Resignations are common practice in any profession, but there is a right way to do it, especially in the medical field. Whether you’re looking to leave for greener pastures or just get out of a job that no longer satisfies you, it’s best to resign from your current medical job in a positive manner.
The way you leave may have an impact on the jobs you take in the years to come, and ultimately your career in the long run. Here’s resigning from a medical job, done right:
Write a Formal Resignation Letter
When putting your resignation in writing, it’s best to stick to the basics and keep it very simple. Give your name and title, and make sure that you notify your superiors of your last day, which should be within the period written in your contract.
Keep it short and professional. Avoid any form of negativity, as this letter may be included in your record of employment and passed along to any future employers you may have. Take special care with this, especially if you are only shifting to a different team within the same hospital or facility.
Should you find yourself stumped on what to write, search online for a professional resignation letter template and tailor it to your needs.
Get Organized
Leaving your workspace in a good condition not only imparts an excellent last impression, it also makes life easy for whoever succeeds you in the position, assuring a seamless transition. As you leave your current medical job for good, make sure that you’ve tied up all loose ends and that your files are organized in a way that makes it easy for your successor to locate and understand them.
Before you turn off your work computer for the very last time, do a final backup to a personal drive of your personal files and emails, along with the contact information of anyone you might want to continue keeping in touch with. Then wipe it out: delete those files from the hard drive, and clear your browsing history, cookies, and saved passwords.
Inform Yourself of the Proper Procedures
Check with the Human Resources Department at your hospital or clinic for the proper resignation procedure. A quick look at your contract may reveal that you are required to give a specific length of notice in advance beyond the two weeks that are usually standard.
For instance, certain facilities require six weeks’ notice. You’ll also want to check on what benefits and salary you will be entitled to upon your exit. Make sure to look into payment for unused vacation and sick days, as well as continuing health coverage and rolling over your retirement fund or 401k.
Ask for a Letter of Recommendation
Before you leave your current hospital or medical facility, ask for a letter of recommendation or a reference from a superior with whom you have worked closely and have made a good impression on. This can be your supervisor, chief nursing officer, department chief, and so on. A reference document is a valuable addition to your credentials when you move to a different job.
Finally, Say Goodbye
Take the time to send out one last email to your colleagues informing them of your leaving and attend farewell parties that may be held on your behalf. If you wish to stay in touch, make sure to give your contact information. Leave your job with a positive spirit and you’ll take that energy and enthusiasm with you in your next position.
