What's the best way to resign?

loricatus · Aug 27, 2009

Your employee handbook should state the required time for giving proper notice. It could be anywhere from 2 weeks to a month.

Once you find out the required time, it is best to give out multiple copies of a resignation letter. One to your direct manager, one to the NM and a third to HR. I have had experience with the NM saying I did not give notice when it was my last day on that job & if it wasn't for sending a copy to HR...

As for the resignation itself: simple letter without any negativity, since it will become part of your permanent file.

Something like this:

It is with regret that I tender my resignation as a staff RN at 'Hellhole' Hospital, effective in two weeks (or whatever the required time is) 1/1/01.

I am grateful for the opportunities given to me.

Sincerely,

I do have to tell you that your last weeks on the job are extremely difficult and you may find people to try and talk you out of quitting. Just keep in mind why you wanted to leave in the first place and don't get guilt-tripped into even saying that you will think about recinding your resignation.

Good luck on your new job.

Whispera, MSN, RN · Aug 27, 2009

I agree with loricatus, and want to add.....don't say anything to anyone at work that's negative about the employer, facility, or coworkers. You don't want to burn any bridges....

SlightlyMental_RN · Aug 27, 2009

I thought this site had good information:

http://www.best-job-interview.com/how-to-quit-your-job.html

angel4gramma · Aug 27, 2009

Like above posters said. give 2 weeks notice and do not burn bridges. Even though you might be sure you will never see these people again you will. If not the same people, ones who have a friend that worked with you.

Bortaz, MSN, RN · Aug 27, 2009

Send them this link:

JomoNurse · Aug 27, 2009

2 weeks is the standard. If they tell you a month then they are lying! You are not required to stay that long. 2 weeks is long enough for your manager to get a replacement and long enough that you don't burn your bridge just in case you need to walk it over there again.

ONCRN84 · Aug 27, 2009

Our union contract states that nurses must give 4 weeks notice. I was only able to give 2 because we were relocating quickly for my husband's job and they flagged me as not rehireable because i didn't follow policy. They put a note in there that was a great nurse and with my skills and attitude they'd rehire me, but they can't because of the policy. I was still in orientation, btw.

CHECK YOUR POLICY. Be brief, polite, and don't burn bridges. Resigning is almost as hard as interviewing.

Congrats on your new opportunity!

Moogie · Aug 27, 2009

Do I give just a two-wk notice or longer? Should I agree to flex even if I know I won't be avail. very often? Honestly, i'd resign over the phone if I thought I could get away with it without jeapordizing my license!

This matter should be covered in your facility's policy manual. Depending on those policies, you may need to submit a formal letter to your nurse manager or fill out paperwork in the HR department---and you may have to give more than two weeks' notice if you want to be eligible for rehire at some point.

Don't agree to be flex or per diem or whatever unless you're not certain about the new job. Why commit yourself to working there if you don't like it, if your back can't handle it, and if you have something else that you think you'll like better?

I am sorry but I am a little confused by your last comment. Why would you be jeopardizing your nursing license by resigning over the telephone? You certainly would be acting in manner incompatible with the expectations of a licensed, professional employee but you would not be violating any state nurse practice act as far as I can see. You could do yourself some career damage if you don't resign in a timely and professional manner but I just don't see how you could lose your license.

rngolfer53 · Aug 27, 2009

Well, I lasted 8 mos. on the floor. Pure hell, hated almost every minute of it; I am lucky to escape with a mostly intact back; But I think I have a kidney infection...who has time to pee? :chuckle
I now have a wonderful opportunity to work in academia, M-F, 7-3, no weekends or holidays. So now I must resign. How do I do it? Do I give just a two-wk notice or longer? Should I agree to flex even if I know I won't be avail. very often? Honestly, i'd resign over the phone if I thought I could get away with it without jeapordizing my license!:typing

Write a letter, stating that you are resigning to take an offered position that has always been an interest of yours. Find something positive to say about Vlad The Impaler Hospital and the people there. It may take some work to come up with something but, hey, it doesn't have to be all that sincere, and every place has good and bad, and those are often in the eye of the individual.

If they offer you an exit interview, be honest about what you found lousy, in tactful terms. Mention ways that might help the next victim of Vlad who takes your place.

Don't burn bridges, and if you build some new ones, do so. Life has a funny way of turning tables on people.

southlandrn · Aug 27, 2009

Thanks so much to all of you for your advice! I will try and hunt down the info online in the employee manual.

My comment about "jeapordizing my license" has to do with patient abandonment. But I would not do that anyway, I do have some professional scruples!

PostOpPrincess, BSN, RN · Aug 27, 2009

Definitely don't burn bridges. Nursing is a smaller world than you think and somehow, someway, should you stay in this career, you WILL run into them again.