is it OK to submit your 2 week notice via email?

Nurses Relations

Published

I work mostly weekend and my managers are never here on weekends. I want to submit my 2 week notice but I can't do that face to face. Is it considered unprofessional to send an email?

Specializes in Mental Health, Medical Research, Periop.

I agree that it looks unprofessional, I also want to say that a document like this should contain your signature. Much Luck to you!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Emergency, Telemetry, Transplant.

I also find it unprofessional to do it by email...

I've give 2 wks notice twice. The first time I did it face-to-face with my manager and gave her a typed letter that put my intentions in writing.

The second time there was a bit more to the equation. I worked nights, my manager would come in to work at 8:30-10:00 (it was unpredicatable as to the exact time she would come in). After a 12 hr night shift, I was not going to sit for 2 hours to wait for her to come in. Perhaps it was a bit unprofessional, but I gave my 2 wks by phone. I then sent an email just so there was something saved in writing so that I was not blindsided by something later.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg/urology.

I recently quit a job effective immediately(long story) and left a note in my manager's mailbox & a carbon copy for HR. I do think the e-mail thing sounds a bit unprofessional..but in most states it is "at-will employment". I think the fact that you are giving any type of notice is sufficient.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

It really is a question of what you can do vs what is in your best interest. Giving notice is giving notice no matter how you do it, however...

Legally, a pedestrian in a crosswalk has the right of way and cars have to stop. On a busy street with cars flying by at 45 mph, I /can/ simply step off the curb and start walking and be in the right in expecting the cars to stop for me. That does not mean it is in my best interest (or healthy) to simply do so. ;)

When it comes to your career and your future, it is always best to err on the side of caution. If you have even a question about something being professional or not, take that as a sign. Is the /possible/ loss of a reference, dmg to your career, etc (depending on the question/situation), is worth the loss of two hours of sleep, having to rearrange your schedule, or other inconvenience, etc. Another example is a question you hear a lot...should I really wear a suit for X interview. Why not suffer the inconvience of dressing up to err on the side of caution? Being the only one that does isn't going to hurt you. However, on the off chance that you are the only one that doesn't...do you really want to be that one person?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in psych, addictions, hospice, education.

It's always important to stand in your truth. Even if resigning in person is difficult, it's the right thing to do...

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med surg, LTC, Administration.
It's always important to stand in your truth. Even if resigning in person is difficult, it's the right thing to do...

And here in lies the key...your truth! It does not matter what they would nor would not do. We should do the right thing for that reason alone. Especially when it is something so simple as this. It is also called growing up. Yes, some things seem easir at the time, but can come back to bite you, when you least expect it. Peace!

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Ambulatory Care, Case Manager.

I used to work per diem as a Research Nurse. I went to my workplace to submit my letter of resignation, but my supervisor wasn't there. I gave my letter to one of the doctors in charge and explained my reason. I also emailed my supervisor and HR an attachment of my original letter and my reasons. My supervisor was understading. I also called HR to make sure that he received this email. As far as I know, emailing a letter of resignation is ok depending on how you do it. My supervisor wasn't always accessible, but at least I wanted to leave in good terms and act professionally. In this case, I made an attempt to contact my supervisor so she wouldn't end uo being surprised why I left.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in public health.

so you just left the next day? I want to leave tomorrow but aren't we supposed to give them 2 weeks so they can find a replacement?

I used to work per diem as a Research Nurse. I went to my workplace to submit my letter of resignation, but my supervisor wasn't there. I gave my letter to one of the doctors in charge and explained my reason. I also emailed my supervisor and HR an attachment of my original letter and my reasons. My supervisor was understading. I also called HR to make sure that he received this email. As far as I know, emailing a letter of resignation is ok depending on how you do it. My supervisor wasn't always accessible, but at least I wanted to leave in good terms and act professionally. In this case, I made an attempt to contact my supervisor so she wouldn't end uo being surprised why I left.
Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Level II Trauma Center ICU.

I think it depends on where you work and the climate of your workplace. At my facility, email is the preferred mode of communication. The vast majority of communication from management and administration is received via email. We apply for jobs electronically and are notified of open positions electronically as well. When administration made a large round of budget cuts last year, we received notification via email after it was reported by the news media. Therefore, I wouldn't see a problem with submitting my resignation via email.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in ER, ICU, Med-Surg.

Don't do it.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Telemetry.

I just took a business communication class and I think it's appropriate to email your resignation as long as you ALSO mail a formal letter of resignation. Communication has changed and many important business transactions are done via computer, times are definitely changing. What was once considered unprofessional may soon become the norm. Good luck to you.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PICU.

Generally not providing notice will cause you to not be eligible for rehire. And you need to be careful where you are at. Even if you know you'd never work for that facility again, in my area the hospitals have a list of "do not hire" people that they all share, so if you get put on that list you will have to move completely out of the large metro area. I think resigning by e-mail depends on the situation, but not giving notice is never OK.

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Add a Comment