[goodgrief]

Even a fool, when he holdeth his peace, is counted wise: and he that shutteth his lips is esteemed a man of understanding.

[goodgrief]

Or as Abraham Lincoln said:

"Better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak out and remove all doubt."

[turnforthenurse, MSN, NP]

I'm not a nurse yet, but when I wrote my resignation letter, I didn't include the "negatives" except for the far commute (it was an hour drive!) Here was mine:

Dear _____,

I would first like to thank you for the wonderful opportunity I have been provided to work as a _____ at _______.

While this has been a great learning experience, it is simply not a good fit in my life right now. Given the far commute and my busy school schedule, I will not be able to continue my employment.

I sincerely hope this will not hinder any future employment with _______ upon graduation from nursing school.

Please contact me for any additional information.

Thank you,

_________

(I also included my phone number & e-mail address).

I printed it off, signed it, and dropped it in my supervisor's mailbox.

[SunnyAndrsn]

The last job I left (in October/November) I said the following:

Thank you for the opportunities during my time here, I regret that I will be leaving due to an offer given to me at another facility. My last day will be Month, Day, Year. My primary reason for accepting this position is financial, although I have been very happy here, and would consider staying if you are able to meet their offer.

I do hope to stay here on an on call basis, and will be available to pick up shifts on an on-call basis as of Month Day Year.

Sincerely,

Sunny

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It was a bit more detailed than that, but you get the idea. I gave one reason, kept things focused on the positive, and made sure I was leaving on an upbeat note.

Ironically, I just left my current job to go BACK to the previous facility in a management position. I've picked up shifts there approximately 2x a week since I left, and made about 50 cents less an hour than at the full time job. Overall, I was making 6K a year more, which was why I left. Now in the management position, I'm making an additional 3K over currently salary. So...from where I was a year ago, I'm making an additional 9K, and am back with co-workers I love, in a good facility, in a good position.

Oh, and back on days!!

If you want to mention a reason for leaving, I'd pick ONE, and make sure you can phrase it in a non-threatening way, such as "A principle reason for my resignation is related to the holiday scheduling policies. I would be happy to discuss my views during an exit interview."

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!