Before You Resign
There are a number of reasons to resign. You are unhappy with
your current position and find a better one; you are basically
satisfied but get an offer you can't refuse (eg: shorter commute,
exceptional $, Senior NP responsibilities); you need to relocate.
Regardless of the reason, resigning is a process, not just a
single act.
Except for an unusual circumstance, you should never resign
until you have a firm commitment from the next employer. The
commitment should be in writing and include: the starting date,
annual starting salary, bonus information (if any), the work
schedule and documentation explaining the benefit package. Ideally,
you should also receive a written job description.
Once commitment is assured, you are ready to begin the resignation
process. It is best to resign both verbally and in writing. Prepare
a simple letter for your supervisor with a copy for Nurse Recruitment
(or Human Resources). Keep one for your file too.
Eg:
Date
Supervisor's Name
Title
Facility Name
Dear Supervisor's Name,
Effective DATE, I am resigning my position as TITLE in the DEPARTMENT.
SIGNATURE
PRINT YOUR NAME
Sign both copies.
Choose a time to inform your supervisor when s/he can give you
undivided attention and you have 5-10 minutes to talk. The latter
part of a shift is often best. Be prepared to briefly explain
why you have accepted another position and what day you will
terminate your employment. (The amount of notice required is
generally equal to the vacation days your employer provides -
usually four weeks.) If your tenure has been satisfactory or
better, let your supervisor know that. E.g.: "This was a difficult
decision for me. I've learned a lot here and I've enjoyed working
with you and the entire team. But in order for me to keep progressing
in my career, I couldn't turn down an opportunity to be a Senior
NP." If you are leaving because of unsatisfactory working conditions
or other negative reasons, it is best to just focus on the positive
aspects of the new position. E.g.: "Working more independently
and supervising other NPs is the next logical step in my career
advancement."
Your supervisor may want to thoroughly address the reasons for
your termination in order to determine whether you could be induced
to stay if certain changes were made. In an effort to keep you,
you may receive a counteroffer. The counteroffer can include:
a higher salary; increased benefits; a promotion; a decrease
in hours/less overtime; a promise to resolve the problems or
issues which are causing you to resign.
Counteroffers can be counter-productive. Consider the following
before accepting a counteroffer:
Why did the employer wait until you resigned before attempting
to improve conditions, increase your salary, offer a promotion,
etc.?
Once you have resigned, even if you change your mind and accept
the counteroffer, your employment will be considered a risk by
the employer. The counteroffer could be a way to stall until
you can be replaced.
Most often, your reasons for wanting to leave will not be resolved
and in a few months, you will have to find a new job again.
Counteroffers are a response to a resignation. Will you have
to find a new job and resign every time you don't receive what
you deserve?
The next step in the resignation process is to request letters
of reference/recommendation. Your new employer will probably
require at least one reference from the current employer and
two references from previous employment. Ideally, references/recommendations
should be from supervisors, either senior level nurses (or NPs)
or physicians, who can address the quality and scope of your
clinical expertise, assess your interpersonal skills and, if
appropriate for the position, discuss your administrative capabilities.
Reference letters are generally sent directly to the new employer.
You may request copies from your references. Your new employer
may prefer to speak directly with your reference(s) or, if you
are working with a recruiter, s/he will likely call the reference(s)
and then send a written summary to the new employer.
As your last day draws near, you may be asked to schedule an
exit interview. Exit interviews serve two purposes: to provide
information regarding the status of your health insurance and
any monies paid into a profit sharing plan or retirement fund;
to obtain information that, hopefully, will translate into higher
retention of Nurse Practitioners at the facility. Be honest about
your reasons for leaving but be careful if you feel a need to
criticize peers and/or supervisors.
Remember the old adage and never burn your bridges behind you.
Good luck in your new job!
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