Turning in letter of resignation - help!

[circularstaircase]

Hello everyone,

About 6 weeks ago I accepted a position at a LTC care facility as a new grad RN. While I loved the residents, I really hated the facility itself. The turn-over was extremely high. Not many nurses stay past the two month mark. There were several instances where I felt like a lot of things being done weren't safe at all. I was worried for my license.

I was ecstatic when I just found out a few days ago I was offered a position at the hospital I've been wanting to work at. Now I have to put in my resignation however and am TERRIFIED. I feel awful because I've only been there 6 weeks, but at the same time I don't want to pass up the opportunity to work at ____ hospital. And like I said, I wasn't too happy with the current job either.

I also wanted to mention the facility has a terrible reputation for how they handle employees who turn in their resignation. They take it very personally. One of the nurses turned in her letter of resignation recently and management turned around and stated they never received it. The manager also has quite a temper so I'm really worried things could turn badly :/

Here is my question:

1.)Is is appropriate to leave my letter of resignation in my managers mailbox w/o first discussing it with him? I'd prefer to tell him in person, but like I said he is off for the next 2 days. I am also worried about how the manager may take it. Any advice? I have quit places in the past but I have never been as nervous as I am now....

Any advice would be appreciated :) Thank you soo much everyone! It really does mean a lot to me.

[amoLucia]

1 - do it in person to next higher up mgr; tell your mgr when he gets back and do it ASAP

2 - put it in writing and give one to the mgr and one to human resources. KEEP A COPY!

3 - give the usual 2 weeks notice

4 - KISS it (keep it short & simple) meaning don't go into any great detail

[studentnurse50]

I was in a very similar situation recently. I was hired by a LTC and for many reasons, it didn't work out. I was there for only two weeks. Every time I stepped in the facility, my license was in jeopardy and I had no peace about things that were happening on a regular basis. To make a long story short, I called and spoke directly to the DON on the phone and told her I wouldn't be back, that I felt I wasn't the right person for the job. She said she understood and that she needed it in writing. I typed one up and sent it registered mail to avoid being told "we never received a resignation letter." After reading many stories on this website, my take on the whole situation was that the only way I could protect my license was to not go back. I was still in orientation and therefore didn't leave them with holes or short of a nurse since my presence wasn't counted anyway. My preference was to give two weeks notice, but there were too many things that couldn't be overlooked. Protect your license and your sanity. Move on.

[Double-Helix, BSN, RN]

In addition to a written copy, send an emailed copy as well. That way you have proof that the letter was sent, and when. Give your resignation (personally hand it) to whoever is covering as manager now, and tell your boss in person when he gets back.

Good luck at your new job! I know it's normal to feel bad about quitting a job, and be worried about the repercussions, but you've got to do what's best for you and your career. If the tables were turned, it doesn't sound like the facility would really feel that badly about getting rid of a nurse.

[malamud69, BSN, RN]

I echo much of what has been said. Do it in person, have multiple copies ie: email, registered mail etc... and definitely keep it short and to the point. More than one witness is always good. You are not joined to them by any blood ties and certainly do not have to justify anything. I am a student nurse and work as a CNA. When I started as a CNA I made the mistake of jumping into the first job I could find...well, seems like the type of place you were describing! I never made it past my orientation period and resigned as I said above...well can you believe that the DON and the head administrator wanted my input! They were actually almost excited that somebody finally spoke up. So you never know. The bottom line is even though I was (am) new to all of this, that is the type of place I would not even want anybody knowing I worked at anyway...from what I have learned thus far it seems if you work at less than desirable places, it can haunt you for a long while...people may automatically assume you are trained poorly, have bad habits etc...I got a much better job and never even mentioned the other place. Life goes on....good luck...self preservation is key. I must say above all else I felt really bad leaving some of the residents I had come to know in a short time...I wonder still if the place ever changed its ways...I hope they are all right.

[Animaniacs, BSN, RN]

I understand this is an old topic. But I decided to use the search feature and found several topics, including this one because I have a similar question. I understand 2 weeks is the minimum. I also read in this topic to give multiple copies of the resignation letter, one to the director, and one to human resources. What is the reason behind that? My plan is to talk to my manager in person, and turn in my letter at the same time. But I had no idea I have to give that same letter to Human resources as well. Well if anybody can help enlighten me, it is much appreciated.

[icuRNmaggie, BSN, RN]

In a good work environment, is professional to give notice which is equivalent to your yearly vacation days or PTO days. In a bad work environment who cares. THEY DON'T OWN YOU.

You could avoid the drama by changing to per diem status. Write a letter to change your status to per diem as of 11/1/014. Hand delivered to HR and nsg management.

Don't sign up on the next schedule. That is what I would do. When they call say you have plans or just don't answer it at all. Be nice but firm. I'm sorry I have plans. Or change your number. Or Block theirs. Who cares. You have no obligation as a per diem. You dont have to list a six week per diem job on your resume.

But, on the other hand, you might want to keep this job in your pocket for a little while in case the new job does not work out. Your call.

[klone, MSN, RN]

In a good work environment, is professional to give notice which is equivalent to your yearly vacation days or PTO days..

I've never heard of that rule of thumb before. Is this commonly known? For me, a staff nurse position should require 2 weeks, anything above that should have 4.

[KellyRN2013]

@Animaniacs You don't necessarily have to give a resignation letter to HR. Typically, your boss will send HR a copy for their records but in some situations where the facilities seem to "Lose" the resignation letters it is better to give the letter to more than one person so they can't all say they never received a resignation letter!