How to Professionally Handle Leaving My Job For A New One?

[Spine_CRNA, BSN, RN]

Hi,

I've had my first full-time RN job for about 1 year and 7 months. Next week I am interviewing for a new position at another hospital. My question is how do I appropriately go about telling my current job that I am leaving?

1.) Is there some kind of process through HR or do I just write a 2 week's notice letter to my current manager? Remember, I'm only interviewing right now so should I submit a letter once I receive absolute notice that I am getting a job or before that?

2.) To my new manager, when should I say that I am able to start? Should I just finish out my current schedule which is 6 weeks?

Anything else you have to add?

TIA

[xxMichelleJxx]

Well you are just interviewing for a position. You aren't guaranteed a job. I would play it on the safe side and wait till I'm definitely hired before quitting my job. Once you get hired at this new place, if they ask you when you can start you tell them in two weeks. You go that same day (if you can) to resign. Usually just a 2 weeks notice is required. Write a letter that you are submitting your two weeks. Thank them, etc. Theres a lot of templates online that will be useful. Good luck. Hope you get the job!

[walkingdeadhead]

Make sure you read your hospital's policy on leaving. Some places require 4 weeks in order to make you eligible for rehire and to get your PTO time back.

[flyersfan88]

You should definitely give the courtesy of finishing your schedule. Many hospitals require 4 weeks.

[jadelpn, LPN, EMT-B]

Make very sure you have a written hire letter in hand before you give your notice. Even if the interview is rock solid, you get great feedback, you are "pretty sure" you have the job. Unless a written offer is made, the offer is not an actuality.

See what your hospital policy is on how long you have to give for notice.

Make 2 copies of your resignation letter. One to your manager, the other to HR.

Best wishes!

[Spine_CRNA, BSN, RN]

Hi guys,

thanks for the prompt responses! My hospital doesn't make it easy to find my Resignation Policy and since it's the holiday I'll have to wait until Monday for any more traction from my employer. And my interview is on Thursday and Friday. As for finishing my schedule, I'll have 4 weeks left of work after my interview dates. Hopefully the new place will allow me to finish them. Personally, I don't want to but it's probably the professional and couteous thing to do. Especially if I want a good reference from them.

My new question: When does the new employer contact my references i.e. my clinical manager? I'd prefer that she hear I'm resigning from me rather than the new employer.

[Spine_CRNA, BSN, RN]

Great reminder on officially waiting for a written offer and having 2 resignation letters!