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.

[UM Review RN, ASN, RN]

Mr. Ian:

In the future, please refrain from such hilarious posts without timely notice or several of us readers may need a Heimlich, a new chair, or a replacement computer monitor.

Thanks ever so much,

Angie O'Plasty, RN

Moderator

[denise220]

I would go with the formal letter of resingation. The letter is for the company you work for, not your manager. I have in the passed given a formal letter of resingation and then later mailed a thank you card to my manager addressed to him. In the letter I thanked him for all he had done for me while working for him and told him how much I had learned while I was there. Not only do you remain professional for the company you now have opened a personal door to your manager to network with later. Side note if possible always get a letter of recommendation whenever you leave a company it's always good to have years later when looking for a new job. The people you worked with now may not be there when a new employer is checking for references.

[Daytonite, BSN, RN]

I was a manager and supervisor for some time. I also had and left many jobs. I know this is emotional for you, but let me put some rationality on this for you. One, maybe two, people are going to read this letter and then it goes in a file that may be kept for 5-10 years before the file is destroyed. I'm not being mean or unfeeling, but they don't care. The letter is a formality that merely proves that you met the facility's requirement that you gave your 2 week notice and followed facility policy. The less you put on paper, the better. Personnel changes. In 5 years, this manager may be gone and/or another job may open up at this place and you may want to go back to work there. Don't give them a reason not to hire you back. Keep a resignation letter simple, show that you followed facility policy when resigning and make sure it is dated. Some facilities want a reason you are quitting in the letter of resignation:

Date

Dear Manager,

This letter is to inform you that I am resigning my position as ______ effective ______. My last day of work will be ______. My reason for quitting is that I have found employment elsewhere that better accommodates my responsibilities at home.

Thank you for the opportunity to work with you at ______.

Sincerely,

Bumashes

Keep a copy for your files. If you want to hash out your disappointment over not getting transferred to the day shift at the time you give your manager the letter, then do it then--verbally. But don't put a squabble between you and the manager on paper for everyone else to read about. If anyone does look at it, it makes you look like a problem employee. If she really wants you, she'll find a way to keep you on as an employee.