Letter of Resignation or just Two Weeks Notice

WindwardOahuRN, RN · Nov 12, 2005

I am an HR director of many years turned nurse--yes letter--no to the reason (found an opportunity/ another opportunity/ good opportunity makes it sound like their's was not an opportunity and definitely a thanks.

Yes to the letter, the expressions of thanks and gratitude. Smile warmly, hugs all around, bring in a cake on your last day.

A definite NO to expressing your opinions about the working conditions there. They are really not interested---they already know what the place is like. They will nod politely when you speak about such things, then place you on their mental list of "disgruntled employees that we shall never hire again." It might make you feel better, but you will have burned a bridge that you might need in the future.

Same thing with those "exit interviews," purportedly conducted to help the organization improve itself. RED ALERT---see above advice.

Good luck with your new venture!

RainDreamer, BSN, RN · Nov 16, 2005

I just wanted to say good luck to you hun. I'm glad it went smoothly with handing in the letter to your manager. I wish you all the best of luck!! :)

**RosesrReder, BSN, MSN, RN** · Nov 16, 2005

Best wishes to you in your new endeavors :clown:

I would put in a well-written resignation leader at two weeks before you last day of work.

Good luck

Crash_Cart · Sep 25, 2007

I have been orienting this week for a PRN position in a hospital that I want to eventually end up full time (trying to get my foot in the door). I have been offered the opportunity to work on 2 different floors as PRN until January when I will start an intern position for L&D.
Anyhoo, what is required of me when I tell my supervisor that I am giving my notice which will be 3 weeks. Do I need to go formal with it and if so, any suggestions on how to word it tactfully? The reason that I am trying to get out of this hospital is b/c of pt and nursing safety issues. There have been several times when I feel that I have put my license in jeapordy and several times when the pts lives could have been harmed b/c the hospital didn't have the supplies b/c they haven't paid the bills!!
Any advice greatly appreciated.

While it's true you are not "legally required" to tell your employer the actual reason why you are leaving, a resignation can be reworked and achieved in a more indirect but "warmer" way.

However don't ever expect that no one will ever ask you any questions you about your submitted resignation. It ain't gonna happen that way and your employer will ALWAYS seek answers. (like it or not) How would a Patient Care Asst. know such information? Because I am no longer a PCA. I am an Executive Director for a prominent industry manufacturer and this is precisely what I would want to do when I see any such resignation placed on my desk from one of my own employees. :)

You need to prepare for that event because trust me, they ALWAYS ask question unless they wanted to get rid of you in the first place.

Resignations are always an "emotional matter" for both the employee and employer involved. If you know what you are doing, it's quite possible to engage that emotional energy into a more positive manner to achieve a more desired outcome as I will explain.

For example, when approached about your resignation, take the Nsg. Unit Director/Mgr. or whatever aside in private like you are about to reveal them a secret. (This is precisely what they want you do because why else have they approached you in the first place? So go ahead and play along making them think they are actually getting somewhere with you. Employers will like that and it sets the tone for a "cooperative dialoge" in your favor.)

Tell the person in private (Choose a private environment like you are revealing them a secret) that you are having a "conflict of opportunity" without really explaining any specific details pertaining to it. Just say you cannot really talk about it in detail but just explain it's a "really important" matter. (use eye contact and express body language)

Elaborate further by indicating how you are currently faced with this really tough decision to make and explain how you really do understand your employers position on this "rather unexpected" decision you are making.

Seal the deal by telling them how making this decision was "most regrettable" and how you understand how this must place the employer into such a predicament, however explain that timing is a critical factor in making this decision.

(Leave a pause. Let them think about it. Put the ball back in their court.Silence is golden!)

You might have to do a little schmoozing here but it's important to indicate that "it's been really great having you as my clinical director, Linda.. (or whatever title and first name) and I really like everyone on the nsg unit. Express how much you are going to miss working with them.

(Pause and let them think some more... They need to absorb what you are telling them.)

At this point the person will come to self realization that they have no choice on the matter. They will be placed into the position of accepting and understanding the "good intentions" behind your "regrettable" resignation.

(You have just successfully diffused an otherwise highly charged emotional matter for both yourself and the employer into a more positive light.)

In addition, you are now positioned to "change the subject" (after they accepted the information) and you may request the following:

This is the perfect opportunity to ask if they would possibly consider taking a few minutes to write you a "quick blurb" outlining any valuable contributions you "might" have made during the course of your employment on the nsg unit you are leaving. (If they appear hesitant at first when making this request, be sure to insert and add something additional to the request like:

"Linda, I truly understand how this sudden decision is sort of awkward for the both of us right now, but if you could do this one last thing, it would be greatly appreciated."

If following this dialog doesn't make them melt into your hands when resigning your position then nothing ever will. At the very least or minimum result will achieve is your "boss" will go back to their office and think more about your request or what you have just said to them.

After it sinks in don't be surprised if they come back at a later later time with a shining recommendation with their signature on it, while extended a heartfelt handshake.

Whatever you do never, never, leave your job in an angry emotional state. Be cordial to everyone (more than usual - In fact, be outright sincere if you have to!), be sure you go out of your way to thank everyone for working with you (personally) and a few hugs along the way never hurts anyone either.

Do this even if you really hated the job to the very core. (Incidentally, this is precisely when you find out who all the backstabbers really are on your nsg unit too because these will be the ones who will not appear receptive of your "sincere thanks") The best approach when dealing with them is to completely ignore them. (Avoid any potential conflict! and remain semi-cheerful at all times.)

It's also very important everyone remembers the day you left in a "good way" The more people that remember you in this manner, the better your reputation will remain intact in a most positive way for a long time to come.

Conclusion,

You have met the overall objective of resigning from your position, you have obtained a shining recommendation from your employer and you left the staff with a positive impression of yourself.

My Best.