Desperate to resign from dir of nsg position in az

nyteshade, BSN · Mar 19, 2010

It has been my experience that management provides 4wk notices. Leaving in 24 hours sounds very unprofessional...

Altra, BSN, RN · Mar 19, 2010

As is generally true in life, you can do what you want ... you just have to be prepared for the consequences later.

As DON, I would think you are already familiar with your organization's policy on resignation.

If you feel you are in a situation which requires you to leave sooner than the policy requires, then you will be subject to whatever consequences that course of action produces. Some things that come to mind as likely possibilities include forfeiture of accrued vacation/sick/holiday time and inability to obtain a positive reference from anyone in this organization.

Then, there will be the onus of job hunting with the burden of having left your last position under circumstances many would consider less than professional. This can be overcome, but you're going to have to have a compelling and convincing account of why you chose to do that.

Can you consider giving notice immediately, but remaining in this position for 2 weeks or 4 weeks or whatever is dictated by your organization's policy?

Good luck to you.

tewdles, RN · Mar 19, 2010

I agree that it is best if you can provide the customary 4 week notice. Seriously, the time will fly by as there will be many ends to tie up and plans to create which will smooth the transition process so that your staff will be impacted as little as possible.

Good luck.

cherrybreeze, ADN, RN · Mar 19, 2010

Agreed, it cannot be immediately or 24 hours. While they can't STOP you from doing that, it would reflect very poorly on you trying to find another job. Also consider everyone it will impact. You sound like you're absolutely ready to be done with your job, but surely there are staff that work under you that you don't want to effect so negatively by a hasty departure.

The standard two weeks' notice doesn't apply to those in management, it really should be four weeks. They have to find someone to replace you, and be able to transition that person i, so please consider making it a month. You can give that notice right away, but pick a date a month away to be your "last day."

SWS RN, ASN, RN · Mar 20, 2010

I agree with the other posters.

It is usual and customary to give 4 weeks notice in an administrative capacity. I have worked as a DON too, I did tell the Administration I would stay until they hired a replacement or for a max of 4 weeks, whichever came first.

It really is the professional thing to do!

caliotter3 · Mar 20, 2010

When I was at my first job as a nurse in a LTC facility, my DON left on a Friday afternoon. She demanded her final pay check before leaving the building. The administrator attempted to contact her all weekend long but she did not answer her phone. Approximately two years later I saw an announcement in the local paper that she had taken a position with some kind of foundation or such. She had good reason to leave. All of us supported her and her fortitude was talked about for a very, very long time. However, I do believe that it took all that time for her to get a new position (although I acknowledge there may have been several additional factors). Unless this is a life or death personal situation or a matter of principle, if I were you, I would give minimum notice. The consequences otherwise can be severe in today's economy. Hopefully, you are moving on to another position. Good luck.

florence09 · Mar 21, 2010

thank you guys it made me feel better somehow...