Resignation Letter- please inspect

[Bumashes]

Hi to all,

I'm just looking for a critique on my letter of resignation that I will turn in to my manager next week. I'm really going for a nicey-nice exit. I want it as sweet as can be because I don't think she'll take it well. Some of you already know my husband is a quadriplegic, and for those who didn't, well now you know! :wink2: I mention it b/c it has led to some difficulty that applies here. Anyway, when I was interviewed, I was told all they had were night positions. I was looking for days b/c I can't leave my husband at home alone at night. His brothers help, but they have lives, too, and they can't always be there. Hired help is almost nowhere to be found in my area, so no go there either. At any rate, she really wanted to hire me b/c she said she liked my attitude and confidence (or she really needed somebody BAD, I don't know.) She said that if I signed on, then I could put my name on the transfer-to-dayshift list, which was currently empty, so I would be the first to get a day position as soon as one opened. She also said that the wait was never too long, maybe 3-4 months tops b/c the current workers often shifted around anyway for the extra $ on nights. So I said okay, I'd give it a shot.

I put my name on the transfer-to-dayshift list and 6 months go by... My husband's brothers are nice about it, but I'm sure they were wondering when the heck I was going to days at this point. And a slot opened up! But, wait a minute, I get jumped by another nurse with more seniority who wants days all of a sudden, but isn't on the list. So she gets the day position... Okay, if seniority was how I was told it was determined, then this would be fine, but I was told that they go by the list, not seniority. When I asked, I was told, well, she just had a baby and decided she needed days. Okay, well, she knew at least 7 months ago, I'm sure, but her name's not on the list. Whatever, I let it slide b/c I'm an idiot I guess.

Well, it's been almost a year now and still no day position for me. Can't do this anymore. Not only am I one of those unfortunate folks whose body can't seem to adjust to nights, but also I have to think of my husband's brothers who are bound to get worn out doing this. They shower him, lay him down, stay the night, and get him up and ready for his job in the am when I'm working. And they do it for free. I don't want to overstay their charity, you know?

Anyway, I've come to this determination at a bad time for my manager. One night nurse just quit, another night nurse is having a surgery that will keep her out for 6-8 weeks. And now one day shift nurse has gotten very ill. B/c of these absent nurses, our unit will now have mandatory overtime, too. *Sigh* As if I needed more nights to work. However, a perfect job kind of just fell out of the sky into my lap, and there's no way I can say no right now. So I don't want her to think I'm running out on her all of the sudden, but I kind of have to. I'll still work 2-3 weeks to help out, but that's it. So, anyway, after all this huge post, if you're still reading, then please proof-read my resignation letter and tell me if you think anything should be added/subtracted. Thanks to all!

P.S. I've been very comfortable talking with this person while I've worked for her, so that's why the letter may seem so personal-sounding.

Dear *****,

I am so very sorry to be writing this. I have very much enjoyed working for you. This was my first real RN position after taking the NCLEX, and so it will always be remembered fondly. Unfortunate circumstances at home have forced me to look elsewhere for employment, though. I had hoped to be able to transfer to a dayshift position by now, but I understand the reasons I have been kept to night shift. This is the main reason I am having to resign from my position here.

I have recently been offered, out of the blue, a position that fits perfectly with my home life situation at the moment. I can only hope this means it is meant to be this way. I will try to help accommodate my co-workers as best I can during my last scheduled weeks. This floor deserves to have someone who can be dedicated to night shift, and due to my circumstances, I just can't be that person now.

Thank you again for your understanding and patience with me. I will miss you and all of my co-workers terribly. They have helped me to gain the high level of confidence that I now possess about my nursing skills, and they will have my gratitude always.

[Straydandelion]

I agree, the formal letter only is needed with the effective date of resignation with your last work day.

[kellykelly]

I see the point of arguing for the more formal letter, but your letter is nice and may foster some goodwill if you ever need to or decide to go back. I'd take out the "though" as highlighted in read in an earlier post. Make sure you add your intended date of resignation.

[Jolie, BSN]

It is never necessary and rarely helpful to the employee to offer a reason for a resignation. A short, professional letter should be submitted in person, if at all possible. Feel free to discuss your reasons with your manager if you like, but don't put them in writing.

Your letter will be kept in your personnel file. 10 years from now, you may wish to repply to this hospital. Your manager and co-workers will be gone by then. A hiring manager will look in your file and see that you had a complicated personal life that limited your availability for work. You'll not be considered for the job.

In resignation letters, less is more.

Best of luck to you!

[Pierrette]

A hiring manager will look in your file and see that you had a complicated personal life that limited your availability for work. You'll not be considered for the job.

In resignation letters, less is more.

Best of luck to you!

Jolie said precisely what I'm thinking. Never give anyone any chance to look negatively at you or your situation; you might need to work there again in the future.

[wonderbee, BSN, RN]

Nice letter but too much information in writing. With the best of intentions, it could come back to haunt you if you want to come back to that employer. You want to give yourself as much wiggle room as possible.

No reason you can't verbalize how you feel about things to your supervisor.

Congrats on your new position.

[ghillbert, MSN, NP]

I agree - short and succinct is the way to go, with no apologies (you're NOT sorry, or you wouldn't leave!), no excuses and no plans for where you're going. This is just for the HR file. Tell your manager in person what you want to say - and I would definitely tell her I was leaving because she did not fulfil her promise!

[gonzo1, ASN, RN]

I too am weighing in for the short, succinct letter. As above posters said this letter goes in your file and may be seen by different people in the future.

You lucked out and got the perfect position and your current employee lied to you about shifts.

You do not want to give anyone anymore personal information about yourself or life than you absolutely have to. You never know how/when it will come back to haunt you.

[caliotter3]

Six years from now your folder may get looked at and your letter of resignation referred to. The manager you wrote the personal letter to most likely won't be there. Submit the professional letter of resignation.

This manager wasn't concerned enough with your personal circumstances to keep her word to you, so why refer to personal circumstances in your letter? I wouldn't worry about the bind she is in. Let the nurse who took your day position worry about it. I'm sorry that this seems like a selfish way of looking at it, but your manager had the chance to do right by you, but felt the pregnant lady was more important. Lying to prospective or new employees is never a wise act.

[gmga02]

I agree with the majority. Even though you have a personal relationship with your manager, you need to just be short, concise, and to the point. After reading that you are terminating your employment, they do not want to read the other details. It is better to discuss that in person, if she wants to.

It always feels bad to leave a place of employment, but it is a business decision, and the place will not fall apart because of your absence! You have to do what is best for you and your family.

good luck in your new job!

[chenoaspirit, ASN, RN]

I would definitely take out the "Im so very sorry". Only apologize in life when you have done something wrong. And you have done nothing wrong to need an apology. It shows good character that you worry about leaving them in a tough spot, but they have ultimately put you in a tough spot. I agree with the others that a short, to-the-point letter is what is needed. You can always SAY the other things to the manager's face at the meeting. Your letter will be a permanent part of your file and it needs to sound professional, not personal.

[chenoaspirit, ASN, RN]

Oh, and good luck and congrats on your new job! :)

[Mr Ian]

Dear Nurse Manager,

You suck. I'm leaving.

I know I'm meant to give notice to leave on a certain date but since arrangements don't mean jack around here I could go anytime when I simply feel like it.

Don't worry tho - your name is on the top of the list for places I like to work since passing my NCLEX.

Until I work anywhere else.

Buh bye.

Or mebbe go with the formal ones....

(don't ya just wish tho sometimes??)