What's The Best Way to Quit My Job

RegularNurse · Jul 1, 2016

Simply resign like any other job.

Draft a resignation letter and schedule a meeting with your boss. Explain to your boss that you have had a good experience on the unit, but you are going a different direction. Give the expected amount of notice per your employee hand book.

sugarwahine10 · Jul 1, 2016

If you are miserable there, then give notice. Life is way to short to stay at a job that makes you dread going in. You only have to give 2 weeks notice--most job's would like people to give a lot longer notice, especially if the unit has a high turnover--so don't ask how long of a notice they would like--just give them a letter or send in an email to your director that you are giving your 2 weeks notice effective from date you are giving it and your last day will be (give the date 2 weeks from then) in notice. Just let your director/managers know that you have enjoyed working with them and just put in there how you said that you are looking into a different career path/opportunities. Make sure you keep a copy for yourself so there is no issue with your time of frame for your notice. Good luck with your new job search--I hope you find an area of nursing that you love!!

llg, PhD, RN · Jul 1, 2016

Don't assume you need to give only 2 weeks notice. Some employers require that professionals give 4 weeks notice. If your employer has a 4-week policy and you don't comply with that expectation, they can punish you in a couple of different ways.

1. The most common way is to make you "ineligible for re-hire" that can make it difficult for you to get jobs in the future. When prospective employers check your job history, they find that phrase and wonder what you did that was so bad that your old employer would not re-hire you.

2. They can refuse to pay you any unused vacation time -- essentially "charging you a fee" for the required notice that you failed to give. That's less common, but I have seen it done.

So don't take chances. Be on the safe side by checking the policy where you work -- and leave on the best terms possible.

Marisette, BSN, RN · Jul 2, 2016

Are you feeling some guilt about leaving your employer? Don't ! They would not think twice if they felt the need to fire you. If you find another job that will make you happier, you have every right to turn in a resignation. I have not encountered any employer who was loyal to their employees. I would just caution about leaving any job too soon unless you have an offer for a much better position. Nursing can be challenging, sometimes difficult and you have to ride some waves to get to your destination.

Shortcake_BSn · Jul 2, 2016

Honestly I don't feel guilty because I hate my job. I just know that they invested a lot of time and energy into my training. I am considering going to an urgent care center where the hours are better and the work is less strenuous. I would be taking a pay cut but I know that I would be happier there. Plus I don't want to burn my bridges in case I ever need to come back.

Been there,done that, ASN, RN · Jul 4, 2016

Whether or not the resignation requires 2 weeks or 4 weeks notice is information you must ask your HR.

Most new nurse hate their jobs."I just know that they invested a lot of time and energy into my training. " If you quit 6 months in.. consider the bridge burned.

You can "consider "any position.. just don't quit until you have a written offer. It will be interesting to see what written offers you receive.. with 6 months of experience.

Shortcake_BSn · Jul 5, 2016

I have received one job offer from a prestigious hospital in the area. I am waiting to hear back from the place that I really want to work at. The pay is less but the hours are better and it would give me more time to be with my family. I also found out that I only have to give two months notice at my job, however I am considering staying on PRN just to stay on good term with the company and to keep my skills up since the other place is a lot less hands on.

pedseraprn · Jul 6, 2016

You can't quit with six months of time in and expect them to keep you prn. Sorry but I doubt that will work for someone so new. If you don't want to burn your bridges, give the proper notice or have a conversation with your manager. Do you want to go to another unit in the hospital? That's risky but at least they might utilize the orientation time.

if not, make very sure you will love your next job because now you need to be there for a year or more. Good luck.

Erythropoiesis · Jul 7, 2016

The points that others have made are important and honestly something I haven't thought about. I'm not working as a nurse and I'm only just about to start nursing school but this is great advice. Look into policy, if not, ask about policy.

I've only ever had low-income pink collar jobs, and my replacement could be found in one night. When I went to put in my notice, I always gave them one week. I made the mistake of respectfully giving my old employer 2 full weeks notice (and told my new job to please wait for me until then, which they gladly did) only to be told three days in that "we are actually overstaffed...how about you work the rest of this week and then take the other week off to rest up before your new job". I don't want to rest, I want to buy groceries!! I didn't even want to approach my new job about this, so for an entire week I sat at home not working.

So obviously drastically different than being obligated to stay for a full month after giving notice. This forum is full of helpful advice :)

chacha82, ADN, BSN · Jul 8, 2016

!!!!!

chacha82, ADN, BSN · Jul 8, 2016

Find out the standard policy for where you work ( 2 weeks, 1 month, whatever). Give them your notice in writing, be respectful, thank them for the opportunity. Do not badmouth them to your new employer, do not be dramatic at work, etc. I look at it like a break up - YOU are getting what you want, so show some class and move forward. I agree with the others, I would not expect to work PRN with them if you have not met the initial stipulations of your hire.