Is it ok to fax a letter of resignation?

[NTPinky]

Hi all,

I am planning to submit my letter of resignation on Monday. The Human Resources dept is at another location--is it ok to fax them a copy? I work night shift (scheduled on Sunday), so I was going to leave the letter for my mgr in her mailbox at the end of my shift. Should I drive to HR after that and drop off the letter in person or would it be acceptable to fax it?

And do you always give a copy to HR? The other RNs on my floor who submitted letters of resignation only gave copies to our mgr.

Thanks!

[TheCommuter, BSN, RN]

Personally, I'd feel more comfortable handing the letter to a human resources employee as opposed to faxing it. As you can tell, I'm still old-fashioned.

[agent66]

I would absolutely hand it in to HR in person just to make sure the right people got it. Guess I don't completely trust fax machines, or managers for that matter! Take a copy for yourself as well just in case. Don't want any miscommunications following you to the next job.

66

[mom4josh]

Usually only one copy is required. And it is disrespectful to leave it in your manager's box without discussing it in person.

What I would do is call your manager some time this weekend and ask her if she can meet with you early Monday. That way you won't have to wait around until whatever time she gets in.

A note in her box will leave a bad taste in her mouth... and possibly a bad reference in your future.

[CHATSDALE]

we had a nurse who faxed and ended her employment w/o notice. not a real professional way to do imo but in her defense these were not the best of people to work for, they had terminated a nurse when she gave two-weeks notice and she was left with a gap in paychecks

call the manager today or tomorrow and tell her that you are giving notice and ask if she wants HR to have a copy faxed to them

[HM2VikingRN, RN]

Personally I would hand it in personally. That way there is no doubt about your intentions to leave honorably.

[Jolie, BSN]

It is best to submit resignations in person, and directly to the person in authority. If you fax it, it may be seen first by another person who may not protect the privacy of your letter. Nothing leaves a poorer impression than a manager hearing second hand of an employee's resignation.

Best of luck to you.

[ASSEDO]

Can you fed ex it and have it signed for on Monday??

[everthesame, LPN, LVN]

Unless you have already discussed your departure with your manager, it would be best to hand it to her personally. You want to be absolutely sure there are no misunderstandings about when you are leaving and what further steps you may need to take to leave on good terms. Some hospitals will put you on the "not eligible for rehire" list if you do not give adequate notice or follow the proper procedure for terminating employment. Even if you are absolutely sure you will never work there again, you never know when you may need to list them on a future resume.

[caliotter3]

I would never fax anything as important as a letter of resignation. Have resigned by mail more than once. Sent each letter certified return receipt requested. These involved circumstances where discussion with supervisor was not involved. Out of courtesy and with the thought about trying to maintain as much of a positive situation as possible, you really should have a discussion with your supervisor/manager at the time you resign.

Have seen many faxes go astray and/or never get delivered. I don't rely on the fax for anything. Always check on them for receipt, making more work. Also, this seems to be a little on the less than professional side. Good luck in your new situation.

[Agnus]

we had a nurse who faxed and ended her employment w/o notice. not a real professional way to do imo but in her defense these were not the best of people to work for, they had terminated a nurse when she gave two-weeks notice and she was left with a gap in paychecks

call the manager today or tomorrow and tell her that you are giving notice and ask if she wants HR to have a copy faxed to them

it is dose not matter if the manager wants you to have a copy faxed to HR or not. This is your HR file we are talking about you want to make sure a copy is in your file and the way to insure it is to hand carry it to HR. At the very least mail it, perferably with a return receipt requested.

[Sabby_NC]

Do the professional thing and hand deliver it. I think you owe them that much and a discussion at least. I wish you well.