If you are in an unhappy job situation, you want to move on to a position that offers more financial and personal fulfillment. Now is a great time for people in healthcare to pursue other opportunities. In March of 2016:
- 37,000 healthcare jobs were created
- Americans experienced wage gains
- More people participated in the labor market
You always want to leave an employer on the best possible terms. You never know when you might encounter a former manager or co-worker in a new professional setting. Take the following steps to make sure you leave with class.
- Give Adequate Notice – It is tempting to leave a job as quickly as possible. No matter how dissatisfied you are with your job, give a notice of two weeks. There is one major reason:
Employers can talk about the facts of your employment in references. If someone calls your former employer for a reference, a representative cannot offer opinions about your professionalism because that can get them into legal trouble. However, your former employer can relate facts about your employment. If you received an Employee Handbook that requested everyone gives two weeks’ notice upon resignation and you fail to do that, an employer can bring up that fact in a reference check.
- Write a Formal Resignation Letter – When you leave a job, it is best to write a formal resignation letter. The letter need only be one paragraph long. Include a sentence that clearly states that your final date of employment with the hospital/clinic is two weeks after the day you turned in your resignation. Craft one or two nice sentences about your employer. After you sign and date it, keep one copy of the letter for yourself.
- Don’t vent in an Exit Interview – An exit interview is not a time to unload on a former employer or coworker. Be careful how you phrase your answers. Employers dismiss responses that come across as too emotional.
If you believe strongly that your employer fell down on important areas such as training and treating workers fairly, bring it up in response to a question. For instance, if an HR Representative asks, “What could we have done to keep you as an employee?” it is advisable to focus on what your new employer offers, as opposed to providing a list of your current employer’s shortcomings. An HR Representative has the responsibility of documenting and acting on constructive feedback.
A Great Time for Healthcare Employees
Healthcare employment is expected to grow dramatically. Bureau of Labor Statistics forecasts project that approximately 25% of the new jobs created from 2014-2024 will be in the healthcare sector. This fact means that whether you are a nurse, physician, or technician, many professional opportunities will be available to you. There is no need for you to remain in a poor work environment.
Leaving a job provokes a range of emotions: uncertainty, anxiety, and even joy. However, you always want to leave a job with class. One reason is pure self-interest. It is important to project a professional image for long-term career success. The second reason is personal. Dignity is critical to human happiness.
