how to leave a job...gracefully

Jules A, MSN · Aug 16, 2015

Congratulations! I would wait until those "positions at certain hospitals" actually present you with a formal offer letter before telling your present employer. I'm not sure why you don't want to share your new adventure with your peers but I think it will be uncomfortable if you don't just tell them your plans.

I can understand not allowing your colleagues to be in your personal business but if you block them from your professional endeavors you will not only come off as rude but you will lose the opportunity to build your network of contacts. This is such a small world so having a list of people at different facilities who you can call up for whatever is invaluable. Imo if you aren't building bridges you are burning opportunities.

eternalbride · Aug 16, 2015

First thanks for replying. I see where you are coming from, There are a few that were great professionally and I wouldn't mind to network with. At the same time, there are others that I have worked with that are just so two-faced and just want to know just for gossiping.

Caffeine_IV · Aug 16, 2015

Are you saying you want to work your notice without people knowing you are leaving? That's a bit hard and would likely lead to more gossiping IMO.

Anyway, I'm not phased by gossip or fake interest when I'm leaving a job for another place.

ktwlpn, LPN · Aug 17, 2015

I have worked with two nurses who gave notice and insisted on total privacy,no-one knew they were leaving until they were gone.No one really missed them either.One was a poorly medicated bi-polar and was very difficult to work with and the other just a nosy bitter gossip who was also very difficult to work with.......Be gracious,give your notice,speak with the peers you are friendly with but be very busy when approached by the rest....Easy peasy

Emergent, RN · Aug 17, 2015

You write a professional notice of resignation, thanking management for the opportunity that you received at their facility. Then you tell your coworkers that you got a job offer, that you've appreciated them and enjoyed working with them. Maybe they'll bring cake and ice cream for your last day, and you'll graciously eat a piece, even if it's not your favorite kind of cake or flavor of ice cream.

Then you'll go to your new job and hopefully not get sucked into any workplace drama there. Good luck.

amoLucia · Aug 17, 2015

Take my word for it --- even if you don't tell anyone yourself, THE WORD will come out in due time.

If there's a 'master schedule' somewhere around, you'll note that your name gets 'yellowed' or 'XXX'd out' rather quickly. Only one reason for that ---

You don't OWE anyone any reason why you're leaving. And you've only been there for some 6 months or so, so I doubt you've established any deep, committed friendships. Just know that when the information does come out, it does help you to deal with any 'separation letdown/anxiety'.

Will you be telling any of your residents about your leaving? They will spread the word if they are cognizant enough.

Another PP, ktwlpn, gives good advice

TexRN, BSN, RN · Aug 17, 2015

emmy27 · Aug 17, 2015

1. Be 100% certain that the other job is formally offered and accept it.

2. Write a letter to give to the DoN/HR/your supervisor if there's one between you and the DoN- google "resignation letters" for how to. Even if it sounds formulaic, stick with the formula. If you can say anything nice honestly, do so -"Thank you for the opportunities, I have appreciated the chance to learn/the sense of teamwork/the opportunity to care for our wonderful residents" whatever. Specify your final day.

3. Don't worry about whether other people find out. It's 2-4 weeks, max. Being secretive will make it weird. You don't have to make a big announcement but you're more likely to offend people and burn bridges if you try to ghost completely. And as someone else mentioned, the fact that you won't be on the schedule after your last day will clue everyone else in. Just be honest- you can proactively tell anyone you're on good terms with and they'll probably spread it, and then just be honest and straightforward if anyone asks. "I accepted a job at Hospital XYZ- there was an opening on the cardiac floor and you know how much I love heart patients. I'll miss you guys, thank you for all your help." And then just go on with your life.

They won't be your coworkers in a few short weeks, so their nosiness is, all things considered, inconsequential.

amoLucia · Aug 17, 2015

Here's an immutable fact of life re workplace experiences - 'when you're gone, they'll miss you - for 2 weeks!".

Been around at many places and I've seen many an employee come & go. And I watch the above quote occur time & time again. After 2 weeks, very, very few people will remember you.

NursesRmofun, ASN, RN · Aug 17, 2015

People can be nosy, odd...and they almost always will ask where you are going after you leave. I did not escape this at my last exit. :/ Let me know if you find out a way to NOT tell where you are going. lol.

LockportRN · Aug 17, 2015

I am sorry that this has been your experience amoLucia but really, nursing is a small world unless you work at only one place. Even then, especially if you work in a hospital, the chance that you will run into these people at a later date is a very good possibility.

I have been guilty of burning bridges and am here to tell you, don't do it. Be as gracious as you can be, even to those 'gossipers'. You never really know where your nursing career may take you. It is best to leave giving the best job that you can and with the most positive impression that you can leave.

Best of luck.