Is it inappropriate to give notice via email?

[medicrnohio, RN]

Here's the situation...it's Friday, I'm sick, we are in the midst of a snow storm, and I accepted a job offer today. I want to give my two weeks notice today but don't want to have to go in and talk with the manager right now. I am working tonight (if I feel better), tommorrow, and Sunday. Is it inappropriate to give notice via email and then follow up with a written letter? I can't give my written notice to a supervisor over the weekend because I will be the weekend supervisor. I don't want to put it under the managers door tonight and then have her claim that I didn't give a full two weeks notice because she didn't get the letter until Monday morning. Any ideas or suggestions for me?

[Batman24]

I would call and see if your manager can meet you a bit before your shift starts tonight. I would give the info in person because it's more professional. If you can't do that then call and tell her today on the phone and follow it up with an email stating, " As per our earlier conversation blah blah blah." That would be better than just an email.

[jessiern, BSN, RN]

Agreed. I would think it terribly unprofessional to resign over an email. A phone call I think would be much better, and explain the situation. Your manager might have a better solution, or may feel that approach is acceptable for the here and now.

[Jolie, BSN]

Yes, an e-mail resignation is inappropriate.

Resignations should be made via letter, either hand-delivered or certified mail. Then you have proof that your resignation was received at a given time by the appropriate person.

Good luck in your new job!

[mom2michael, MSN, RN, NP]

Hmmmm, I turned in both my letters of resgination via email after I turned in my notice verbally. Both managers requested it be done that way. And at my last job I had to also BCC to HR because I knew my manager in her vindictive state would fail to tell HR about my resignation (which she did).

I think you should call her, explain that you have accepted another job and go from there about following thru with an email so that it actually is in writting. You can request a notification when it is read so that you have proof that it was open.

Just another side note, many facilities have P&P regarding calling in sick during your notice period...you might want to consider that as well because they may not take your notice "officially" until you return to work.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I would call and e-mail today. The e-mail will provide a written record of the date of your notice and the call helps it a little more professional. However, I would follow it up with an actual paper letter ASAP that I would hand deliver.

As a previous poster said, be sure to check your employer's policy about resignations before making any assumptions and/or specific commitments to your new job. In particular, note that sometimes the policy for people in leadership positions is more demanding than for regular staff. Your sick call might effect your eligibility for certain benefits (e.g. pay for unused vacation time) and/or what they say in the future when asked for verification of your employment. You want to be sure to leave under the best of terms.

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Here's the situation...it's Friday, I'm sick, we are in the midst of a snow storm, and I accepted a job offer today. I can't give my written notice to a supervisor over the weekend because I will be the weekend supervisor.

Better take a look at your facilities P+P since a supervisor. Many require 4 wk notice or longer for Management/Supervisors otherwise will be listed as "insufficient notice" given, inelligible for rehire.

News like this needs to be given verbally: in person or phonecall, followed by written hand-delivered or certified mail.

Agree with Julie: Then you have proof that your resignation was received at a given time by the appropriate person.

As a Manager, I need to attach resignation letter to HR form. Those who only give verbal notice are inelligible for rehire per company policy.

[SillyStudent, ASN, RN]

Agreed. I would think it terribly unprofessional to resign over an email. A phone call I think would be much better, and explain the situation. Your manager might have a better solution, or may feel that approach is acceptable for the here and now.

At my last job, the policy was that resignations should be submitted to your manager via email. :)

[medicrnohio, RN]

Thank you to everyone for your help. I tried to follow some of your advice and was unsuccessful. The Director of Nursing is out of town. The nurse manager is not returning phone calls or emails with requests to meet with her.

Also, thank you to those who reminded me to consider our policies and procedures for this matter. Even though I will be the supervisor, I am not in a management position. Weekend supervisors are the charge nurses. So, I still fall under the guidelines for hourly, nonmanagement employees.

Since, no one will answer my phone calls or emails. I will be sending an email and leaving a hard copy of my letter under my manager's door,