Should Your DON Talk to You After You Give Your Resignation?

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I gave my thirty days notice over two weeks ago. My DON was sick at the time, so the administrator was the first to know that I was resigning. The DON was out of town for four days the following week. I understand that she had been very busy, but I think she could at least leave me a note saying, "Let's talk when I get back" or something. I've heard from the housekeeping supervisor that they are going to let me stay PRN (which I requested when I resigned), but have heard nothing about working one shift every other week (which I requested and is available...we have one shift that no one wants and they are currently paying overtime to cover).

So...I don't know if I am mad or if my feelings are hurt or what. I sort of feel like it is no big deal and I am not important at all if she can't even say a few words to me. I don't expect her to beg me to stay or anything...I just think she needs to say something. I would also like to know about doing orientation for my replacement and things like that.

I know I could ask her, but I sort of feel like she should make the next move...not sure why I feel that way.

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Specializes in mental health, military nursing.

I would approach your DON. While it may feel like she should follow up with you, she doesn't appear to be doing so. It will put your mind at ease to get these questions answered, so why not take the next step?

Good luck in your transition!

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Wow... so the housekeeping Super knows what's going on and you don't! That would make me hop away fast, even with a rusty nail in my boot.

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Employers have a tendency to put you in the out of sight, out of mind category once you have resigned, unless they respected you enough to beg you to reconsider. Best to concentrate your energy on your future plans instead of wasting it here.

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Specializes in M/S, MICU, CVICU, SICU, ER, Trauma, NICU.

You're probably not even in her radar. She is DON and probably has many things on her plate--if you are close, then perhaps you're not as close as you thought.

Go and speak up and talk about the details, and then exit well....

J

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I know that I am going to have to initiate further communication. It is quite obvious that she isn't going to. It's really rotten that I have worked there for three years (I know is isn't that long), that I covered for the DON (not this one) and been on call for nursing when she was off, that I was the only member of nursing "management" present for the last survey, that I haven't called in sick for three years, and all the other things I do and have done. Again, I don't expect a parade or that they beg me to stay, but I at least think she should ask me what I am going to be doing or what led to my decision or something.

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I'm sorry, cotjockey.

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I don't know what the policy is where you are, but in my last job it was HR that scheduled my exit interview. Maybe someone there can help you work things out.

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Specializes in PACU, CARDIAC ICU, TRAUMA, SICU, LTC.

The profession is not what it used to be, unfortunately. These days, everything is a "business." That said, leave graciously, and on good terms. Look forward to what is to come. This is just another life lesson..........

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Specializes in Hospital Education Coordinator.

did you resign to get her attention or were you really intending to leave? If it was a threat I can see why you would be hurt. If your intention was to leave then what is there for her to say?

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I think I get what you were asking or where you are coming from.

In most of the LTCs I've worked in..big or small...eveyone knows just about everyone's business. The DON knows you are leaving. I've put in the time and went above and beyond many a time and have filled in for past DONs etc. You would think after playing such a big part in a facility you could get a "hey, I want to see you for a few minutes" Maybe she is ignoring the fact you are leaving because she doesn't want it to be true? Maybe she doesn't know what to say?

I'd ask to see her and just have a meeting.

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Specializes in Pediatric, Psych, School.

She is your supervisor and absolutely should at least acknowledge your resignation, unless she's completely unprofessional. If that's the case, it's no wonder you're quitting. You should mention this during your exit interview with HR. Congrats on the new gig.

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