What is the most professional way to quit a job?

[TigerGalLE, BSN, RN]

So I just accepted my dream job working in the ICU. Currently I work on a medsurg floor full time within the same hospital. I'll be changing from full time days to full time nights (12hr shifts). My manager has approved my transfer to the ICU so that is all taken care of. However, I also work prn at a different hospital. I usually work 1 8hr day or evening shift a week. I've only been working there since October. I picked up the second job because our census had been low at my full time job. Now that I'm going to be working full time nights I really don't want a second job. Working day shift 1 day a week there doesn't seem feasible and if I work second shift then I'll never see my husband.

I want to quit but I feel guilty. I hate that they put 6wks of orientation into me and I've only stayed 5 months. What should I do? What is the most professional way to quit? This is stressing me out.

Thanks

Tiger

[caliotter3]

Well, if you want to quit, then quit. But hospital jobs are hard to come by and you don't want to burn bridges if you can avoid it. Your new situation could go bad on you, then you might need the other job as a way out. I guess what I am saying is that with things the way they are, if it were me, I would not quit that job. Could you cut back? Maybe every other week or once a month? Look for ways to keep your big toe in the door there. JMO

[JulieCVICURN, BSN, RN]

I'd offer to go PRN for the other job. Odds are, they won't need you that often (unless it's a really busy unit with difficulty keeping nurses) and maybe they won't be so angry.

[TigerGalLE, BSN, RN]

I guess I should also add that working at my 2nd job makes me want to poke myself in the eyeball... Haha sorry, it is just a very rural hospital that has a ridiculous ways of doing things. They are still all paper charting, nurses have ZERO autonomy, and it is a completely different world than my full time job...

[mamamerlee, LPN]

"Dear _____,

Thank you for the opportunity to work here. I have accepted a full-time position on night shift in another facility which will make it very difficult to continue my employment here. Please accept my resignation as of ______ which will be my last day to work.

Sincerely, Tiger Gale

[DirtyBlackSocks]

Give as much notice as possible. At least 2 weeks. Managers can't fault you for trying to diversify.

[al2phoenix]

In my opinion, the above resignation letter is the way to go. It's better than going AWOL. You don't have to feel guilty because you had your reasons, and I'm sure they'll accept it. Just inform them ahead of time so they could find you a reliever.

[voraciousj]

I would not say things like:

"I'm not gonna do what everyone thinks I'm gonna do and... FLIP OUT man... all I wanna know is one thing... who's coming with me" a la "Half Baked".

Sorry it's early, I'm tired, and I think every day needs a little humor. Good luck though in your new career!

[netglow, ASN, RN]

I would just add some niceties to your letter... enjoyed working with... especially... kind of stuff.

People come and go, in this economy your other place will have no problem finding a replacement. You've wanted this new gig for so long. You will need to have time to handle it, and to handle yourself. Remember you don't want to be so tired that you crash and burn. You have to have time (again) to study, and rest.

[meluhn]

If you are only perdien there you could cut back to the minimum requirements. In my facility its twice a month. Or if they are not that strict about it, you could just slowly fade away and stop calling for hours. The letter would work well too. Sometimes if a place has alot of prns they really dont care.

[elkpark]

I have always spoken to my immediate supervisor in person (as a courtesy), and handed her/him the written resignation letter, rather than just having the letter suddenly appear in the mail one day. It's also a good idea to copy your letter to HR.

[TigerGalLE, BSN, RN]

I have always spoken to my immediate supervisor in person (as a courtesy), and handed her/him the written resignation letter, rather than just having the letter suddenly appear in the mail one day. It's also a good idea to copy your letter to HR.

Thank you elkpark. That was going to be my next question. How to give them the letter. I think I'll do it in person. And I think I'll given them a 4 week notice. That will be plenty of time for them to find someone. I do think they need me there once a week. And I do think they'll have to find a replacement. This hospital has a lot of prns that actually work full time/ part time hours. They only hire prn's because they don't want to pay for benefits. A lot of poor nurses are working there "prn" but really working full time hours and not receiving benefits.