I quit my job, need a letter...

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Specializes in Tele/ICU/MedSurg/Peds/SubAcute/LTC/Alz.

I have worked in some pretty bad places through out my career. It hasn't been that long. Everywhere I seem to go is a disaster. Ever since I left my last job to get Med/Surg experience, I haven't found that "good" place to work.

I thought I was going through culture shock when I traveled thousands of miles just for my "career". I wrote a thread about it, and reailzed I had to learn for myself. Seems it was just a really bad place to work. I tried to keep things positive, but it just kept piling up. It eventually lead to having my license on the line. I really don't need that.

Well, I gave my verbal notice and now they want a resignation letter to close it.

I have read previous threads, but they go both way. Some say, don't mention it and the other say tell them the truth. I never left a place in "bad" terms except once where now I have a law suit against. So they already know why I left?

Anyhow, how should this letter be "short and sweet", or tell them the truth? Any experiences on writing a truthful letter?

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Specializes in ED, Med/Surg, Hospice, Palliative Care.

Type "resignation letter" into web browser for info. Only thing that feels better after you vent in a resignation letter is your pride. Better if you don't do it.

Make it short, to the point, and professional. I've never written a letter longer than 3 sentences. Don't stoop to their unprofessional level. If they didn't care when you work there, they won't care when your gone! The letter just goes in a file, be it yours or the circular one.:icon_roll

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Specializes in Tele/ICU/MedSurg/Peds/SubAcute/LTC/Alz.

Thanks I am feeling pretty crappy about the whole thing. Wish they would of done something about it the first time.

I am getting worried that they will screw me over some how. I keep reading the BON rules to make sure I didn't break any. But, they do have the right to complain.

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I would also add to be very careful as to what you put in the letter, you mentioned that your liscense was involved somehow(?), they might want you to include statements they could use against you, be short, and to the point, dont give them any ammo.

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Specializes in Maternal - Child Health.

It is never necessary, and rarely useful to give a reason for a resignation. Type a concise, professional letter stating the final date you will be available for work and let it go at that. Your resignation letter is one of the few items that will be kept in your permanent file, and you don't want to air any "dirty laundry" in that letter. While it seems unliekly now, the institution may improve in the future, and you may want or need a job there some day. Don't give them any reason not to consider you in the future.

Dear Ms. Boss:

I am submitting my resignation from my position as Staff Nurse on Med/Surg Unit, effective February 1, 2008. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Sincerely,

Ms. Nurse

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Specializes in Critical Care.

:yeahthat: I have to say that Jolie has the best suggestion I can think of.

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Specializes in ICU of all kinds, CVICU, Cath Lab, ER..

I agree that Jolie's letter is the best.

May I comment on your situation? I have also found many (most) facilities that share the "worst place to work, license on the line, no support from administration" award. Here is how I survived AND florished in my career.

I have one way of nursing: full tilt, to the max, 200 percent, all or nothing. You get my drift. My patients come FIRST; I try to put myself into their skin and see things from their point of view.

I also like to sit on my butt and write my nurse's notes, put all my stuff into the computer and in general, have an orderly, happy night with my patients. I am known by the Charge as "easy" and that means that when I am asked to take a third patient, I comply without curses, tears, or things flying through the air. I don't like a third patient load but at times due to the nature of the facility, it has to be.

I want to be known as a good nurse with a kind temperment. I want my co-workers to know I am flexible and easy to work with; including a good attitude and professionalism. I want to be known for a positive, happy attitude.

Having said all of this, I need to try to help you understand the crazy air that pervades most hospitals/nursng homes, etc. It is one of pull back all forms of financial support, including any semblance of mental support or validation of a job well done. Remember this, we want your work to impact our bottom dollar in a way that reflects on US, not YOU!

The best advice I ever received was this: if you went into nursing for a pat on the back, forget it! Get your joy in your own private way. Take an attitude of confidence with you where ever you go; work on your reputation and guard that solid reputation with all your resources

Try to find a small center of calm when the world around you is about to explode; let others see that calm so that they can find their center. Do all you can to help your patient. Keep your complaints to yourself (I've seen more than my share of nurses who complain loudly in the ICU about the lack of support, lack of proper staff, etc.. - that sort of complaining belongs in administration offices with your immediate supervisor's support.

Keep your head down, your spirits high, and just do the right thing!

!

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Specializes in Tele/ICU/MedSurg/Peds/SubAcute/LTC/Alz.
I agree that Jolie's letter is the best.

May I comment on your situation? I have also found many (most) facilities that share the "worst place to work, license on the line, no support from administration" award. Here is how I survived AND florished in my career.

I have one way of nursing: full tilt, to the max, 200 percent, all or nothing. You get my drift. My patients come FIRST; I try to put myself into their skin and see things from their point of view.

I also like to sit on my butt and write my nurse's notes, put all my stuff into the computer and in general, have an orderly, happy night with my patients. I am known by the Charge as "easy" and that means that when I am asked to take a third patient, I comply without curses, tears, or things flying through the air. I don't like a third patient load but at times due to the nature of the facility, it has to be.

I want to be known as a good nurse with a kind temperment. I want my co-workers to know I am flexible and easy to work with; including a good attitude and professionalism. I want to be known for a positive, happy attitude.

Having said all of this, I need to try to help you understand the crazy air that pervades most hospitals/nursng homes, etc. It is one of pull back all forms of financial support, including any semblance of mental support or validation of a job well done. Remember this, we want your work to impact our bottom dollar in a way that reflects on US, not YOU!

The best advice I ever received was this: if you went into nursing for a pat on the back, forget it! Get your joy in your own private way. Take an attitude of confidence with you where ever you go; work on your reputation and guard that solid reputation with all your resources

Try to find a small center of calm when the world around you is about to explode; let others see that calm so that they can find their center. Do all you can to help your patient. Keep your complaints to yourself (I've seen more than my share of nurses who complain loudly in the ICU about the lack of support, lack of proper staff, etc.. - that sort of complaining belongs in administration offices with your immediate supervisor's support.

Keep your head down, your spirits high, and just do the right thing!!

Thanks for the advice. I thanked you for your post.

I realize that nursing isn't an easy job, but this had nothing to do with any of the things listed. It became a hostile work environment... :angryfire Something where it should of been dealt with through my manager. Of course, it wasn't and just ended up getting worse.

It is never necessary, and rarely useful to give a reason for a resignation. Type a concise, professional letter stating the final date you will be available for work and let it go at that. Your resignation letter is one of the few items that will be kept in your permanent file, and you don't want to air any "dirty laundry" in that letter. While it seems unliekly now, the institution may improve in the future, and you may want or need a job there some day. Don't give them any reason not to consider you in the future.

Dear Ms. Boss:

I am submitting my resignation from my position as Staff Nurse on Med/Surg Unit, effective February 1, 2008. Thank you for your assistance in this matter.

Sincerely,

Ms. Nurse

Great letter, thanks... I also thanked you for the post, it is nice and sweet. But, I really don't want to work there again... ever...

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