Resigning and the Incessant "Why?"

[technofreak]

I plan on resigning from my current position as staff nurse and giving my current manager about 3.5 weeks of notice in the next couple of days (company policy is to provide 3 weeks). I plan on speaking to my manager and then emailing my resignation letter.

This was my first nursing position, and I almost gave up on nursing, as a profession, because of the toxic environment. This is not my first career or job and never have I been so miserable. Most recently I stood up to the unit's bully. Although this individual was written up because of the numerous complaints from others, I've officially reached my boiling point. By the grace of God, I was offered a great opportunity recently.

When I speak to my manager, is it professional to just say that I'm resigning for another position that is a better fit (the truth btw)? Should I say something else? My manager will inevitably ask why? She's extremely insistent. I would rather not focus on the past but on my future. Additionally, I will be stuck on the unit for another month and complaining about the people she hired, IMO, will not benefit my limited time on the unit.

I guess I'm looking for the easiest way off this unit without burning bridges or making my remaining month unusually unbearable. I also must say that I am grateful that my manager took a chance on me, when she didn't have to, even though my time on her unit has been less than pleasant. Help!

Kindest regards,

Reenergized RN

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

Try your best to leave on a good note. Focus on the positives and the good relationships you have made there.

Focus on your job, your patients and your new position.

The less you say to anyone and the less you share about your personal matters, the better it will be for your professional reputation.

(Dont be the short timer who spews verbal vomit about everyone and everything).

Go in to work with a good mood and if anyone starts some sort of gossip, walk away or say "we don't need to go there." You want to be remembered as a professional and assertive person, not a pot stirrer.

[Alex Egan, LPN, EMT-B]

If you don't feel like discussing it you don't have to. You could also ask for an exit interview on your last day, or even after you have resigned. Ideally exit interviews are held with HR and your manager, but I would guess your organization doesn't have this in place.

[technofreak]

Thanks guys for responding. So I guess saying, "I found a better fit," is okay? I just didn't know if this was too short. I definitely do not want to say too much, but I guess I was worried about sounding rude when people asked "why?".

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

Tell your colleagues exactly what you told your manager, otherwise, when it gets around, you will appear two faced.

You may need a reference from this manager at some point in the future.

[NanikRN]

"Nice thing about nursing--theres so many opportunitie. Its always exciting to try something new"

"Growth opportunity"

"You know, i just felt i might be ready for a change and then this opp came along"

Or say nothing. Totally agree with previous responses. Dont be negative. Dont bare your soul to manager--if it were going to make a diff it already would have.

Nursing is a very small community--dont burn any bridges.

[caliotter3]

You said it yourself, focus on your future, not on your past. Undoubtedly, there is nothing you could tell her that would be news to her, so just act enthused about your new opportunity. And good luck to you in your new position!

[Tenebrae, BSN, RN]

I've had a similar experience.

What I ended up saying was "I have really enjoyed my time at *********A, I have learnt alot and gained a solid nursing foundation which will serve me well in the future"

The reason was 'i am moving on as i want to get experience in an impatient facility"

[LadyFree28, BSN, LPN, RN]

"New opportunity for personal career growth" would sum it up nicely.

Remain professional, and just countdown until that new opportunity.

It's almost over. :)

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Sadly, though this approach is the best one to take, it means nothing will ever change...................

However, you have to look out for yourself.

[labordude, BSN, RN]

Be extremely careful if you decide to do an exit interview. It's very unlikely that it will ever help you with this company. As for what to say in your resignation or directly to your boss, you can never go wrong with "I've learned a lot here including A,B, and C. Now I'm ready for this new challenge. Please allow me to thank you for this opportunity..."

[HouTx, BSN, MSN, EdD]

FWIW, many organizations (like mine) utilize a 3rd party company to conduct exit interviews.... this is the best way to try to obtain accurate and objective information. Confidentiality is guaranteed - because the organization is interested in the 'issues' rather than identify of people involved. If a serious issue is identified (ex: sexual harassment, discrimination, fraud, etc) respondents are asked whether they will permit their names to be divulged in order to effectively pursue follow up investigations that may be warranted.