retaliation after resignation?

tablefor9, RN · Dec 10, 2010

Head down and mouth shut, my friend. Just do your job, be helpful and professional, and know that while you can not control the actions of others, you can control your own reactions. Maintain your dignity and situational awareness, and you'll be fine.

allnurses Guide · Dec 10, 2010

Its none of your coworkers business, so if you resign in person, ask the manager to keep it quiet for a while. She may not, but you can always ask.

nursecass · Dec 10, 2010

I'm not actually worried about my direct co-workers, it's a few nurses on day shift that can make things really complicated. I've seen them do it to at least 3 different nurses in the last year. I'm just afraid they will try to write me up/report me for something stupid (like not taking out the trash at the end of a shift-that was one of the things they pulled on someone). Does it matter if they try to get me in trouble? Can it actually affect anything? Or do I just let them throw their little temper tantrums and walk away?

merlee · Dec 10, 2010

If you truly have a hostile work environment, report it to HR BEFORE you resign. They are obligated to maintain privacy. If you don't report it, the situation will continue. If you report it on the way out, it's seen as 'sour grapes'.

Your letter of resignation should be as short as possible - stick to what you expect your last day of work will be, and what, if any, vacation time is due to you. Nothing else. NOTHING ELSE.

Best of luck.

headinsandRN · Dec 10, 2010

document everything you do in detail to shut the window opportunity for someone to say you left a task undone.

gymnut · Dec 10, 2010

I'm just afraid they will try to write me up/report me for something stupid (like not taking out the trash at the end of a shift-that was one of the things they pulled on someone).

I can't believe that is serious.

Oh wait yes I can because I had someone come and complain to me that a person on first shift didn't take out any of the trash or recycling. I looked at them and asked "Well in the time you took to come in here and complain about it you could have done it yourself.":devil:

I know that makes me sound like a bitter ole biotch but this employee was well noted for their chronic nitpicky whineyness about everything under the sun and avoiding chain of command.

If you work with nurses who pull that kindergarten crap I would just write a short and sweet letter of resignation and also go to HR about it. Then just plow through your final days and looks towards a bright future in a hopefully less kiddish environment.

APRN., DNP, RN, APRN, NP · Dec 10, 2010

I am planning on putting in my notice tomorrow because of what I would describe as a hostile work environment. I plan on making my letter short and sweet without elaborating and working through the holidays (because I know they won't be able to get coverage this short of notice), but I am worried about what will happen after this. I am concerned that my manager and some of the nurses will somehow retaliate-I don't really know how, but some of the things they have pulled with co-workers recently has me concerned. Is there a way that I can avoid this or defend myself? Does anyone have and advice or words of wisdom that you can share with me?

There is a way that you can avoid this, but not every one would agree on ethical grounds. Only you know how appropriate the course of action is;

You have sick time built up? Two weeks worth? - Then put in your resignation and be sick for the rest of the time that you have left.

canesdukegirl, BSN, RN · Dec 10, 2010

I agree with Merlee. Send an email to HR so that you start a paper trail documenting your concerns. It does not have to be detailed, but if you do this and your nasty co-workers pull nonsense on you, it will reflect poorly on THEM.

I feel for you. Nobody should have to endure this type of treatment. I hope it works out for you.

kakamegamama · Dec 10, 2010

Go to HR BEFORE you leave/when you turn in your letter of resignation. Tell them that you are in a hostile work environment. It is illegal for a truly hostile work environment to continue, and HR is required to investigate, confidentially. My guess is that they are probably aware of this, but perhaps do not have solid proof. Document everything that you encounter. Document everything that you do to provide quality care for your patients, care of the work environment, etc. Hang in there! I truly pity the other workers who for whatever reason are so bitter that they take it out on others. Keep your integrity and you can leave, holding your head high and knowing that you've done everything you could. I wish you the best!

diane227, LPN, RN · Dec 10, 2010

Make your letter professional. Don't use any of these people as a reference for your new job. All employment checks have to go through HR and they are prohibited from giving certain information. If you plan to use your manager as a future reference, have a talk with him/her first to assure that they would be willing to give you a reference. Many facilities require that they speak with your former manager and get suspicious when they are unable to do so. You also might want to get copies of all your previous employee evaluations. I just went through a recent job search. I did not leave on good terms with my former manager and it was a major pain to get another job because she refused to provide reference information for me. Never, ever burn your bridges.

classicdame, MSN, EdD · Dec 10, 2010

talk to HR first.