Resigning from first RN job

TU RN, DNP, CRNA · Nov 30, 2015

Per diem jobs always pay more because they don't offer benefits. Plus there isn't sick time or PTO. That's the trade-off. Always go to your manager about resignation which, according to the details of your post, seems like an appropriate action at this point. It can be an awkward conversation, but write a professional letter of resignation and try to script your conversation off of that. While you are not required to give any specific reason why you're leaving (cuz of freedom and liberty and stuff), I would definitely NOT mention the negative changes, not getting a vacation, school unfriendly, etc. These are all appropriate reasons TO leave a job, but it's not professional to complain in a letter of resignation. You might want to check the employee handbook to see exactly what the notice period is. I know when I left my first job, the hospital required 3 weeks notice. My girlfriend's hospital required 4.

PyridiumP · Nov 30, 2015

Is that 2.5 years all as an RN, or is your manager correct that you have only been employed AS AN RN accurate?

if you want to resign, all you write is, "Dear Managername, I will be resigning my position on Floor as of DATE. My last shift will be DATE. I appreciate the opportunity to learn about SPECIALTY during my time here, and the assistance and support from STAFFMEMBER.

Sincerely,

Coolpeach RN."

Emergent, RN · Nov 30, 2015

Yes, write a nice letter thanking them for the opportunity for your 2 1/2 years there and give them your final day. As stated above, find out what they require as minimum notification.

Send a letter or email to HR as well to cover your rear. If you want, you can always offer to continue Per Diem.

Good luck, it sounds like a positive move!

coolpeachrn · Dec 1, 2015

2.5 years working there as a RN. I think the manager was confusing me with new graduate orientees that just started. I don't know where she came up with the '1 year' remark but the manager is kind of scatterbrained.

coolpeachrn · Dec 1, 2015

Thanks for the tips

TheCommuter, BSN, RN · Dec 1, 2015

I recently submitted a resignation letter to my current place of employment. I submitted it to the HR director as an email attachment and allowed her to disseminate the information to my nurse manager.

sugarwahine10 · Dec 1, 2015

Two weeks notice is all that is required & if your manager is like that then that is all I would do--if the manager tries to say something about being short staffed & needs more time or something--that isn't your problem & maybe if she had been a better manager & that was a better facility to work for you would be staying. Just type up your resignation & that you are basically giving your notice effective two weeks from when you give it & date on letter. Good luck!

coffeetalker · Dec 1, 2015

I agree with the 'resignation letter needs to be gracious' ideas- you never know what will happen and I'm always in favor of keeping as many options open as possible. Give a copy to the manager and to HR- and if you are asked to do an exit interview, refrain from making negative comments. I also think it's good to give 30 days notice.

Nursinglady28 · Dec 2, 2015

I think when it comes to leaving a nursing job you should always evaluate what your long term goals are. And in your case it's going back to school. So you have to make decisions that align with your goals. I've been in the same shoes as you and it really is unfortunate to be in such a setting. Been there done that. But it's easy to get comfortable and stay there longer than you planned. And one thing I can tell you is that if you keep doing the same thing, you'll continue to get the same results. If you really want to go to school and accomplish your goals then it's time to say goodbye to a position that doesn't allow you to to do that. The process is very simple, you type a few sentences letter of resignation. Make two copies and date it two weeks from TODAY. Submit one directly to HR and submit the other in your manager's mailbox or you can email it to her. Even though the per diem job doesn't have benefits you can seek out for self insurance with health insurance, budget well, work overtime and plan ahead. You can make it work. I know TONS of nurses that successfully managed one per diem job, and went back to school. You'll be fine, it's just a new territory you're in. Hope this helps!

-Nurse Chioma

AJJKRN · Dec 2, 2015

Not a bad idea to do an exit interview with HR so they can get a grasp on why you're leaving. I wouldn't trash your unit/manager persay but I would be factual. Your manager should know roughly how long you've been their employee for one! Sheesh!

Lev, MSN, RN, NP · Dec 3, 2015

When I resigned, I gave my manager my resignation letter and then hopped over to HR with a copy. I also sent the resignation letter as an email attachment to my manager and HR.