How do I say goodbye? (long)

Editorial Team / Admin · May 15, 2008

So you don't burn any bridges:

Start your resignation letter with "It is with sadness that I tender this letter of resignation," or something similar.

(I'm sure you can find a sample letter in an online search, better than the example here )

You go on to emphasize all the positive things you've learned/done while at that position.

You state how you appreciate all the chances to learn and the staff who patiently taught you, and how the experience has made you a better nurse, or has opened up opportunities for many unique learning experiences.

You then state that, after due consideration, you have decided to accept a position at another facility.

You thank them again for their support and understanding, as it was a difficult decision, and you will always remember your time spent at the facility.

You wish them well, and then end the letter.

Is that too cheesy??? :)

DDRN4me · May 15, 2008

Not cheesy at all Dianah; I think it would be a nice way to say goodbye.

grandee3 · May 15, 2008

i'm not sure how i should go about resigning from my current job. i have been working for the last year or so at the local trauma center in a specially created student nurse position aimed at getting students to sign on after graduation. however, i have taken a position at another hospital. the main reason i chose the other hospital is the trauma center treats their nurses like crap and my manager is probably one of the worst managers i have ever had. she is nice but she does not know what she is doing. how can i diplomatically resign without burning my bridges? my manager has asked me several times about working there after graduation and i keep telling her that i'm thinking about it. i wouldn't mind working there in a year or two per diem, but i would not want to be a full or part timer. i do not want to go into an exit interview with her and say "i'm leaving because you suck". the pay at the two facilities is nearly the same and the trauma center has slightly better benefits. the only real difference is the hospital i chose treats their nurses with respect and you only have to work every third weekend (or less) as opposed to maybe every other weekend off at the trauma center. i don't know what to do, but i have to do something quick because i graduate friday.

good luck, you have every right to work where you want and to be treated with respect. i think you will do fine in the exit interview because it sounds like you have this very planned out and that will help make it easier for everyone.

Crocuta, RN · May 15, 2008

Kiren - a couple of thoughts for you.

As you enter a professional career, something that you should be thinking about from here on out is networking. You may not like your manager - you may think that she is the worst human being on the earth. However, the fact that she is asking you to continue working for her indicates that she feels favorably to you. Don't do anything to disrupt that impression. You never know when that contact may be useful to you. If you separate on amicable terms, you may be able to use her as a reference or as a contact for something you need in the future.

Don't feel guilty about resigning and working somewhere else. You don't need to justify your decisions about your career to anyone except yourself (and your spouse, if applicable.) You are a business owner with one employee. Kiren, Inc provides skilled nursing services to nursing facilities based on what is best for your business and theirs. When you resign, remember that you are making a sound business decision. I think dianah's model letter is perfect, and I'd probably go even shorter than that.

If you feel the need to give reasons, I find that vague, non specific reasons like "family needs" work best.

Life is funny and tends to come full circle. You may find that in five years the trauma center has all new management and then you'll be happy that a letter saying "you suck" isn't in a personnel file somewhere.

Kiren · May 15, 2008

kiren - a couple of thoughts for you.
as you enter a professional career, something that you should be thinking about from here on out is networking. you may not like your manager - you may think that she is the worst human being on the earth. however, the fact that she is asking you to continue working for her indicates that she feels favorably to you. don't do anything to disrupt that impression. you never know when that contact may be useful to you. if you separate on amicable terms, you may be able to use her as a reference or as a contact for something you need in the future.
don't feel guilty about resigning and working somewhere else. you don't need to justify your decisions about your career to anyone except yourself (and your spouse, if applicable.) you are a business owner with one employee. kiren, inc provides skilled nursing services to nursing facilities based on what is best for your business and theirs. when you resign, remember that you are making a sound business decision. i think dianah's model letter is perfect, and i'd probably go even shorter than that.
if you feel the need to give reasons, i find that vague, non specific reasons like "family needs" work best.
life is funny and tends to come full circle. you may find that in five years the trauma center has all new management and then you'll be happy that a letter saying "you suck" isn't in a personnel file somewhere.

you hit the nail right on the head crocuta. even though i do not care for the current hospital's administration or my manager's style of management, i know this woman has a favorable opinion of me and i never know when i may need to use that to my advantage. btw the trauma center has been in negotiations recently to merge into a different healthcare system (i.e. new management). returning to the facility at a later date is a distinct possibility.

Kiren · May 15, 2008

so you don't burn any bridges:
start your resignation letter with "it is with sadness that i tender this letter of resignation," or something similar.
(i'm sure you can find a sample letter in an online search, better than the example here )
you go on to emphasize all the positive things you've learned/done while at that position.
you state how you appreciate all the chances to learn and the staff who patiently taught you, and how the experience has made you a better nurse, or has opened up opportunities for many unique learning experiences.
you then state that, after due consideration, you have decided to accept a position at another facility.
you thank them again for their support and understanding, as it was a difficult decision, and you will always remember your time spent at the facility.
you wish them well, and then end the letter.
is that too cheesy??? :)

no, not cheesy at all. as a matter of fact i may borrow from your post when i write my resignation.