Giving Notice?

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I got the job I interviewed for yesterday!! I'll be going from a LTC/Rehab facility to clinic work and am SO excited. No nights, no weekends, no target that moves from nurse to nurse's back. We are with an interim administrator at the moment so the DON is in her power-hungry glory right now. I hate to leave some of the residents and most of my coworkers, but I have to do what's right for me, right?

Anyhow, should my letter just be short and sweet: "I've accepted another position, my final day will be X, thank you for the opportunities I've been given?" I'm willing to stay on per diem, for the sake of the very few remaining RN's for when they need a day of on a weekend and can't find a replacement (RN's have to get an RN to cover and there aren't many of us!) And to whom should it go to? DON? HR? My direct supervisor?

Thanks in advance!

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I would write a short and sweet letter. If you want to stay on PRN add that in the letter. I would give it to your administrator, DON, and HR.

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Specializes in retired LTC.

Keep it short and sweet as you and chrisrn24 comment. But if they decline to allow you to stay on as per diem, be prepared to give whatever length of final stay as required by your employee handbook, contract, or agreement of employment, etc. Usually it is 2 weeks, but it could be longer depending. As you prob know, failure to do so can leave a bad taste in their mouth, esp when it comes time for other contacts in the future incl that evil 'eligible for rehire?' question. You may have the other job now lined up, but it's also the next one you need to think about.

But here I differ from PP. I was always under the dictum that you inform your IMMEDIATE dept head FIRST. Your DON. The DON will then alert the Admin ASAP and then it filters down real quick to HR, other nsg mgt, and then it becomes genl knowledge. It is considered a professional courtesy to your DON who tops YOUR chain of command. Nothing worse than being caught off guard/surprised with that info.

I know there will be those who will pipe up to argue where's the courtesy to employees. Nsg is a small world and something like a breach of etiquette or some hard feelings could affect your future reputation by a slighted dept head. I know this may sound minor to some. But why set yourself up?

I could be wrong about that chain of command notification thing. I'd ask others to weigh in if appropriate to your post

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Great advice, both of you, thanks for your comments! They usually seems grateful for an RN to stay on PD, but totally understand if they aren't interested in that. I'm extending the offer honestly to my soon to be former coworkers, we'll see how it plays out!

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Specializes in Leadership, Psych, HomeCare, Amb. Care.

I've always known the proper protocol is to present your letter, in person, to your immediate supervisor (usually the person that gives you your evaluation)

Giving it to someone further up the chain of command appears like you are going over your one-ups head, and is basically a slap in the face. If in doubt, make multiple copies so everyone is happy.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

This is sounding like a good idea!

I've always known the proper protocol is to present your letter, in person, to your immediate supervisor (usually the person that gives you your evaluation)

Giving it to someone further up the chain of command appears like you are going over your one-ups head, and is basically a slap in the face. If in doubt, make multiple copies so everyone is happy.

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Specializes in Pediatrics, Emergency, Trauma.

You letter sounds fine.

I agree with MrChicagoRN; :yes: I took my letter to the DON and handed to her personally.

Best thing I ever did.

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Yes, agreed, to your immediate supervisor. Don't discuss with coworkers until you have given your notice to your supervisor.

And I wouldn't get that in depth with reasoning.

"After much consideration, I am respectfully submitting my resignation effective ____________(date). I would like the opportunity to stay on as a per diem nurse should you need an RN in that position going forward.

Thank you for my many opportunities for growth in this facility. I have appreciated your support and encouragement.

Please advise of when we can meet to discuss the probability of a per diem position."

I would not say that you accepted another position, I would not get into specifics, and if "pressed" would say that you are looking for something that has a day schedule, with hours to accommodate your life at present.

I would get the letter to them today before a co-worker spills the beans and perhaps gives details that you would rather not. And be five hundred percent sure that you have a written offer letter in hand of the position that you have accepted beforehand, and a start date. There has been more than one occasion of people verbally offering and verbally accepting, and then crickets...or something changes and one finds themselves without a job.

Best wishes.

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

Letter handed to my direct supervisor today, who said she'd pass it along to the DON. Basically said:

This letter serves as my intention to tender my resignation as a full-time employee of *******. I have accepted another position and as per my master schedule, my last day will be July 31.

I would like to offer to stay on as a per diem nurse, I do know how difficult it can be for RN's to find a replacement when they find they desire time off, however, I will leave this decision up to you.

I appreciate the opportunities that I have been given at ********, and consider it a privilege to have cared for residents that I will miss very much. I will also miss the wonderful co-workers that I have been fortunate enough to come to know.

Roughly that is what I said, not verbatim, but close. I did not say where I am going, nor did she ask. I'm sure word will spread quickly by the time I work tomorrow night though!!

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Specializes in HH, Peds, Rehab, Clinical.

I have the verbal offer and once I open the email and give permission for the background check, they will be contacting my current employer very quickly, so I felt I had to give the notice, plus we are JUST at the two week mark and I didn't want to give any less than that----I don't want to be THAT employee! I had shared my good news with a couple of former coworkers (who were ecstatic for me!), but no current ones, so I think the flames of gossip wouldn't have been fanned too quickly!

Yes, agreed, to your immediate supervisor. Don't discuss with coworkers until you have given your notice to your supervisor.

And I wouldn't get that in depth with reasoning.

"After much consideration, I am respectfully submitting my resignation effective ____________(date). I would like the opportunity to stay on as a per diem nurse should you need an RN in that position going forward.

Thank you for my many opportunities for growth in this facility. I have appreciated your support and encouragement.

Please advise of when we can meet to discuss the probability of a per diem position."

I would not say that you accepted another position, I would not get into specifics, and if "pressed" would say that you are looking for something that has a day schedule, with hours to accommodate your life at present.

I would get the letter to them today before a co-worker spills the beans and perhaps gives details that you would rather not. And be five hundred percent sure that you have a written offer letter in hand of the position that you have accepted beforehand, and a start date. There has been more than one occasion of people verbally offering and verbally accepting, and then crickets...or something changes and one finds themselves without a job.

Best wishes.

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Specializes in Cardiac, ER, Pediatrics, Corrections.

Just be polite and thank them for the opportunities. Never burn a bridge, even if you think you'll never go back. Leave on good terms! Good luck!

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keep your email /letter short, courteous and to the point. Always give at least 2 weeks notice. Give it to your immediate manager. They will forward it appropriately to the other departments. I hope this helps and congratulations on your new opportunity!

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