I Quit!! What do I say?

Published

I graduated Aug 6th from an ADN program, and I started working at a Doctors office in mid September. I applied at all the hospitals before I graduated and I didn't hear anything from any of them. So I started applying at doc offices, and one hired me (i've been working there for almost 4 months now). Well, last week I talked to a nurse recruiter, and she got me an interview at one of the hospitals I applied for months ago. I was able to go to the interview last thursday, and later that day I was told they wanted me to shadow. So I did that yesterday, and today the nurse recruiter called me back and said they want to offer me the job! Wow! I told the nurse recruiter that I would get back with her in a couple hours to discuss this with my husband.

I decided to accept the position and chose to start orientation on Feb 4th to give me plenty of time to quit my current job.

So, I need to write up a letter of resignation to give my boss. I told my coworker, who is sort of the acting nurse supervisor right now (our previous supervisor quit). She recommends that I give little details in my letter, and if I am asked why I should say that I'm having daycare issues and not tell her that I got another job offer. She said that I way I don't burn any bridges and might be able to come back in the future if things don't work out where I'm at.

Do you recommend me lying if I am asked why I'm quitting? I was actually planning on telling the truth, but now I don't know. My co-worker knows our boss well, and thinks telling her the truth will be a problem.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pediatrics.

I don't think I would get into "daycare issues" as a reason for quitting. What if they would somehow followup and find out this is untrue? People leave jobs all the time to better their personal situations. This isn't unusual. Be sure to write a really great letter of resignation though that thanks them for hiring you and for giving you this wonderful opportunity. .blah blah blah. And keep a copy for your files.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

I'm sorry, but what your acting supervisor said makes no sense to me.

Your resignation letter should be short & sweet. "I am resigning my position for personal reasons. My last working day will be X. Thank you for your consideration."

No song & dance. It's unprofessional. And to dredge up a personal matter like child care issues would actually be a red flag about the desirability of hiring you back at a later date.

When a person resigns from a job it's generally assumed they got another one, unless it's specifically known that that person is retiring, returning to school, etc.

Here's hoping that your new job is everything that you want. Good luck to you. :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in pediatrics, public health.

First of all, do you have the offer for your new job in writing yet? DO NOT quit your old job until you have the new job offer in writing.

I would also not lie about why you're quitting. Either tell the truth, or say nothing.

Best of luck to you in your new job!

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Short and sweet "personal reasons" says everything it needs to. Besides if you lie, someone is bound to say something after you leave that you had another offer.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
First of all, do you have the offer for your new job in writing yet? DO NOT quit your old job until you have the new job offer in writing.

I would also not lie about why you're quitting. Either tell the truth, or say nothing.

Best of luck to you in your new job!

No, I actually don't have it in writing. I am supposed to wait for the offer, and it's either coming by mail or email very soon. I'm supposed to call a number and set up my hospital physical, and then orientation starts on the 4th. Is the job offer letter what I need?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med/Surg/Onc, LTAC.

I just did this recently and I googled "nurse resignation letter" there are many options. There is nothing wrong with being offered a new job. Keep it simple, positive, and grateful, and thankful. You shouldn't have a problem.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I agree that you should never claim child care issues, that provides a good reason not to rehire you. "For personal reasons" is a good reason. Good luck in your new job.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

What if I'm called on the phone and asked why I"m leaving? I know in the letter, it's easy to say personal reasons. But should I say that if I'm asked as well?

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I don't see why they would call you, but if they do, repeat "personal reasons", that you prefer to keep "personal", if they insist.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.
What if I'm called on the phone and asked why I"m leaving? I know in the letter, it's easy to say personal reasons. But should I say that if I'm asked as well?

This is not typical. I wouldn't work myself up worrying about it.

More likely, people will take it pretty much in stride, and possibly ask where you'll be working. You can share the specifics or not, as you wish.

People come and go from jobs - it's not the end of the world.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

whatever you do, make sure you are always professional about it because you never know if you will run into them again. Don't burn any bridges.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion