How do you tell your boss that you are quitting?

unknown99, BSN, RN · Feb 26, 2005

I do not know that I got this job, and if I don't, this will be for future reference. But how do you tell your supervisor that you are quitting and going to another hospital? I am not very good with confrontations and my supervisor really likes me, but this other hospital pays better and it will be on a unit I am more interested in. I will be really nervous when/if I tell her this news too. So any advice on how to tell her this would be greatly appreciated.

Put it all in writing. Start off with thanking the manager for the great experience that they have given you. Then state you have enjoyed this experience, but that now you have found something more that you feel you need to explore. Possibly ask to stay on as pool/prn staff, in case the other job does not work out.

Your supervisor should be understanding of this.

letina · Feb 26, 2005

You should always be complimentary to your employer/supervisor, tell her how much you have enjoyed working there and that you will take your positive experiences with you. Talk about how much you've learned while you've been working there blah blah blah............but now it's time for a new challenge.

(Never bad mouth former employers, you never know when you might need a reference) :)

CEN35 · Feb 26, 2005

I've only done it once, and it was a new supervisor. I told her that I had an interview for another job. She said, "I hope you get what you want" the end.

However, I have applied for another job last year. I told my current boss, I applied for it. I told her I just thought you should know, so it isn't a suprise. As in house transfer news spreads before you are considered.

I would say, I loved working with/for you. However, I have always been intrested in working in the ______ unit. I didn't want to pass up the oppurtunity to get this job. It was a hard decision, because I have learned quite a bit here and like everybody I work with here. (Even if it is a lie, don't burn bridges. Although, there are certain individuals that will burn the bridge whether you want it burned or not). You know this person better than anyone else here.

:-)

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Feb 26, 2005

As a boss - when I receive a resignation from one of my nurses, I want to know why they are leaving. And, I also want to make sure they are giving proper notice so they can be replaced.

If a nurse is leaving because they truly need a change in their career or are going to work in an area that they have more interest in, then I am very happy for them and wish them the best.

If a nurse is leaving because of the pay or political environment of the unit, I really want to know this so it can be resolved. Nurses that leave a unit or hospital because of things that can be changed is a sad note for the manager and hosptial.

Lastly, your notice is very important. Most nurse managers have a terrible time filling open shifts as well as open RN positions. Giving the length of notice that is required by policy assures that you are not burning a bridge and leaves the door open in the event you want to return. Sometimes the grass is really NOT greener.

oh - and one more thing ... don't blow sunshine in your resignation letter:barf01: . No need to write all the flowery stuff about how wonderful the manager is and how much you are going to miss the unit .... make your resignation short, simple and to the point. If you really want to say thanks to the manager ... send him/her a card after you are gone.

Good luck.

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Feb 26, 2005

interesting point about avoid the "i'm going to miss you, blah blah' thing, but shouldn't you say something positive? or do managers not care at this point? also, would you be burning a bridge by saying you are resigning due to political isses/poor staffing/poor morale issues? i can understand you wanting to know this, as a manager. but as much as i'd love to say all this honestly, i would fear that this would be held against me (ie, references, or being eligible for rehire).

RNPATL, DNP, RN · Feb 26, 2005

interesting point about avoid the "i'm going to miss you, blah blah' thing, but shouldn't you say something positive? or do managers not care at this point? also, would you be burning a bridge by saying you are resigning due to political isses/poor staffing/poor morale issues? i can understand you wanting to know this, as a manager. but as much as i'd love to say all this honestly, i would fear that this would be held against me (ie, references, or being eligible for rehire).

i agree with you. here is an example of an appropriate resignation letter:

dear nurse manager:

please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from [unit name here]. the effective date of this notice is [last working day here].

i have enjoyed my position at xyz hospital. i know the experience i have gained here will help me as i move foward in my nursing career.

thank you for the opportunity to work on xyz unit and please let me know if you have any questions.

sincerely,

xyz, rn

simple and to the point. no fluff or bs.

and, if there are problems on the unit and this is why you are leaving ... make a decision whether you trust the manager or not to share your concerns. obviously, if you do not trust the manager, then you can wait until your resignation period is up and then be truthful during your exit interview with hr.

my only concern is that if nurses are leaving a unit because things are bad ... some one needs to share this information with someone.

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Feb 26, 2005

Put it all in writing. Start off with thanking the manager for the great experience that they have given you. Then state you have enjoyed this experience, but that now you have found something more that you feel you need to explore. Possibly ask to stay on as pool/prn staff, in case the other job does not work out.
Your supervisor should be understanding of this.

WHo's picture is on your Avatar???

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Feb 26, 2005

I agree with you. Here is an example of an appropriate resignation letter:
Dear Nurse Manager:
Please accept this letter as formal notice of my resignation from [unit name here]. The effective date of this notice is [last working day here].
I have enjoyed my position at XYZ hospital. I know the experience I have gained here will help me as I move foward in my nursing career.
Thank you for the opportunity to work on XYZ unit and please let me know if you have any questions.
Sincerely,
XYZ, RN
Simple and to the point. No fluff or BS.

'Nuff said. Short and to the point.

Private Peds Nurse, LPN · Feb 26, 2005

I don't remember it being written in stone that once you start a job, that your there for life....unless you really like your job. I know it's hard for some people to quit their job, but, all you have to do is write a very nice resignation letter effective ???? Start with something really nice...then give your notice, and work out the notice.........Now if it's a bad situation at work, that's a totally different story....Just give your notice in writing and work out your notice:rolleyes: and be glad when your notice is up:)

Fun2, BSN, RN · Feb 26, 2005

Maybe I'm not understanding, but why in the world would one even say anything about job hunting or quitting until the new job is offered to you?

After it is offered, and you have accepted the terms, let the new job know that you can start work in 2 weeks. They should appreciate the fact that you will be giving a two week notice.

Then, give your two weeks notice in writing, NICELY written. I agree with the others, don't burn bridges. You may need to use them for a reference, or for employment in the future!!

If that place doesn't let you work the full two weeks, so be it. Call the new place up and start work, if it's ok with them. :)

Anyway.....good luck with your situation.

BeenThereDoneThat74, MSN, RN · Feb 26, 2005

maybe i'm not understanding, but why in the world would one even say anything about job hunting or quitting until the new job is offered to you?

maybe in case the prospective employer decides to call the current one for employment verification or reference. i actually had this experience once, where my prospective employer strongly suggested that i let my current one know that i am seeking new employment, as he said it is always awkward to be on the other end of that conversation (the new calling the old). and this was one of the greatest managers i ever worked for, very smart and business oriented.

after it is offered, and you have accepted the terms, let the new job know that you can start work in 2 weeks. they should appreciate the fact that you will be giving a two week notice.

any place i've ever worked for expected four weeks notice. it's customary to give the equivelant of your earned vacation time. two weeks is hardly enough time to replace a nurse, let alone four weeks.