How should the "I quit" conversation go?

Nurses General Nursing

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So I am paranoid about colleagues reading this so I will try to be vague enough to not be recognized but inclusive enough that I can get the help I need.

I am planning on giving notice of my resignation in the next few weeks. I have only worked on this unit (PICU) for a short time. Let's say more than 6 months but less than one year. I am not quitting because my colleagues are bad or the unit is terrible. It's truly not what I expected it to be as a newer nurse. I have a new job lined up with more money and a far better schedule. I hate the thought of coming in and I have severe internal stress and anxiety about work. Part of the reason is the demeaning/punitive nature of providers but for the most part, even before this became common practice, I just didn't feel as if it was a good fit.

Obviously I cannot say this to my manager as I prepare to leave. In addition to a formal, short, professional letter...how does or how should the verbal exchange go? I am embarrassed/guilty about the short time I've been on the unit.

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Keep it simple, don't burn bridges, give a written letter stating you are resigning, the effective date and thank the employer for the opportunity to work there, if you want you can mention that you have received another offer that you couldn't refuse.

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In addition to what dishes said, I would try to keep the conversation simple and short. Do not let your manager get you into a long discourse where she is trying to get you to change your mind or divulge every last detail about why you are unhappy with the job. You do not have to say anything at all about being unhappy. Just tell her, and anyone else who inquires, about the much better opportunity that you could not pass up. They should understand.

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Specializes in critical care.

Go on youtube. Search "Half Baked quit scene". That should do it.

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This is my fear that she will say that she could put me on another shift or make an effort to accommodate me. In an ideal world I'd just hand her the letter and walk out but I know this is not reality

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As long as you give your employer the required amount of notice time, you do not need to discuss the possibilty of extending your termination date. If they do discuss extending, just be polite and say you're sorry but you are firm about the date. You're employer is going to forget about you as soon as your gone, no need to waste time worrying about possible conversations.

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"I'm sorry. I found a better opportunity that I can not just pass on. It has been very beneficial for me to have worked here and .... My last day will be ....." No, another shift will not be better for me than the new position I have just been offered, but I appreciate your effort......"

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Specializes in critical care, ER,ICU, CVSURG, CCU.

Do what is right for you,

leave with cordial, good feelings , at least on your part.

Best wishes,

sally

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Specializes in public health, women's health, reproductive health.

I had the same situation with my first nursing job. I wrote a very simple resignation letter, which included thanking them for the opportunity and etc. But it was short and to the point with no explanation why I was leaving. In my exit interview I said nothing but good things about my experience there and gave a general (generic) reason for leaving in as few words as possible that had nothing to do with the employer. I worked out my notice and went on my way.

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Specializes in M/S, Pulmonary, Travel, Homecare, Psych..
This is my fear that she will say that she could put me on another shift or make an effort to accommodate me. In an ideal world I'd just hand her the letter and walk out but I know this is not reality

Be general to a fault.

"I am giving my formal two week notice, my last day available to work will be XX/XX/XXX".

Don't even mention whether you've found new work or not. If they ask, just remain general:

"I'm comfortable enough that it's time for me to do this."

Of course, all this relies on you not having talked to any co-workers about anything. If you have, they will be the first to run and fill in the manager on the news once your notice is in. Gotta get those points with the boss...............

I had to go through all this a few times when I was travel nursing. People wanted me to renew and, well.............I didn't want to lol. Some were very aggressive in trying to convince me to stay. My attitude was: Should have been this concerned about me when I was yours and you'd not be in this situation.

Just don't let the conversation go to your future plans. It's none of their business. And once you open up that Pandora's box, they'll start bargaining with you or tell you "Oh, things aren't as good where you're going as you think..............". No need to hear any of that.

Biggest reason you don't want the conversation to go that direction is, you don't want to be tempted. I never pit one job vs another. I never stay once I've decided to leave. They'll offer you the world, but once they're comfortable thinking they own you again..............

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You are NOT required to give a verbal reason for your resignation.

Your formal written resignation will suffice. STOP feeling guilty .. move onward and upward.

Best of luck in your new endeavors. :up: Let us know how it's going.

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Give 2 weeks and suck it up. Thats what I did

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